Bun Rieu is a flavorful Vietnamese noodle soup known for its rich broth made from crab and tomatoes, seasoned with aromatic spices. This dish typically includes tofu, pork, and sometimes blood cake, offering a diverse mix of textures and flavors. Its origins can be traced back to northern Vietnam, where it was traditionally made with freshwater crabs. Over time, variations of Bun Rieu have emerged, reflecting regional preferences and ingredient availability. Today, it remains a beloved dish enjoyed throughout Vietnam and beyond, celebrated for its complex yet comforting taste.

Ingredients:

- 200g crab meat or crab paste

- 200g tofu, cubed

- 200g ground pork

- 2 tomatoes, diced

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 3 eggs

- 1 liter chicken or vegetable broth

- Fish sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper to taste

- Rice noodles, cooked according to package instructions

- Fresh herbs (cilantro, green onions) for garnish

- Optional: blood cake (coagulated pig's blood), sliced

Method:

1. In a pot, sauté the onion until translucent.

2. Add the ground pork and cook until browned.

3. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.

4. Add the crab meat or paste, tofu, tomatoes, and optional blood cake if using. Simmer for about 10 minutes.

5. Season with fish sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper to taste.

6. Crack the eggs into the soup, stirring gently to create egg ribbons.

7. To serve, place cooked rice noodles in bowls and ladle the hot soup over them.

8. Garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy hot.

Nutrition Value:

1. Crab Meat or Crab Paste (200g):

  - Calories: Approximately 120 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Around 24g

  - Fat: Less than 1g

  - Sodium: Varies based on preparation

  - Cholesterol: Varies based on preparation

  - Vitamins and Minerals: High in vitamin B12, selenium, and zinc

  - Nutritional Benefit: Excellent source of lean protein, vitamin B12 for nerve function, selenium for antioxidant properties, and zinc for immune health.

2. Tofu (200g, cubed):

  - Calories: About 88 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 2-3g

  - Protein: Approximately 10g

  - Fat: 4-5g (mostly unsaturated)

  - Sodium: Varies based on preparation

  - Cholesterol: Negligible

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Rich in calcium, iron, and magnesium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Low in calories, high in plant-based protein, contains iron for blood health, calcium for bone strength, and magnesium for muscle function.

3. Ground Pork (200g):

  - Calories: Around 460 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Approximately 46g

  - Fat: About 30g (varies based on fat content)

  - Sodium: Varies based on preparation

  - Cholesterol: Varies based on fat content

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Contains vitamin B6, niacin, and phosphorus

  - Nutritional Benefit: Good source of protein, vitamin B6 for metabolism, niacin for heart health, and phosphorus for bone and teeth health.

4. Tomatoes (2, diced):

  - Calories: About 30 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 7-8g

  - Protein: 1-2g

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: 5-10mg

  - Cholesterol: Negligible

  - Vitamins and Minerals: High in vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and lycopene

  - Nutritional Benefit: Rich in antioxidants like lycopene, vitamin C for immune support, vitamin A for vision, and potassium for heart health.

5. Onion (1, finely chopped):

  - Calories: Around 40 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 9-10g

  - Protein: 1-2g

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: 2-3mg

  - Cholesterol: Negligible

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese

  - Nutritional Benefit: Good source of antioxidants, vitamin C for immunity, vitamin B6 for metabolism, and manganese for bone health.

6. Eggs (3):

  - Calories: Approximately 210 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 1-2g

  - Protein: About 18g

  - Fat: Around 14g

  - Sodium: 210-230mg

  - Cholesterol: About 600mg per egg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: High in vitamin B12, vitamin D, and selenium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Protein-rich, vitamin B12 for nerve health, vitamin D for bone strength, and selenium for antioxidants.

7. Chicken or Vegetable Broth (1 liter):

  - Calories: Varies based on type and brand

  - Carbohydrates: Varies

  - Protein: Varies

  - Fat: Varies

  - Sodium: Varies

  - Cholesterol: Varies

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Typically contains electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides hydration, electrolytes, and can be fortified with vitamins and minerals.

8. Fish Sauce, Sugar, Salt, and Pepper:

  - Calories: Negligible (depends on quantity used)

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible (except for sugar)

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Varies based on quantity

  - Cholesterol: Negligible

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Minimal

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor; use in moderation to control sodium and sugar intake.

9. Rice Noodles (cooked according to package instructions):

  - Calories: Varies based on serving size

  - Carbohydrates: Varies

  - Protein: Varies

  - Fat: Varies

  - Sodium: Varies

  - Cholesterol: Varies

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Minimal

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides energy from carbohydrates; choose whole grain options for added fiber.

10. Fresh Herbs (Cilantro, Green Onions):

  - Calories: Negligible

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Negligible

  - Cholesterol: Negligible

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Contains vitamin K, vitamin C, and antioxidants

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor, color, and antioxidants to the dish.

11. Optional: Blood Cake (Coagulated Pig's Blood, sliced):

  - Calories: Approximately 90 kcal per 100g (varies based on preparation)

  - Carbohydrates: Around 10g

  - Protein: About 10g

  - Fat: 2-3g

  - Sodium: Varies based on preparation

  - Cholesterol: Varies based on preparation

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Contains iron, vitamin B12, and zinc

  - Nutritional Benefit: Good source of iron for blood health, vitamin B12 for nerve function, and zinc for immune support.