Pho Bo, a quintessential Vietnamese beef noodle soup, embodies the harmonious blend of aromatic broth, tender beef slices, chewy rice noodles, and an array of fresh herbs. Originating from Northern Vietnam, this iconic dish has captivated hearts and palates worldwide with its soul-warming flavors and customizable toppings.
This comprehensive guide presents three variations of Pho Bo, each offering a unique culinary experience. The Classic Pho Bo recipe stays true to the traditional method, utilizing beef bones, spices, and herbs to create a rich and flavorful broth. Pho Bo Chin, a variation originating from Saigon, introduces a sweeter and milder broth, achieved through the addition of rock sugar and a reduced amount of spices. Last but not least, Pho Bo Kho, a Hanoi specialty, showcases tender beef chunks braised in a flavorful sauce, served atop a bed of rice noodles and accompanied by a side of crispy shallots.
No matter your preference, these Pho Bo recipes will guide you through the art of crafting this iconic Vietnamese soup. Gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and embark on a culinary journey to savor the authentic flavors of Vietnam.
PHO BO: VIETNAMESE BEEF NOODLE SOUP
Pho is a classic Vietnamese noodle soup, supposedly invented in Hanoi in the early 20th century. With this dish, everything's about the broth-if you don't have the right broth, you don't have the dish. Reprinted with permission from "Vietnamese Home Cooking," by Charles Phan. Published by Ten Speed Press.
Provided by Charles Phan
Categories main-dish
Time 7h
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 26
Steps:
- For the beef stock: Preheat the oven to 350 F. Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add the oxtails, neck bones, and shank bones. Return the water to a boil and cook for 3 minutes. Drain into colander and rinse the bones thoroughly under cold running water. Rinse the pot and return the oxtails, neck bones, and shank bones to the pot. Add water, slowly bring to a simmer, and cook for at least 6 hours. Meanwhile, roast the onion and ginger on a rimmed baking sheet for 40 minutes.
- Add the roasted onion and ginger to the simmering stock, along with the cinnamon, star anise, clove, cardamom pod, pepper, and palm sugar. Add the beef brisket and cook for 30-45 minutes; remove and allow the stock to continue to simmer, skimming off any scum that rises to the top. After 6-8 hours, remove pot from the heat and use a slotted spoon to discard the large solids. Strain the stock into soup pot through a fine-mesh sieve. (Note: To store, let cool completely; then transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Makes 6 quarts.)
- For the soup: Thinly slice the top round and use the back of your knife to tenderize the meat slices; set aside. Slice the cooked brisket against the grain in thin slices; set aside. Blanch the bean sprouts in hot water; set aside. Season the stock with a few pinches of salt and fish sauce to taste.
- Warm a serving bowl in hot water. Place the dried rice noodles in fine-mesh sieve; submerge the sieve in hot water and gently stir with tongs, 5-10 seconds. Place the cooked noodles in the warmed serving bowl. Top with brisket; then add a few slices of the top round and some chopped scallions and cilantro. Ladle the hot broth into the bowl, being careful not to submerge the top round. Serve immediately, accompanied by optional garnishes.
PHO BO (VIETNAMESE BEEF NOODLE SOUP)
Recipe is from a restaurant in Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon), Vietnam. Acquired during a trip to Vietnam. This is an overnight dish.
Provided by Member 610488
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 2h40m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- Wrap ginger, anise, shallots and cinnamon in two layers of cheesecloth; tie with heavy cotton string.
- In a 10 qt pan, combine beef chuck, broth, 2 1/2 qts water, nouc mam sauce, sugar and spice bundle. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Uncover, reduce heat and simmer until beef is tender when pierced (1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours).
- With a slotted spoon, transfer meat to a freezer container and freeze overnight. Cool soup and then refridgerate overnight.
- The next day, take frozen beef chuck and thinly slice across the grain into 2 to 3 inch slices.
- Skim and discard fat from broth. Add 1/8 tsp salt and 2 tbsp Nouc Mam sauce. Bring broth back to boil.
- Arrange bean sprouts, chiles, basil, cilantro, and limes on a platter.
- Once broth boils, reduce to simmer. Immerse sliced sirloin in simmering broth (use wire strainer or skimmer) and cook just until brown on the outside but still pink in the center (30 seconds to 1 min). Lift out and set aside.
- Mound hot cooked rice noodles equally in deep bowls (at least 3 cup capacity). Top equally with beef chuck, sirloin, yellow onion and green onions.
- Ladle broth over noodles to cover generously.
