Table of Contents
ToggleDive into the fragrant and steamy world of Vietnamese cuisine with this homemade Vietnamese soup noodles recipe. Vietnam is renowned for its rich and aromatic pho (pronounced ‘fuh’), a noodle soup that is both comforting and invigorating, often enjoyed as a staple for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This recipe will guide you through the delightful process of creating your own bowl of pho, complete with tender noodles, a deeply flavorful broth, and a medley of fresh herbs and garnishes. Whether you’re looking to recreate a taste of your travels or simply explore new culinary landscapes from the comfort of your kitchen, this Vietnamese noodle soup offers a window into the heart of Vietnamese food culture. Get ready to be enchanted by the simplicity and complexity of flavors that this iconic dish has to offer, and let’s start simmering a pot of this soul-warming soup.
What is Noodle Soup?
![](https://angelkids.edu.vn/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/vietnamese-soup-noodles-recipe-1.jpg)
Vietnamese noodle soup, also known as pho, is a quintessential dish in Vietnamese cuisine. With its complex, fragrant broth and fresh accompanying garnishes, pho encompasses the richness of Vietnamese culture and heritage.
Detailed Ingredients List
Pho is all about balance. The ingredients list may seem long, but each component serves an important purpose.
Broth Components
The broth is the soul of pho. Using beef bones and meat produces a deeply savory, umami-rich broth.
Ingredient |
Beef bones |
Beef chuck, cubed |
Ginger, unpeeled |
Yellow onions, peeled and halved |
Whole star anise |
Whole cloves |
Cinnamon stick |
Fennel seeds |
Coriander seeds |
Fish sauce |
Rock sugar |
Soup Assembly and Garnishes
Rice noodles, thinly sliced beef, and an abundance of fresh garnishes are added to the broth to create the harmonious finished bowl of pho.
Ingredient |
Rice noodles, dried |
Beef sirloin, thinly sliced |
Chili peppers, sliced |
Yellow onion, thinly sliced |
Scallions, sliced |
Cilantro, chopped |
Bean sprouts |
Thai basil leaves |
Lime wedges |
Side Sauces
The side sauces allow each person to customize their pho to their personal taste preferences.
- Fish sauce
- Asian chili sauce (like sriracha)
- Hoisin sauce
Preparation Techniques
Now that we’ve covered the essential ingredients, let’s discuss the step-by-step methods for making authentic pho broth and assembled bowls.
Broth Preparation
Step 1 – Boiling the beef
- Place beef bones and meat in a large pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil.
- Boil for 3-5 minutes to release impurities, discoloration, and foam.
- Drain and rinse bones and meat. Scrub pot to remove residue.
Step 2 – Charring aromatics
- Char ginger and onions over an open flame. This smoky char adds depth of flavor.
- Alternative: Broil ginger and onions for 10-15 minutes if you don’t have a gas stove.
Step 3 – Toasting spices
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast star anise, cloves, cinnamon, fennel seeds, and coriander until fragrant.
- Toasting before boiling maximizes the spices’ aromatic essential oils.
Step 4 – Simmering broth
- Return bones, meat, charred ginger and onions, and toasted spices to the cleaned pot.
- Add 6 quarts of water and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 3-4 hours. The longer the simmer, the more flavorful the broth.
- In the last 15 minutes of simmering, add fish sauce and rock sugar. These provide savory and sweet balance.
- Strain the broth through a mesh sieve. Discard solids.
Soup Assembly
Now we’re ready to transform the broth into bowls of pho.
Step 1 – Cooking noodles
- Boil water in a separate pot. Cook rice noodles according to package directions until tender.
- Drain and rinse noodles with cold water. This removes starchiness.
Step 2 – Cooking meat
- In a wire mesh strainer or colander, submerge beef slices in the simmering broth to cook for 40-60 seconds.
- The broth’s heat will cook the meat while keeping it tender.
Step 3 – Assemble bowls
- Place cooked noodles in the bottom of serving bowls.
- Top with beef slices, broth, onion, scallions, cilantro, and other desired garnishes.
- Offer side sauces for personal customization.
Garnishing and Serving
One of the appeals of pho is the fresh garnishes that allow you to adjust the flavors to your taste. Here are some suggestions:
- More chili peppers – Add spice and heat. Caution: A little goes a long way.
- More herbs – Basil, mint, culantro. Brightens up the flavor.
- More bean sprouts – Contributes crunchy texture.
- Extra lime – Brightens and adds acidity to cut through the richness.
- Hoisin sauce – Adds sweetness, while chili sauce contributes heat.
