How to Make Vietnamese Beef Soup with Garlic and Onion
Vietnamese beef soup, known as "Phở Bò," is a flavorful and aromatic dish that marries tender beef with a rich broth infused with garlic and onion. This traditional recipe is perfect for a comforting meal and offers a taste of Vietnam in your home kitchen. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this delicious Vietnamese beef soup.
Ingredients
To make Vietnamese beef soup with garlic and onion, gather the following ingredients:
- 500g beef (brisket or sirloin, thinly sliced)
- 2 medium onions (sliced)
- 4-5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 5 cups beef broth
- 2-3 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2-3 tablespoons fish sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, basil, lime wedges) for garnish
- Rice noodles (Bánh phở)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This will enhance the flavors in your soup.
Step 2: Add the Meat and Spices
Once the onions and garlic are ready, add the thinly sliced beef to the pot. Stir-fry the beef until it’s browned on all sides. Next, toss in the star anise and cinnamon stick to the pot, stirring to combine the spices with the meat.
Step 3: Add the Broth
Pour the beef broth into the pot, ensuring the meat is fully submerged. Bring the broth to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Add fish sauce, salt, and pepper to taste, allowing the broth to simmer for about 30 minutes. This slow cooking process lets the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
While the broth simmers, prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves soaking them in hot water until they’re tender. Drain and set them aside.
Step 5: Serve the Soup
To serve, divide the cooked rice noodles into bowls. Ladle the hot beef soup over the noodles, ensuring each bowl has an ample amount of beef and onions. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro and basil, and add lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Vietnamese Beef Soup
- Broth Flavor: For a deeper flavor, consider adding a piece of ginger to the broth while it simmers.
- Meat Choice: Use a mix of lean and fatty cuts of beef for a rich taste and tender texture.
- Customizable: Feel free to add additional vegetables like bean sprouts or bok choy for added nutrition.
With this simple recipe, you can enjoy the comforting flavors of Vietnamese beef soup with garlic and onion at home. It’s a perfect meal for any day of the week, and delightfully satisfying!