What To Know
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 4-6 hours, or until the broth is rich and flavorful.
- Bring the broth to a boil in a large pot.
- Reduce the amount of ground chili pepper used in the marinade or add more broth to dilute the spice.
Pho, a Vietnamese noodle soup, is renowned for its rich broth and aromatic flavors. This guide will take you through the art of making spicy beef pho, a tantalizing variation that will ignite your taste buds.
Ingredients
For the Broth:
- 3 lbs beef bones (marrow bones preferred)
- 1 large yellow onion, quartered
- 1 head of garlic, halved
- 1 tbsp whole black peppercorns
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
For the Spicy Beef:
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp ground chili pepper
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
For the Noodles:
- 1 package (1 lb) pho noodles
For the Toppings:
- Bean sprouts
- Cilantro
- Thai basil
- Lime wedges
- Sriracha (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Broth
- Roast the beef bones, onion, and garlic on a baking sheet at 450°F for 30 minutes, or until charred.
- Transfer the roasted ingredients to a large stockpot and cover with water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 4-6 hours, or until the broth is rich and flavorful.
- Strain the broth into a clean pot and season with fish sauce, sugar, and salt.
2. Marinate the Beef
- In a bowl, combine the sliced flank steak with soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, ground chili pepper, and black pepper.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
3. Cook the Noodles
- Soak the pho noodles in warm water for 10 minutes, or until softened.
- Drain the noodles and rinse with cold water.
4. Assemble the Pho
- Bring the broth to a boil in a large pot.
- Add the marinated beef and cook until just cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cooked noodles and simmer for a few minutes more, or until heated through.
5. Serve
- Divide the pho between bowls and top with bean sprouts, cilantro, Thai basil, and lime wedges.
- Serve with Sriracha, if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Pho
- Use high-quality beef bones for a richer broth.
- Don’t overcook the beef, as it will become tough.
- Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less chili pepper.
- Serve the pho hot with plenty of fresh herbs for a vibrant flavor.
Health Benefits of Spicy Beef Pho
Spicy beef pho offers several health benefits, including:
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Chili peppers contain capsaicin, which has anti-inflammatory effects.
- Improved digestion: The spices in pho can stimulate the digestive system and aid in digestion.
- Reduced cholesterol: Beef bones contain collagen, which can help lower cholesterol levels.
- Boosted immunity: Pho is rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and zinc, which can support the immune system.
Variations
- Vegetarian Pho: Replace the beef broth with vegetable broth and use tofu or tempeh for the protein.
- Seafood Pho: Add shrimp, mussels, or calamari to the pho for a seafood twist.
- Spicy Beef Noodle Soup: Use the same broth and spicy beef recipe, but serve with rice noodles instead of pho noodles.
The Art of Making Spicy Beef Pho
Making spicy beef pho is an art form that requires patience and attention to detail. By following these steps and incorporating the tips provided, you can create a delicious and satisfying dish that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: How can I make the pho less spicy?
A: Reduce the amount of ground chili pepper used in the marinade or add more broth to dilute the spice.
Q: Can I use other types of noodles?
A: Yes, you can use rice noodles, udon noodles, or soba noodles as alternatives to pho noodles.
Q: How can I make the pho ahead of time?
A: Prepare the broth and marinate the beef the day before. When ready to serve, cook the noodles and assemble the pho.
