Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 can of crab meat
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 package of rice vermicelli noodles
- 1 bunch of fresh herbs (cilantro, mint, Thai basil)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Blender or food processor
- Fine mesh strainer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant.
2. Add the ground pork and cook until browned.
3. In a blender or food processor, puree the shrimp and crab meat until smooth.
4. Add the pureed shrimp and crab meat to the pot with the pork.
5. Add the fish sauce, sugar, tomato paste, tamarind paste, salt, and black pepper to the pot and stir to combine.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat and let simmer for 30 minutes.
8. While the soup is simmering, cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to package instructions.
9. Once the soup is done simmering, strain it through a fine mesh strainer to remove any solids.
10. To serve, divide the cooked noodles among bowls and ladle the soup over them.
11. Top with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime juice.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Simmer over low heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 400
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 30g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground chicken or beef can be used instead of ground pork.
- Shrimp can be substituted with crab meat or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Variations:
- Add sliced pork belly or beef to the soup for extra flavor.
- Top with fried shallots or garlic for added crunch.
Tips and tricks:
- To make the soup more flavorful, let it simmer for longer than 30 minutes.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Storage instructions:
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the soup in a pot over low heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the soup in individual bowls with the noodles on the bottom and the soup ladled over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs and a lime wedge.
Garnishes:
Fresh herbs (cilantro, mint, Thai basil), lime wedges, fried shallots or garlic.
Pairings:
Serve with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread.
Suggested side dishes:
Steamed vegetables, spring rolls, or a side salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth to thin it out.
- If the soup is too thin, let it simmer for longer to reduce and thicken.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the pork and shrimp thoroughly.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Food history:
Bun Rieu is a popular Vietnamese soup that originated in the northern region of Vietnam. It is typically made with a tomato-based broth and served with rice vermicelli noodles, shrimp, crab meat, and pork.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, tangy, and slightly sweet.
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread.
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Region: Vietnamese