Bun Bo Hue Spicy Beef Noodle Soup
A bold, spicy lemongrass broth with tender beef, thick rice noodles and a pile of fresh herbs.
- Time1 hr 45
- LevelMedium
- Costabout £3.76 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
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Method
- 1
Put the beef in a large pan with the water, 2 lemongrass stalks, onion and a pinch of salt. Bring to the boil, skim, then simmer for 1 hour 15 minutes until the beef is tender.
75 min - 2
Heat the oil in a small pan and fry the garlic, remaining chopped lemongrass, chilli flakes and tomato purée for 3 minutes until the oil turns red.
3 min - 3
Stir the spiced paste into the broth with the fish sauce and sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes more and taste.
10 min - 4
Cook the noodles in boiling water for 6 to 8 minutes until tender, then drain.
7 min - 5
Divide the noodles between bowls and add the beef. Ladle over the hot broth.
- 6
Top with red cabbage, spring onion and coriander, with lime wedges on the side.
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.