Pho, the iconic Vietnamese noodle soup, is beloved for its fragrant broth, tender noodles, and fresh herbs. While traditional pho is often enjoyed for its delicate balance of flavors, adding a spicy kick takes this comforting dish to a whole new level of culinary delight. Join us as we embark on a journey to create a spicy pho soup that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef bones
- 8 cups water
- 1 onion, peeled and halved
- 3-inch piece of ginger, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed
- 3 star anise
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 cloves
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 2 Thai bird’s eye chili peppers, sliced (adjust to taste for desired level of spiciness)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Salt, to taste
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 1 lb beef sirloin or chicken breast, thinly sliced
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, Thai basil, mint)
- Bean sprouts
- Lime wedges
- Sliced chili peppers, for garnish
Instructions:
In a large pot, add the beef bones and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface.
Add the onion, ginger, garlic, star anise, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and coriander seeds to the pot. Continue to simmer for an additional 1-2 hours, until the broth is rich and flavorful.
Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth, discarding the solids. Return the broth to the pot and season with fish sauce, soy sauce, and salt to taste. Add sliced chili peppers to the broth for heat.
While the broth is simmering, cook the rice noodles according to package instructions until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking.
Thinly slice the beef sirloin or chicken breast.
Divide the cooked noodles and sliced meat among serving bowls. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and meat.
Garnish each bowl with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sliced chili peppers.
Serve immediately, with additional condiments like hoisin sauce and sriracha on the side for those who want extra heat.
Spicy pho soup is a delightful twist on the classic Vietnamese dish, adding a fiery kick that will awaken your taste buds and warm your soul. With its rich, flavorful broth, tender noodles, and fresh, aromatic herbs, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. So gather your ingredients, embrace the heat, and savor the spicy goodness of homemade pho soup.
