Spicy Rice Noodle Salad with Beef: A Bun Bo Hue Variant

Are you a fan of Bun Bo Hue, the traditional Vietnamese soup known for its spicy and savory flavors? If you are, you’ll love this exciting twist on the classic dish – Spicy Rice Noodle Salad with Beef. This refreshing and vibrant salad is perfect for warm weather days when you’re craving something light yet flavorful.

What sets this dish apart from the traditional Bun Bo Hue is the absence of broth. Instead of serving the beef and noodles in a hot soup, we’re tossing them together in a zesty dressing that packs a punch. The result is a delicious and satisfying salad that’s bursting with fresh herbs, crunchy veggies, and tender slices of beef.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef (flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced)
• 8 oz rice noodles
• 1 cucumber (julienned)
• 1 carrot (julienned)
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/4 cup crushed peanuts

For the dressing:

The dressing is what gives this salad its bold and spicy flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

• 3 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1-2 Thai red chilies (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Combine all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings according to your preference. If you like it extra spicy, add more chilies!

Instructions:

To make this Spicy Rice Noodle Salad with Beef, follow these simple steps:

• Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
• Season the beef slices with salt and pepper. In a hot skillet, cook the beef over high heat until browned and cooked to your liking.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, beef, cucumber, carrot, mint, and cilantro.
• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
• Divide the salad into serving bowls and top with crushed peanuts for added crunch.

Enjoy this Spicy Rice Noodle Salad with Beef on its own as a light and refreshing meal, or pair it with some spring rolls for a complete Vietnamese-inspired feast. Either way, this flavorful dish is sure to satisfy your craving for something spicy and delicious!

Give this Bun Bo Hue variant a try and let your taste buds dance with joy. It’s a perfect balance of heat, tanginess, and umami flavors that will keep you coming back for more!