Name: Bun Rieu: A Delicious Vietnamese Crab Noodle Soup Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 500g fresh crab meat (ideally picked from blue crabs, for an authentic bun rieu cua recipe); 300g ground pork; 2 large tomatoes, chopped (for the broth’s base); 2 tablespoons shrimp paste (adds depth and a touch of umami); 2 tablespoons fish sauce; 1 tablespoon sugar; 200g dried vermicelli noodles (bún – the backbone of this bun rieu recipe); 1 liter chicken or pork broth (the richer, the better!); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, chopped; Fresh herbs: cilantro, green onions, and perilla leaves (optional, but highly recommended); Lime wedges and chili for serving

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Bun Rieu is a traditional Vietnamese dish that brings a bold yet balanced blend of flavors to the table. Known for its tomato-based broth, this crab noodle soup (bun rieu cua in Vietnamese) combines the delicate sweetness of fresh crab, the tartness of tomatoes, and the umami of shrimp paste to create a unique and unforgettable dish. Whether you are a fan of Vietnamese cuisine or looking to try something new, this bun rieu recipe is perfect for those who enjoy both hearty and healthy meals.

Bun rieu Vietnamese cuisine has a rich history rooted in regional variations, but one thing remains constant: the harmony of flavors and the nutritious elements that this soup brings to the table. The base of this dish is the crab noodles soup, which is complemented by fresh herbs, fish sauce, and various toppings that add brightness and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet crab meat, tangy tomatoes, and savory shrimp paste results in a broth bursting with flavor.
Nutritious and Wholesome: With the protein from crab and pork and the vitamins from fresh tomatoes and herbs, this crab noodle soup is both delicious and nourishing.
Culturally Authentic: This crab soup Vietnamese recipe stays true to its roots while remaining easy enough for home cooks to recreate.
Great for Sharing: Perfect for family gatherings, this dish serves well as a centerpiece for a cozy meal with loved ones.

Ingredients for Bun Rieu

To create this flavorful Vietnamese crab noodle soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

500g fresh crab meat (ideally picked from blue crabs, for an authentic bun rieu cua recipe)
300g ground pork
2 large tomatoes, chopped (for the broth’s base)
2 tablespoons shrimp paste (adds depth and a touch of umami)
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
200g dried vermicelli noodles (bún – the backbone of this bun rieu recipe)
1 liter chicken or pork broth (the richer, the better!)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, chopped
Fresh herbs: cilantro, green onions, and perilla leaves (optional, but highly recommended)
Lime wedges and chili for serving

How to Make Vietnamese Bun Rieu Cua Recipe

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

In a large pot, bring the chicken or pork broth to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and add the chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, and onion.
Let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes until the tomatoes break down, creating a rich and tangy base for your crab soup Vietnamese.

Step 2: Make the Crab and Pork Mixture

While the broth simmers, combine the fresh crab meat, ground pork, shrimp paste, fish sauce, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Stir until fully blended.
Form the mixture into small balls or patties, and gently drop them into the simmering broth. Allow the crab and pork balls to cook for about 10 minutes, or until they float to the top, signaling that they are done.

Step 3: Cook the Vermicelli Noodles

Prepare the vermicelli noodles in a separate pot. Boil water and cook the noodles according to the package directions, typically around 4-6 minutes.
Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse under cold water to stop them from cooking further and prevent clumping.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

To serve, divide the cooked noodles into four bowls. Ladle the hot crab and tomato broth over the noodles, making sure to include a few of the crab and pork balls in each serving.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, and perilla leaves. Serve with lime wedges and chili on the side for a customizable heat level.

Pro Tips

Shrimp Paste Quality: Choose high-quality shrimp paste to elevate the depth of flavor in your broth. This ingredient is key to getting that authentic bun rieu Vietnamese taste.
Simmering Time: Don’t rush the simmering process—allowing the broth to develop fully will enhance the tanginess of the tomatoes and the richness of the crab.
Herb Selection: Fresh herbs are essential for providing brightness to balance the savory broth. If available, add rau ram (Vietnamese coriander) for an authentic touch.
Optional Add-Ins: Feel free to add tofu, fried tofu puffs, or extra seafood like shrimp for variety in your crab noodles soup.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 420
Protein: 27g
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 6g
Sodium: 970mg
Sugars: 7g

Bun rieu provides a good balance of protein from the crab and pork, healthy fats, and carbs from the noodles. This dish is nutrient-dense while staying relatively low in fat and high in vitamins from the tomatoes and herbs, making it a wholesome option for a balanced diet.

Serving Suggestions

This crab noodle soup Vietnamese is best enjoyed with a variety of fresh, crunchy vegetables on the side – bean sprouts, shredded lettuce, and sliced cucumbers are great options.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, serve it with chili paste or fresh bird’s eye chilies.
A side of pickled garlic or a simple dipping sauce made of lime, fish sauce, and sugar can add even more complexity to the flavor profile.
Pair your bowl with a refreshing iced tea or a glass of cold Vietnamese chè for a delightful meal.

Bun Rieu is a vibrant, heartwarming dish that offers an explosion of flavors in each spoonful. From the tangy tomato-based broth to the delicate crab and pork mixture, this bun rieu cua recipe is the epitome of Vietnamese comfort food. Give it a try, and savor the rich traditions and delicious flavors of Vietnam with Tales Of A Kitchen!