Hue-style beef vermicelli has become a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, gracing the tables of households nationwide. Despite its popularity, some individuals shy away from shrimp paste. Today, Mytour introduces you to the shrimp paste-free method of making Hue-style beef vermicelli at home, allowing you to savor a delicious meal with your family.
1. Introduction to beef vermicelli
While beef vermicelli is a common dish throughout the country, the mention of Hue-style beef vermicelli immediately brings to mind the specialty of Hue. In Hue, locals refer to it simply as beef vermicelli or beef noodle. However, in other regions, it might be known as Hue-style beef vermicelli or beef noodle from Hue.
The main ingredients for beef vermicelli include beef brisket, pork hock, rare beef, and more. However, the standout element is the broth, simmered with a variety of ingredients like lemongrass and shrimp paste, creating a rich and aromatic bowl of vermicelli. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a touch of chili oil for a spicy kick. Additionally, when enjoying beef vermicelli, don't forget to dip it in the accompanying fresh greens.
There are numerous ways to cook beef vermicelli, and if you're not a fan of shrimp paste or unable to consume it, you can learn Mytour's method of preparing shrimp paste-free beef vermicelli below.

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2. Shrimp Paste-Free Method for Cooking Beef Vermicelli
Wondering if making shrimp paste-free beef vermicelli is difficult or time-consuming? The information below will provide the answers you seek.
| Khẩu phần ăn | Thời gian chuẩn bị | Thời gian chế biến | Tổng thời gian |
| 4 người | 15 phút | 40 phút | 55 phút |
2.1. Essential Ingredients to Prepare
- Thick vermicelli: 1kg
- Beef brisket: 500g
- Beef shank: 500g
- Purple onions: 3 – 5 bulbs
- Ginger: 1 branch
- Lemongrass: 4 stalks
- Shallots: 1 bulb
- Various greens: Coriander, sawtooth herb, green onions, bean sprouts, sliced banana flowers, shredded water spinach, basil leaves, etc.
- Seasonings: Sesame oil, rock sugar, salt, broth cubes, monosodium glutamate, and seasoning powder.

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2.2. Shrimp Paste-Free Method for Cooking Beef Vermicelli
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
There are various ways to clean the brisket and shank. You can use lime or salt to rub the meat thoroughly. Alternatively, soak the meat in diluted saltwater for a few minutes. Afterward, remove, rinse several times with water, and drain. Slice the shank thinly for easy consumption, wrap it up, and place it in the refrigerator compartment.
For purple onions and shallots, trim the roots, peel off the outer layers, and rinse thoroughly. Cut the shallot in half, leaving one half intact and thinly slicing the other half. Purple onions can be sliced or kept whole. Similarly, peel and clean the ginger. Drain the excess water from these ingredients. Then, mix the purple onions, half of the shallot, and ginger on high heat until the onions soften, the ginger releases its aroma, and slightly chars. Turn off the heat.
Peel and clean the lemongrass, then crush it. Select the tender parts of aromatic herbs, soak them in diluted saltwater, rinse thoroughly, and drain. Trim the base of sawtooth herb, green onions, and coriander, wash each leaf meticulously, and cut them into small pieces.

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Step 2: Prepare the Broth for Beef Vermicelli
For a quicker broth, use a pressure cooker; if unavailable, a gas stove works. Start by adding the brisket and the mix of purple onions, shallots, and ginger into the pot. Then, add lemongrass, rock sugar, broth cubes, salt, and seasoning powder. Pour in water and stir well. Simmer over medium heat for approximately 35 – 40 minutes. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low.

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Step 3: Make the Clear Broth
After preparing the broth, remove the onions and ginger, strain out the impurities, leaving the lemongrass in the pot. Adjust the seasoning with a pinch of broth cubes and rock sugar, stirring well. Continue simmering until the broth boils vigorously. Taste and adjust the seasoning again to your liking. As you are about to turn off the heat, add a teaspoon of sesame oil and stir well.
Explore more:
- How to Cook the Most Delicious Beef Vermicelli with Brisket
- Authentic Recipe for Braised Beef Vermicelli

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Step 4: Complete a Bowl of High-Quality Beef Vermicelli
Before assembling your meal, boil a pot of water and blanch the vermicelli until it's hot and tender. Place the vermicelli in a bowl, add thinly sliced brisket and the shank you briefly blanched. Finally, add green onions, coriander, and pour the piping hot clear broth into the bowl. Top it off with more broth and thinly sliced shallots. Now, you have a delicious bowl of beef vermicelli to savor.

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2.3. Achieved Results
And there you have it, the beef vermicelli dish is completed swiftly. The tantalizing aroma of beef and lemongrass is irresistible. The broth carries a fragrant and delicate taste, perfectly complementing the dish. The brisket is tender, having been slow-cooked to perfection. The shank, blanched briefly, retains its sweet and tender flavor. Beef vermicelli is enhanced when paired with various greens, allowing you to either enjoy them together or directly incorporate them into the bowl for a delightful experience.

Photo: Collection
4. Tips for Cooking Delicious Beef Vermicelli
To achieve a delicious beef vermicelli dish, consider the following tips:
- Choose fresh beef without any odor or excessive sliminess.
- When simmering the bones, add shallots and purple onions for a sweeter broth.
- Enhance the flavor by adding lemongrass to make the broth aromatic and tastier.
The method of cooking shrimp paste-free beef vermicelli may sound complex, but through the insights shared by Mytour Blog, you'll find it surprisingly simple. So, don't hesitate to save this information and treat your family to a delicious meal.
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