Quick Comfort Faux Pho Bo
Experience the aromatic flavors of Vietnamese cuisine with this simplified version of Pho Bo, perfect for busy weeknight dinners. Using canned beef broth as the foundation, this delightful beef noodle soup is infused with the warm and fragrant notes of ginger, lemongrass, and cinnamon. Fresh herbs like Thai basil and cilantro elevate the dish, while optional garnishes add personal touches to each bowl. With tender slices of sirloin and a quick preparation method, this Faux Pho Bo serves up comfort and nourishment in no time, allowing you to enjoy a taste of Vietnam in your own kitchen.
6
Servings
360
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fat-Free Low-Sodium Beef Broth
4 quarts (Canned or homemade)
Onion
1 large (Sliced into paper-thin rings)
Fresh Gingerroot
6 slices (Peeled, about the size of quarters)
Lemongrass
1 stalk (Cleaned, leaves removed)
Cinnamon Stick
1 small piece (about 1 tsp) (Broken pieces of stick cinnamon are acceptable)
Whole Black Peppercorn
1 teaspoon (Whole)
Beef Sirloin Tip
1 lb (Cut into very thin slices (ask butcher for paper-thin slices))
Fresh Bean Sprouts
1/2 lb (Rinsed and drained)
Fresh Thai Basil
1 cup (Rinsed and dried)
Fresh Cilantro Leaves
1 cup (Rinsed and dried)
Limes
2 (Cut into wedges)
Flat Rice Noodles
1/2-1 lb (Preferably about 1/4 inch wide)
Sambal Oelek or Sriracha Sauce
to taste (Optional for heat)
Thinly Sliced Serrano Peppers or Jalapeño Chile
to taste (Optional for garnish)
Fish Sauce (Nam Pla)
to taste (Optional for depth of flavor)
Hoisin Sauce
to taste (Optional for sweetness)
Instructions
1
In a 6-quart stockpot, combine the beef broth, sliced onion, ginger, cleaned lemongrass, cinnamon stick, and black peppercorns. To make clean-up easier, consider tying the seasonings in a piece of cheesecloth.
2
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1 hour to meld the flavors.
3
While the broth simmers, prepare the rice noodles according to package instructions. Bring 4-6 quarts of water to a rolling boil, add the rice noodles, and stir gently to prevent sticking. Cook until just tender, about 2-3 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking if not serving immediately.
4
Arrange the fresh bean sprouts, Thai basil, cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced chilies on a large serving platter for easy access.
5
Once the broth is ready, remove the seasonings (except for the onions) from the pot and keep the broth hot over low heat.
6
To serve, place ½ cup of the cooked rice noodles into each of the 6 large, deep bowls. Layer thinly sliced beef over the noodles, ensuring an even distribution.
7
Ladle the very hot broth over the beef to cook it quickly. You can give the soup a gentle stir to ensure all the ingredients are combined and well-heated.
8
Serve immediately, allowing guests to customize their bowls with the garnishes from the platter, along with optional hoisin sauce, fish sauce, and a kick of heat from sambal oelek or sriracha.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
29g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Quick Comfort Faux Pho Bo?
Quick Comfort Faux Pho Bo is a simplified version of traditional Vietnamese Pho Bo that uses beef broth infused with ginger, lemongrass, and cinnamon for a faster preparation time.
How long does it take to simmer the broth?
The broth should be simmered for about 1 hour on low heat to allow the flavors of the onion, ginger, and spices to meld.
What cut of beef is best for this recipe?
Beef sirloin tip is recommended, and it should be cut into very thin, paper-thin slices.
How do you cook the beef in the soup?
The beef is cooked by ladling very hot broth directly over the thinly sliced raw meat in the serving bowls.
What spices are used to flavor the broth?
The broth is infused with fresh gingerroot, a lemongrass stalk, a cinnamon stick, and whole black peppercorns.
How should the ginger be prepared?
Use 6 slices of fresh gingerroot, peeled and sliced to about the size of quarters.
What is the recommended size for the stockpot?
A 6-quart stockpot is recommended for combining the broth and aromatic ingredients.
How do I prepare the lemongrass?
The lemongrass should be cleaned and the leaves should be removed before adding the stalk to the broth.
What type of noodles are used in Pho Bo?
Flat rice noodles, preferably about 1/4 inch wide, are used in this recipe.
How long should the rice noodles be cooked?
Cook the rice noodles in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes until just tender.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to produce 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 360 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving of this Faux Pho Bo provides 29g of protein.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 5g of fat.
What are the suggested garnishes for the soup?
Suggested garnishes include fresh bean sprouts, Thai basil, cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced chilies.
Is there a tip for making cleanup easier?
Yes, you can tie the broth seasonings in a piece of cheesecloth before simmering to make them easier to remove later.
What kind of onion should be used and how is it cut?
One large onion should be used, sliced into paper-thin rings.
How much broth is required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 quarts of fat-free, low-sodium beef broth.
What can I add to make the soup spicy?
You can add Sambal Oelek, Sriracha sauce, or thinly sliced Serrano or Jalapeño peppers for heat.
What is the purpose of fish sauce in this recipe?
Fish sauce (Nam Pla) is an optional addition used to provide a greater depth of flavor.
When should I add the fresh herbs?
Fresh Thai basil and cilantro should be served on a platter so guests can add them to their individual bowls.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 37.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I need to rinse the rice noodles?
Yes, rinsing them under cold water after cooking helps stop the cooking process if you are not serving them immediately.
Is hoisin sauce used in this recipe?
Hoisin sauce is an optional garnish that can be added to the bowl for a touch of sweetness.
Can I use broken cinnamon sticks?
Yes, broken pieces of stick cinnamon are acceptable for flavoring the broth.
What amount of rice noodles should be placed in each bowl?
Place 1/2 cup of cooked rice noodles into each of the 6 serving bowls.
How much bean sprouts are needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of fresh bean sprouts, rinsed and drained.
Should the broth be boiling when served?
Yes, the broth must be very hot when ladled over the beef to ensure the thin slices cook quickly.
What types of peppers are recommended for garnish?
Thinly sliced Serrano peppers or Jalapeño chiles are recommended for those who want extra heat.
Is this recipe considered a quick comfort food?
Yes, it is designed as a quick and nourishing comfort dish suitable for busy weeknight dinners.