Bun Rieu

1: Heat up 1/4 cup oil. Once oil is hot, sauté garlic until fragrant.

2: Add diced onions and sauté until slightly translucent.

3: Add tomatoes and fish sauce, and cook for 1-3 minutes. Not too long, tomatoes should still hold shape. Set this aside.

4: Soak all ingredients listed under Dried Shrimp for at least 30 mins. After soaking, remove shrimp but reserve the liquid.

5: Process the shrimp in a food processor.

6: Add processed shrimp to all ingredients listed under Meat Paste. Combine well and set aside.

7: Combine 2 liters of water with 5 cups of hot shrimp water and bring to a boil.

8: Once boiling, add blanched spareribs and bring back to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 mins.

9: After 30 mins, add sautéed tomatoes, salt, sugar, tamarind powder, and shrimp paste. Combine until dissolved.

10: Add fried tofu and Meat Paste gradually. Cook until the paste floats.

11: Assemble your bowl with vermicelli noodles, scallions, cilantro, and preferred veggies.