Annatto Seeds Recipes

Bún Bò Huế (Spicy Vietnamese Beef and Lemongrass Noodle Soup)

Bún bò Huế is a fiery red Vietnamese noodle soup from the central city of Huế, the former imperial capital. The broth is built on a long simmer of beef shank, pork ribs, beef bones, lemongrass, charred aromatics, and pineapple, then finished with mắm ruốc (Huế-style fermented shrimp paste) and a separate annatto-lemongrass sate sauce that gives the soup its signature crimson colour and heat. Thick round rice noodles, sliced beef shank, and herbs (Thai basil, Vietnamese coriander, mung bean sprouts, banana blossom) finish the bowl. Compared to phở, bún bò Huế is bolder, spicier, and more aromatic — phở's louder cousin from central Vietnam. Active work 30 minutes, simmer 3.5 hours. Serves 8 generous bowls.