- Sriracha – For those who like it hot.
Play around with the component ratios to make the pho uniquely your own.
Additional Tips
![](https://angelkids.edu.vn/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/vietnamese-soup-noodles-recipe.jpg)
Storage and Reheating
Pho broth and noodles store well for quick meals throughout the week.
- Refrigerate broth for up to 3 days.
- Freeze broth for up to 3 months.
- Store cooked noodles separately from broth to prevent sogginess.
- To reheat: Add noodles to bowls. Pour hot broth over noodles and let sit for a few minutes before adding other ingredients.
Cultural Insights
- Pho originated in Northern Vietnam and spread south after the Vietnam War. Regional variations exist.
- The dish is cherished for its aromas and complex flavors – the mark of a good pho is a perfectly balanced broth.
- Pho is considered Vietnam’s national dish, and also popular in Vietnamese diaspora communities abroad.
- It’s become a cultural symbol of resilience, innovation, and community for Vietnamese people worldwide.
Conclusion
Pho is so much more than just a bowl of noodles in broth. This Vietnamese staple beautifully encapsulates centuries of culture, tradition, and innovation.
The detailed instructions provided above will equip you to create this soup from scratch. But don’t be afraid to experiment – pho is perfect for adding your own personal twist.
So gather some fresh herbs from the garden, make a big pot of broth, and invite your family or friends over for a comforting meal. The aromas of simmering pho will transport you right to the streets of Vietnam.
Ingredients
- Broth
- 2 pound Beef bones (marrow or knuckle)
- 4 quarts Water
- 1 Onion (unpeeled and halved)
- 3 inch Ginger (whole, charred)
- 2 Scallions (green parts only, charred)
- 2 pod Star anise
- 3 Cloves
- 10 whole Black peppercorns
- 2 ½ tablespoon Rock sugar (or granulated sugar)
- 1/4 cup Fish Sauce
- Meat
- 1 pound Beef chuck roast
- Noodles & Accompaniments
- 8 ounces dried rice noodles
- 1 cup Bean sprouts
- 11/2 cup Thai basil leaves
- 1/2 cup Cilantro leaves
- 4 Lime Wedges
- Hoisin sauce
- Sriracha sauce
Instructions
- Rinse the beef bones. In a large pot, char the onion and ginger halves over high heat until blackened. Add charred onion, ginger, scallions, star anise, cloves, peppercorns, and rock sugar to the pot with beef bones and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, skimming any scum that rises to the surface. Simmer for at least 2 hours, up to 4 hours for a richer flavor. Strain the broth, discarding the solids. Season the broth with fish sauce to taste.
- While the broth simmers, thinly slice the beef chuck roast.
- Prepare the rice noodles according to package instructions.
- In a serving bowl, place some cooked rice noodles. Top with thin slices of raw beef. Ladle hot broth over the beef to cook it through.
- Garnish with bean sprouts, Thai basil leaves, cilantro leaves, and lime wedges. Optionally, serve with hoisin sauce and sriracha sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Broth is the foundation of Pho, so plan accordingly for simmering time. You can make a large batch of broth and freeze leftovers for future use.
- Adjust the amount of fish sauce to your taste preference.
- You can add other vegetables to the pho, such as thinly sliced onions or chopped scallions, before serving.
- Experiment with different cuts of beef. Flank steak or brisket can be substituted for chuck roast.
Nutrition Facts
Delight in Comfort | Classic Vietnamese Soup Noodles Recipe
Serves: 4 persons
Amount Per Serving: 1 bowl
|
||
---|---|---|
Calories | 500 | |
% Daily Value* | ||
Total Fat 15 | 23.1% | |
Saturated Fat 5 | 25% | |
Trans Fat 0 | ||
Cholesterol 50 | 16.7% | |
Sodium 1000 | 41.7% | |
Total Carbohydrate 50 | 16.7% | |
Dietary Fiber 5 | 20% | |
Sugars 10 | ||
Protein 30 |
Vitamin A Low | Vitamin C Low | |
Calcium Low | Iron Low |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Vietnamese Food Recipes & Blog
![](https://angelkids.edu.vn/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/sk0a2jg5hp3a1.webp)
Since 2015, I’ve enthusiastically shared my culinary journey through cooking videos on social media, aiming to empower food enthusiasts to recreate delectable Vietnamese dishes in their own kitchens. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of being featured in various esteemed magazines and television programs, where I’ve assumed diverse roles ranging from a character to a guest, and even a cooking show host. Join me as we embark on a flavorful journey together!
Leave a Reply