It's a Vietnamese noodle soup made with pork or beef broth, rice noodles, and other ingredients, including fried tofu, shrimp, pork ribs, and crab. My daughter is four years old and says, "it's my favorite," but I don't know if that is true. Kids are so picky these days, but I'm happy my daughter likes my cooking. I've made Bun Rieu over 10 times, and I would tweak it every time.

To make bun Rieu, the first step is to prepare the broth. The broth is typically made by simmering pork bones and crab shells, but I've tried it with beef bone, and both are good! I usually make a 12QT pot.

You can also buy the Bun Rieu both mix.

You can skip these ingredients ***

Ingredients:

• 1 pound crab meat or crab paste or shrimp (yes, shrimp since crab is expensive)
• 1 pound pork bones ( Large pot)
• 8 cups of water
• 5-7 large fresh Rome tomatoes cut each into 4 wedges
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of fish sauce ***
• 1 tablespoon of sugar ***
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of paprika***
• 1 teaspoon of shrimp paste (optional)
• 1 package of dried shrimp (optional)
• 1 package of bun rieu noodles
• 1 cup of chopped fresh herbs (such as cilantro and mint)
• 1 cup of bean sprouts

Instructions:

1. If using pork bones, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes to remove impurities. Rinse under cold water and set aside.
2. Add the pork bones (or crab shells), onion, and garlic to a large pot. Add enough water to cover the bones and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
3. While the broth is simmering, prepare the crab meat or crab paste by removing any shells or cartilage. If using crab paste, add it to the broth and stir until dissolved.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, fish sauce, sugar, salt, paprika, shrimp paste, and dried shrimp (if using) to the pot. Simmer for another 30 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, prepare the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. To serve, place a portion of noodles into a bowl. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles, including crab meat or paste. Top with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime.

It's time to cook the noodles. The noodles are cooked separately and added to the soup before serving. Don't forget the fresh herbs and vegetables, including bean sprouts and cilantro. The fresh herbs will add a vibrant taste to the soup and help balance the broth's richness. You can add more chili paste or chili flakes if you prefer a spicier soup. Add bok choy, spinach, or other greens to the soup if you like more vegetables.

Bun Rieu is a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you are looking for a comforting meal on a cold day or a refreshing lunch on a hot day, this soup will satisfy your cravings. So if you haven't tried bun rieu yet, be sure to try it and discover this classic Vietnamese dish's rich and delicious flavors.