Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup – just saying those words makes my mouth water. This vibrant, soul-warming bowl is a taste sensation that’ll transport you straight to the bustling streets of Hanoi. With its rich, gingery broth, tender slices of beef, and a garden’s worth of fresh herbs and veggies, it’s a flavour fiesta you’ll crave again and again.
About the Recipe
If you’ve never tried a traditional Vietnamese beef noodle soup before, get ready for a real treat. This iconic dish ticks all the boxes – it’s nutritious, easy to make, and surely bursting with bright, vibrant flavors that’ll wake up your taste buds. From the first whiff of the simmering broth to that final slurp, it’s pure satisfaction.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Where to start? The rich, fragrant broth alone is enough to make you swoon. Packed with warming spices like cinnamon, star anise and cloves, it has incredible depth of flavour. Then you’ve got those tender slices of beef swimming in the aromatic liquid alongside bouncy rice noodles. But it’s the fresh toppings that really make this dish sing – crunchy bean sprouts, zingy chopped chilli, spring onions and a flourish of cilantro. Every bite is an explosion of tastes and textures.
Cooking Tips
– Use really good quality beef stock or bone broth for amazing depth of flavor.
– Simmer the spices in the broth for at least 30 minutes to let those aromas develop.
– Slice the beef nice and thin against the grain for ultimate tenderness.
– Blanch the rice noodles briefly in hot water before adding to your bowl – this stops them overcooking.
Serving and Storing Suggestions
This sumptuous beef noodle soup makes a generous meal for 2-3 people. Have all the fresh toppings prepped and ready to pile high. A squeeze of lemon or lime juice is the perfect zingy finishing touch. Total prep time is around 45 mins. Leftovers will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge. Just add fresh noodles when reheating.
Similar Recipes
- Pho Bo (Classic Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup)
- Thai Beef Noodle Soup
- Chinese Beef Noodle Soup
- Japanese Beef and Noodle Soup
Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup
Ingredients
- 125 gms Beef Sirloin (thinly sliced)
- 2 1/2 to 3 cups Beef Stock
- 2 tsp Ginger Garlic Paste
- 1/2 stick Cinnamon
- 2 Cloves
- 2 Star Anise
- 1/2 tso Black Peppercorns
- 1 1/2 tsp Fish Sauce
- 100 gms Rice Noodles
- 1 Dry Red Chilli (small, chopped)
- 2 Spring Onions (chopped)
- 1/4 cup Beansprouts
- Coriander Leaves (handful)
- Slices of Lemon
Instructions
- Pour the stock into a large pan.
- Place it over medium flame.
- Add the cinnamon, star anise, ginger garlic paste, cloves, peppercorns, fish sauce and bring to a boil.
- Reduce flame, cover with a lid and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Strain the stock into another pan and place it over medium flame.
- Bring to a gentle boil.
- Blanch the noodles in hot water and keep aside for 5 minutes.
- Drain and divide this among individual bowls.
- Add the beef to the noodles.
- Sprinkle spring onions, beansprouts and red chillies on top.
- Pour over the hot stock and garnish with coriander leaves.
- Serve with a slice of lemon.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of beef?
Without a doubt. While sirloin works great, you could also use flank steak, top round or even ground beef. Just be sure to slice it very thinly across the grain if using a steak cut.
What kind of noodles should I use?
Thin, flat rice noodles (like bánh pho) are traditional, but you can use any type of rice vermicelli or Asian wheat noodles. Check the package instructions for soaking/cooking times.
Can this soup be made vegetarian/vegan?
Yes. just omit the beef and use a good quality veggie stock instead of beef stock. Load up on extra veggies and crispy fried tofu would make a delicious protein-packed addition.
How can I add more heat?
For an extra kick of spice, add a dash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the broth. You could also use a spicier dried chili variety or include some sliced jalapeños among the toppings.
What else can I add for extra flavor and texture?
This soup is super customizable. Sautéed mushrooms, baby bok choy, slices of fresh chili, mint leaves, basil, lime wedges.the possibilities are endless. Have fun with your favorite add-ins.
