Quick and Tasty Hu Tieu Kho: Your New Weeknight Favorite

Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Antoni Recipes Team

When the craving for something hearty yet quick strikes, I often turn to Hu Tieu Kho a vibrant Vietnamese dish that never fails to satisfy. The moment I take a bite, the silky noodles coated in a savory sauce dance on my palate, meeting the crispness of fresh toppings like green onions and fried shallots. It s a far cry from the blandness of fast food, and I can whip it up in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights.

This dish beautifully combines the sweetness of shrimp and the rich flavors of char siu with a twist of lime for brightness. Whether you re a busy professional or a home chef looking for something new to impress your loved ones, Hu Tieu Kho is incredibly versatile and tantalizingly delicious. Plus, with options for gluten-free noodles and an array of customizable toppings, it s a meal that everyone can enjoy! So, let s dive into the wonderful world of Hu Tieu Kho and bring a taste of Vietnam to your kitchen.

Why is Hu Tieu Kho a must-try?

Quick preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights!
Bursting with flavor: Experience delightful umami from the seafood and savory sauce.
Customizable toppings: Switch proteins or veggies based on your taste personalize every bowl!
Health-conscious: Gluten-free options available, ensuring everyone at the table can indulge.
Comforting texture: With silky noodles and crunchy toppings, every bite is satisfying.
Explore this delicious dish and discover more flavorful Vietnamese recipes!

Hu Tieu Kho Ingredients

For the Noodles
Thin Egg Noodles This serves as the base for the Hu Tieu Kho; rice vermicelli or wide rice noodles can be used as alternatives for variety.

For the Proteins
Shrimp Adds sweetness and protein; feel free to swap it out for chicken or tofu if you prefer.
Char Siu (pre-made) Rich in flavor and depth; any cooked pork can substitute if you don t have char siu.
Squid Offers a chewy texture, though this is optional skip or substitute with calamari if desired.
Fish Balls Optional for an added layer of fun texture; can replace with meatballs or omit entirely.
Quail Eggs These lend a touch of richness and uniqueness; boiled chicken eggs can serve as a substitute if needed.

For the Vegetables
Green Onions Provide freshness and a mild onion flavor; chives can be used in place of these.
Fried Shallots These add a delightful crunch; sautéed shallots can be a fresh alternative.
Bean Sprouts Contribute a crispy freshness; bok choy can replace them, or omit entirely if you prefer.

For the Sauce
Shallot & Garlic These aromatics build rich flavor; onion can be a suitable substitution if necessary.
Fish Sauce This is essential for umami flavor; soy sauce can replace this for a vegetarian option.
Soy Sauce Adds saltiness and depth; tamari serves as a gluten-free substitute.
Oyster Sauce Gives a sweet, rich flavor; hoisin sauce can work as a vegetarian alternative.
Tomato Paste Introduces sweetness and complexity; fresh tomatoes are a great substitute but may require cooking.
Light Brown Sugar Balances the flavors with sweetness; can swap with white sugar or honey.
Chicken Broth Provides liquid for the sauce; vegetable broth can replace it to keep the dish vegetarian.
Corn Starch Used to thicken the sauce; arrowroot powder can be a suitable alternative.

Bring the vibrant flavors of Vietnam to your table with these carefully selected Hu Tieu Kho ingredients, and prepare to impress your family and friends with this aromatic dish!

How to Make Hu Tieu Kho

1. Prep Ingredients: Begin by slicing shallots, green onions, and char siu. Mince the garlic. In a large pot, bring water to boil and cook the thin egg noodles along with the shrimp, squid, fish balls, and quail eggs until they are just cooked, about 3-5 minutes.

2. Make Sauce: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the sliced shallots and minced garlic until fragrant and golden. Then, stir in the fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, tomato paste, and light brown sugar, mixing well until combined.

3. Simmer Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle a little salt, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing those delightful flavors to meld together for about 5 minutes.

4. Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, mix corn starch with a little water to form a slurry. Add this to the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency, which should take another 2-3 minutes.

5. Assemble Dish: In each serving bowl, add a portion of the cooked noodles, then top with the flavorful sauce and arrange the shrimp, char siu, squid, fish balls, and quail eggs atop. Garnish with chopped green onions, crispy fried shallots, fresh bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime juice for that extra zest.

6. Mix and Serve: Gently toss everything together to coat the ingredients evenly in the sauce, and serve your Hu Tieu Kho warm, letting each person add their preferred garnishes!

Optional: Spice it up with a drizzle of chili oil for an added kick!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Hu Tieu Kho?

Create a delightful meal experience that will leave your taste buds dancing and your family smiling.

• Fresh Spring Rolls: These light and crispy rolls with shrimp and veggies offer a refreshing contrast to the rich noodles.

• Cucumber Salad: A cool, tangy cucumber salad adds brightness, balancing the savory notes of Hu Tieu Kho beautifully.

