Description
Comforting Vietnamese noodle soup brings warmth and flavor to your kitchen, blending fragrant herbs with tender protein. Hearty broth and silky noodles create a soulful meal that connects you to traditional culinary magic.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- ½ lb (225g) thinly sliced beef (sirloin or flank steak) or chicken breast
- Optional: tofu slices for vegetarian option
Broth and Spices:
- 4 cups (1 liter) beef or chicken stock
- 4 cups (1 liter) water
- 1 large onion, halved
- 3-inch piece of ginger, sliced
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 star anise pods
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
Noodles and Garnishes:
- 8 ounces (225 grams) rice noodles (medium or thin)
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- Fresh herbs: cilantro, Thai basil, and mint leaves
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1 red chili or jalapeno, sliced
- Hoisin sauce for serving
- Sriracha for serving
Instructions
- Carefully position onion and ginger directly over an open flame or scorching skillet, rotating periodically to achieve an even, smoky char that intensifies their aromatic essence.
- Transfer the charred aromatics to a cutting board and meticulously slice into fine, uniform pieces that will infuse the broth with deep, complex flavors.
- In a spacious stockpot, combine water, bones, and the expertly chopped charred onion and ginger, allowing the ingredients to meld and create a robust foundational broth.
- Gently simmer the mixture, periodically skimming away any impurities that rise to the surface to ensure a crystal-clear, pristine liquid base.
- Incorporate star anise, cinnamon, and other warming spices, letting them steep and release their nuanced, fragrant characteristics into the developing broth.
- After several hours of patient simmering, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve, removing solids and leaving behind a silky, intensely flavored stock.
- Season the broth with fish sauce, carefully balancing saltiness and depth to create a harmonious taste profile.
- Prepare rice noodles by briefly immersing them in boiling water until they become tender yet retain a slight chewiness.
- Arrange cooked noodles in serving bowls, then ladle the steaming, aromatic broth over them with precision.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, thinly sliced protein, and crunchy bean sprouts, creating a visually stunning and multi-textural culinary experience.
Notes
- Charring onion and ginger develops a deeper, smokier taste that transforms the traditional broth’s complexity.
- Select fresh, firm ginger and white onions for the best caramelization and flavor intensity during the charring process.
- Consider using a gas stove or cast-iron skillet to achieve even, consistent blackening without burning the ingredients completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg