Simply mix the sauce into the noodles and enjoy. A small bowl of hot hu tieu broth is typically served on the side for sipping between bites or as a finishing touch after the meal.

What I love about this dish is its versatility. Just like the broth version, you can customize it entirely by adding a variety of toppings and noodles.

You can choose from soft flat rice noodles (like phở), egg noodles (mì), or chewy tapioca noodles known as hủ tiếu dai, especially common in hủ tiếu Mỹ Tho. Feel free to mix and match!

The toppings are entirely up to you: Chinese BBQ pork, sautéed ground pork, poached seafood such as shrimp and squid, organs like pork liver and heart, garlic chives, crispy shallots, hard-boiled quail eggs, fried pork fat, and much more.

The simple rule of thumb is: if you like it, toss it in!

What You Will Need

To make the sauce for Hu Tieu Mi Kho, gather the following ingredients:

• Aromatics: Fresh shallot and a few garlic cloves.
• Neutral oil or lard: To toast the shallots and garlic, enhancing their aroma.
• Light soy sauce and oyster sauce: The salty base of the sauce.
• Tomato sauce: Adds a tangy element for better balance. If unavailable, you can use tomato paste or ketchup, adjusting the sugar as needed.
• Sweetener: Regular granulated white sugar balances the saltiness. Honey can be used as a substitute.
• MSG (optional): For an extra kick of umami goodness.
• Stock: Use broth if making the soup version; otherwise, water or chicken stock works well.
• Slurry: A mixture of tapioca starch and room temperature water to thicken the sauce at the end.

How to Make the Sauce

Step 1: Toast the Aromatics

In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped shallots and garlic, sautéing for about 20 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients

Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, tomato sauce, sugar, ground black pepper, MSG, and stock. Allow it to come to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix tapioca starch with water until fully dissolved. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce. Once it starts bubbling, remove the pan from heat and set aside. The mixture will thicken further as it cools.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

In your hủ tiếu bowl, with your choice of noodles and toppings, add a generous spoonful of sauce. For a spicy kick, add Vietnamese chili sauce and pickled jalapeños.

Prepare the Rest of the Dish

For the soup or broth recipe, or full instructions on preparing the different components, check out the complete Hủ Tiếu noodle soup post. It has everything you need.

Storage & Reheating

If you have leftover sauce, store it in an airtight container. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through and loosened before adding to noodles.