- Serve Pho Bo with platter of condiments, hoisin sauce and chili paste adding to taste.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 410.5, Fat 25.1, SaturatedFat 10.1, Cholesterol 106.6, Sodium 2910.8, Carbohydrate 11.2, Fiber 0.8, Sugar 3.8, Protein 33.7
VIETNAMESE "PHO" RICE NOODLE SOUP WITH BEEF
In a Vietnamese "Pho" Rice Noodle Soup with Beef you can serve this soup with several toppings
Provided by Mai Pham
Categories Soup/Stew Beef Ginger Onion Stir-Fry Dinner Lime Hot Pepper Anise Clove Noodle Cilantro Dairy Free Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free
Yield Makes 6 main-dish servings
Number Of Ingredients 23
Steps:
- 1. In a large stockpot, bring 6 quarts water to a boil. Place the bones and beef chuck in a second pot and add water to cover. Bring to a boil and boil vigorously for 5 minutes. Using tongs, carefully transfer the bones and beef to the first pot of boiling water. Discard the water in which the meat cooked. (This cleans the bones and meat and reduces the impurities that can cloud the broth.) When the water returns to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer. Skim the surface often to remove any foam and fat. Add the charred ginger and onions, fish sauce and sugar. Simmer until the beef chuck is tender, about 40 minutes. Remove one piece and submerge in cool water for 10 minutes to prevent the meat from darkening and drying out. Drain, then cut into thin slices and set aside. Let the other piece of beef chuck continue to cook in the simmering broth.
- 2. When the broth has been simmering for about 1 1/2 hours total, wrap the star anise and cloves in a spice bag (or piece of cheesecloth) and add to the broth. Let infuse until the broth is fragrant, about 30 minutes. Remove and discard both the spice bag and onions. Add the salt and continue to simmer, skimming as necessary, until you're ready to assemble the dish. The broth needs to cook for at least 2 hours. (The broth will taste salty but will be balanced once the noodles and accompaniments are added.) Leave the remaining chuck and bones to simmer in the pot while you assemble the bowls.
- 3. To serve, place the cooked noodles in preheated bowls. (If the noodles are not hot, reheat them in a microwave or dip them briefly in boiling water to prevent them from cooling down the soup.) Place a few slices of the beef chuck and the raw sirloin on the noodles. Bring the broth to a rolling boil; ladle about 2 to 3 cups into each bowl. The broth will cook the raw beef instantly. Garnish with yellow onions, scallions and cilantro. Serve immediately, inviting guests to garnish the bowls with bean sprouts, herbs, chilies, lime juice and black pepper.
- How to Char Ginger and Onions:
- To char ginger, hold the piece with tongs directly over an open flame or place it directly on a medium-hot electric burner. While turning, char until the edges are slightly blackened and the ginger is fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Char the onions in the same way. Peel and discard the blackened skins of the ginger and onions, then rinse and add to the broth.
PHO BO - BEEF NOODLE SOUP
This is from a Vietnamese cookbook, lent to me by a friend. The ginger makes for a spicy, flavourful broth.
Provided by Sackville
Categories Meat
Time 20m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Make the broth by bringing the stock to a boil.
- Add the ginger, cinnamon, coriander seeds and star anise.
- Simmer for 15 minutes, then add the sugar, salt, pepper and fish sauce.
- Strain the broth and return to the pan, keeping hot over a low heat.
- Boil a pan of water and cook the noodles until al dente.
- When you put the noodles in the water, put the beef in the hot broth to cook. You don't need to boil it. The beef will cook just from the heat of the broth because it is so thinly sliced.
- Drain and divide the noodles among individual bowls.
- Add a handful of beansprouts, some shallots and coriander.
- Ladle the hot broth and beef over.
- At the table, each person can add the hoisin sauce, chilli sauce, lime juice, fresh chilli and basil to taste.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 698.8, Fat 15.5, SaturatedFat 6, Cholesterol 39.4, Sodium 2680.7, Carbohydrate 116.3, Fiber 4.9, Sugar 5.9, Protein 23.1
Tips:
- Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Opt for flank steak or brisket for a tender and flavorful pho.
- Properly Sear the Beef: Sear the beef in batches to get a nice caramelization and depth of flavor.
- Simmer the Broth Patiently: Allow the broth to simmer for at least 2 hours, or up to 6 hours, for a rich and aromatic broth.
- Use Quality Rice Noodles: Choose pho-specific rice noodles for the authentic texture and flavor.
- Fresh Herbs and Bean Sprouts: Don't skip the fresh herbs (cilantro, basil, mint) and bean sprouts; they add a refreshing crunch and brightness to the soup.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with fish sauce, sugar, and salt to your preference.
- Serve with Accompaniments: Provide a variety of accompaniments like lime wedges, hoisin sauce, sriracha, and chili oil, allowing diners to customize their pho.
Conclusion:
Mastering the art of pho bo takes time and practice, but the rewards are immense. With careful attention to the ingredients, techniques, and presentation, you can create a flavorful and authentic Vietnamese beef noodle soup that will delight your taste buds and transport you to the streets of Hanoi. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, I encourage you to embark on this pho-making adventure. The satisfaction of creating this iconic dish is well worth the effort, and the memories created around the shared bowl of pho will last a lifetime.
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