Dive into the aromatic and comforting world of Vietnamese cuisine with this delightful Rau Tang O soup recipe featuring tender minced beef. Rau Tang O, a unique leafy green vegetable with a slightly bitter yet refreshing taste, is the star of this hearty soup. Its slightly peppery and earthy notes blend perfectly with the richness of the beef and the fragrant broth, creating a balanced and flavourful experience. This isn't just a soup; it's a journey for your taste buds, a comforting hug in a bowl, perfect for a chilly evening or a restorative midday meal.
This recipe provides a simple yet authentic approach to preparing this beloved Vietnamese dish, ensuring even novice cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results. From selecting the freshest ingredients to mastering the delicate balance of flavours, we guide you through each step. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Bowl
- Knife
- Pot
- Cooking spoon
Ingredients
- Minced beef: 200 grams
- Garlic: 3 cloves
- Purple onion: 1
- Rau tang o (or rau cai cut): 550-600 grams
- Ground pepper: 1/3 teaspoon
- MSG: 1/2 teaspoon
- Seasoning powder: 1 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon
- Sugar: 1/2 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon
- Wheat oil (or cooking oil): 1 tablespoon + a little
- Water: 1 liter
- Salt: 1/3 teaspoon + 1/3 teaspoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients & Marinate Beef
- Crush and finely chop garlic. (Marinate beef later)
- Finely chop the purple onion.
- Cut off the roots, wash thoroughly.
- Cut rau tang o into smaller, bite-sized pieces.




- Add ground pepper, MSG, seasoning powder, sugar, and wheat oil. Mix well and let it marinate for about 5 minutes.

Step 2. Cook the Beef and Soup Base
- Heat cooking oil in a pot, add chopped shallots and fry until fragrant.
- Add 1 liter of water to the pot and bring to a boil.
- Add the marinated beef and stir well.



Step 3. Add Vegetables and Season
- Add the washed rau tang o, stir to ensure even cooking.
- Bring the soup back to a boil, then turn off the heat.
- Add seasoning powder, salt, sugar, and ground pepper. Stir until the spices dissolve. Adjust seasoning to taste.



Step 4. Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Let it cool slightly before serving. Add a sprinkle of ground pepper on top for extra flavor.

Read more: Vietnamese Sweet & Sour Fish Soup: A Delicious Comfort Food Recipe
Tips
- Don't season the soup while it's still boiling, as it can become too soft.
- Let the soup cool completely before final taste adjustment.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute Rau Tang O with another vegetable?
While Rau Tang O provides a unique flavor, you can try substituting it with spinach or other similar leafy greens. The taste will differ, but it will still be a delicious soup.
2. How can I make the soup spicier?
Add a small chili pepper (or a pinch of chili flakes) to the broth while it simmers. You can also add a dash of your favorite chili oil or sriracha at the end for extra heat.
This Sweet & Delicious Rau Tang O Beef Soup recipe is a testament to the simplicity and depth of Vietnamese cuisine. Enjoy the rewarding experience of creating this flavorful and nourishing bowl of goodness, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Now, go forth and savor the delicious results of your culinary efforts!