Soto Brunei (Fragrant Spiced Beef & Rice-Noodle Broth with Crispy Shallots) – Authentic Brunei Recipe
Bandar Seri Begawan’s beloved street and river-village noodle soup rich with aromatic spices and lime.
- Country of Origin
- 🇧🇳 Brunei (Southeast Asia, Asia)
- Dietary Profile
- omnivore
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 25 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Signature Staples
- Tender beef strips and meatballs, Thin rice vermicelli noodles, Bean sprouts, Lemongrass, Galangal
Ingredients for Soto Brunei (Fragrant Spiced Beef & Rice-Noodle Broth with Crispy Shallots) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) tender beef strips and meatballs, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups thin rice vermicelli noodles, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with lemongrass
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Brunei seasoning (galangal, toasted coriander and fennel, crispy shallots, cilantro)
- 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Warm cooking oil in a heavy pot over medium heat; gently sweat the minced onion, garlic, and lemongrass for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in galangal, toasted coriander and fennel, crispy shallots, cilantro and toast for 45 seconds to release the essential oils of Brunei's kitchen.
- Add tender beef strips and meatballs and thin rice vermicelli noodles, tossing to coat in the aromatic base.
- Pour in the stock, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 18–20 minutes until tender and deeply flavorful.
- Fold in bean sprouts, adjust seasoning, and ladle steaming hot into deep bowls.