Phở Bò (Beef Noodle Soup)

Pho is a nourishing soup that is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine. There are many versions of it, each one adding a different condiment or ingredient to suit one's finicky palate. The version I made was Phở Bò, which literally translates to Beef Noodle Soup.

Noodle Cart. Photo Credit

Noodle carts are very popular in Southeast Asia. I remember, as a college student, I would pass by Monumento and see these noodle vendors with a ton of customers (eating with no chair - they just stand!), which made me wonder if they really were that good. I have never tried buying them from the streets, though, and I have "Mang Elyong" to thank for that (he makes the best noodle soup!)

This is my take on Phở Bò, and this hot soup is perfect for these chilly winter blasts we are having!


What you need:

3/4 pound beef (top round)
1/4 Vidalia onion, sliced
1/2 teaspoon black peppercorn
1/2 tablespoon sugar
1/2 tablespoon salt
1/2 tablespoon patis (fish sauce)
2 - 3 star anise
half of a thumb-sized fresh ginger, julienned
1/8 teaspoon cinammon powder
2 bundles somen noodles

Toppings/Condiments:
green onion
hard boiled eggs
sriracha
toasted garlic
hoisin sauce
lime wedges


What to do: 

Put the onions, star anise, peppercorns, and ginger in a cheesecloth. Secure tightly with a string. 

Cheesecloth spices

In a pot over medium-high heat, boil about 6 cups of lightly salted water. Add the beef, patis, cinnamon powder and the cheesecloth. Cook for about an hour, or until beef is fork-tender. Remove the meat from the broth and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook noodles according to package instructions. Cut the beef in thin slices. To serve, put noodles and toppings in a bowl and ladle broth on it. Serve with condiments on the side.


Tips, Tricks and Tweaks:

1. If using cinnamon stick, add it to the cheesecloth.
2. Add any topping/garnish that you like.
3. Some Phở Bò recipes call for really thin slices of beef cooked rare.
4. Add 1 whole clove if you like its flavor.
5. Traditionally, Phở Bò uses rice noodles. But you can use any kind of noodles!