Vietnamese noodle soup with pork and shrimp (hủ tiếu mỹ tho) – Classic
This is the traditional, time-tested version of the dish. It stays true to its origins, using well-established techniques and ingredients that define its authentic flavor. A perfect starting point for exploring its evolution.
Country: 
Vietnam Region / Locale: Mỹ tho Servings: Serves 4
Vietnam Region / Locale: Mỹ tho Servings: Serves 4Hủ Tiếu Mỹ Tho is a celebrated Vietnamese noodle soup that hails from the town of Mỹ Tho, a city in the Mekong Delta region. Known for its savory and subtly sweet broth, this soup combines the rich flavors of pork bone and shrimp to create a layered symphony that delights the palate. Topped with fresh herbs and crunchy bean sprouts, it’s a beloved comfort food in Vietnam, offering a taste of the Mekong’s culinary history.
Ingredients
- pork bones – 1 lb / 450 g
- shrimp, peeled and deveined – 1/2 lb / 225 g
- dried rice noodles – 12 oz / 340 g
- fish sauce – 3 tbsp / 45 ml
- sugar – 1 tbsp / 15 g
- salt – 1 tsp / 5 g
- ground black pepper – 1/2 tsp / 2.5 g
- bean sprouts – 1 cup / 100 g
- green onions, sliced – 1/2 cup / 50 g
- cilantro, chopped – 1/4 cup / 15 g
- fried shallots – 1/4 cup / 20 g
- garlic, minced – 2 cloves / 10 g
- water – 8 cups / 1.9 L
Instructions
- Rinse the pork bones under cold water to remove any impurities.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the pork bones. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours to create a rich broth.
- In the last 15 minutes of simmering, add the shrimp to the broth and cook until opaque.
- Remove shrimp from the pot and set aside. Strain the broth to remove bones and impurities.
- Return the strained broth to the pot and season with fish sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate pot, cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- To serve, divide the noodles among bowls. Top with pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, green onions, cilantro, fried shallots, and minced garlic.
- Ladle the hot broth over the ingredients and serve immediately.
Substitutions
- pork bones -> chicken bones
- shrimp -> tofu or mushrooms
- fish sauce -> soy sauce
Enhancements in the Next Evolution
- Add sliced chili for extra spice.
- Use homemade stock to enhance depth of flavors.
- Incorporate a squeeze of lime for a zesty finish.
Curious to see how this dish evolves? Discover refined flavors and enhanced techniques in the next version.