• Steamed Dumplings: Fluffy dumplings filled with savory meat or vegetables complement the experience, adding another layer of texture.

For those seeking a warm drink, consider serving with a fragrant Vietnamese Iced Coffee. The strong coffee s sweetness pairs perfectly with the savory dish, creating a delightful contrast.

• Vietnamese Egg Coffee: If you have a sweet tooth, this creamy and frothy topping is a dreamy dessert that complements Hu Tieu Kho.

• Mango Sticky Rice: This indulgent dessert wraps up the meal on a sweet note, balancing the umami flavors with its fragrant, sugary delight.

Enjoy mixing and matching these pairings for a feast that celebrates the vibrant flavors of Vietnam, making each meal with Hu Tieu Kho uniquely satisfying!

Storage Tips for Hu Tieu Kho

Fridge: Keep uneaten Hu Tieu Kho components like noodles, proteins, and sauce stored separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days to maintain their texture.

Freezer: You can freeze the sauce for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Just thaw and reheat before serving with freshly cooked noodles.

Reheating: When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to the sauce to revive its moisture and prevent drying out.

Ingredient Tips: To ensure freshness, store your toppings separately, particularly bean sprouts and fried shallots, which are best added just before serving your Hu Tieu Kho.

Make Ahead Options

These Hu Tieu Kho are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prep the sauce and toppings, such as sliced shallots, minced garlic, and the char siu, up to 3 days in advance, storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Additionally, cook the noodles and proteins (shrimp, squid, fish balls, and quail eggs) up to 24 hours beforehand, refrigerating them separately to prevent sogginess. When you re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce, combine all components in a bowl, and garnish to your liking. With these make-ahead tips, enjoy restaurant-quality Hu Tieu Kho with minimal effort on busy nights!

Expert Tips for Hu Tieu Kho

• Prep Ingredients: Keep your ingredients organized and prepped ahead of time to streamline cooking, reducing the chances of burning the shallots or garlic.

• Cook Noodles Separately: Avoid overcooking the noodles by boiling them separately and just before serving, ensuring they maintain their perfect texture in the Hu Tieu Kho.

• Balance Flavors: Adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your taste; if it s too salty, add a bit more sugar or lime juice for a delightful balance.

• Customize Proteins: Don t hesitate to switch proteins based on what you have on hand; this dish is versatile, so feel free to include favorites like crab or chicken!

• Garnish Generously: Add plenty of fresh toppings like green onions and fried shallots to enhance the texture and visual appeal of your Hu Tieu Kho for a restaurant-worthy look.

• Serve Fresh: For the best results, aim to serve the assembled dish immediately after mixing, as the noodles can get soggy if left too long.

Hu Tieu Kho Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to explore these delicious twists to make your Hu Tieu Kho truly yours!

• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter or oil instead of regular butter for any sautéing in the recipe.
• Veggie-Loaded: Add bell peppers or carrots for a pop of color and extra crunch perfect for veggie lovers!
• Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles to enjoy this dish while meeting dietary needs.
• Spicy Kick: Include sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper to bring some heat to your bowl!
• Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh basil or cilantro to enhance freshness these add an aromatic touch that brightens every bite.
• Seafood Variety: Switch shrimp for crab or scallops to explore new textures and flavors; seafood lovers will relish these options.
• Sweet and Sour: Consider adding a dash of vinegar to your sauce for a tangy twist that balances the richness of other ingredients.
• Meat Lover s Delight: Combine char siu with slices of beef or crispy pork belly for a heartier, luxe experience in every bowl!

Embrace the versatility of Hu Tieu Kho and delight in the rich flavors of your customized creation!

Hu Tieu Kho Recipe FAQs

What type of noodles should I use for Hu Tieu Kho?
Absolutely! Thin egg noodles are traditional for Hu Tieu Kho, but you can easily substitute them with rice vermicelli or wide rice noodles based on your preference. The key is to ensure they are cooked al dente to maintain that delightful texture in your dish.

How should I store leftover Hu Tieu Kho?
It s best to keep the components stored separately. You can refrigerate them in airtight containers for up to 3 days. This will help preserve the freshness and keep the noodles from becoming soggy. Just reheat the sauce gently before serving, and enjoy your delicious meal again!

Can I freeze Hu Tieu Kho?
Certainly! To freeze, you can store the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Before you serve it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove. Cook fresh noodles to serve with the reheated sauce for the best texture.

Why is my Hu Tieu Kho sauce too salty?
If you find your sauce is too salty, don t worry! You can balance the flavor by adding a bit more light brown sugar or a squeeze of lime juice. Additionally, if it s too thick, you can incorporate a splash of water or broth to adjust the consistency.

Are there any dietary considerations for Hu Tieu Kho?
Absolutely! Hu Tieu Kho can cater to various dietary needs. You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. For those with seafood allergies, you can swap shrimp and fish balls with equally tasty options like chicken or tofu. Just make sure to verify that all sauces and ingredients fit your dietary restrictions.