Faux Pho Bo (Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup) Recipe

Name: Faux Pho Bo (Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 quarts fat free low-sodium beef broth; 1 large onion, sliced into paper-thin rings; 6 slices peeled fresh gingerroot (about the size of quarters); 1 stalk lemongrass, cleaned, leaves removed (do not substitute lemon zest or juice(the flavor is not at all the same); 1 small piece cinnamon stick (I use broken pieces of stick cinnamon, about 1 tsp total); 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorn; 1 lb beef sirloin tip, cut into very thin slices (ask the butcher to slice it paper thin(I like to buy beef for sukiyaki at the Oriental market); 1/2 lb fresh bean sprout, rinsed and drained; 1 cup fresh Thai basil, rinsed and dried; 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, rinsed and dried (coriander); 2 limes, cut into wedges; 1/2 - 1 lb flat rice noodles (I prefer noodles about 1/4 inch wide); sambal oelek (optional) or sriracha sauce (optional); thinly sliced serrano peppers (optional) or jalapeno chile (optional); fish sauce (nam pla) (optional); hoisin sauce (optional)

Servings: persons

4 quarts fat free low-sodium beef broth
1 large onion, sliced into paper-thin rings
6 slices peeled fresh gingerroot (about the size of quarters)
1 stalk lemongrass, cleaned, leaves removed (do not substitute lemon zest or juice(the flavor is not at all the same)
1 small piece cinnamon stick (I use broken pieces of stick cinnamon, about 1 tsp total)
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorn
1 lb beef sirloin tip, cut into very thin slices (ask the butcher to slice it paper thin(I like to buy beef for sukiyaki at the Oriental market)
1/2 lb fresh bean sprout, rinsed and drained
1 cup fresh Thai basil, rinsed and dried
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, rinsed and dried (coriander)
2 limes, cut into wedges
1/2 - 1 lb flat rice noodles (I prefer noodles about 1/4 inch wide)
sambal oelek (optional) or sriracha sauce (optional)
thinly sliced serrano peppers (optional) or jalapeno chile (optional)
fish sauce (nam pla) (optional)
hoisin sauce (optional)

1
In a 6 quart stockpot, combine broth, onion, ginger, lemongrass, cinnamon, and peppercorns (tie the seasonings loosely in cheesecloth for easier removal). Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
2
Meanwhile, prepare rice noodles and garnishes.
3
Arrange bean sprouts, basil, cilantro, chilies, and limes on a large platter.
4
To prepare rice noodles, bring 4-6 quarts of water to a boil. Add rice noodles and stir to separate. Cook until just barely tender, about 2-3 minutes. Drain well. If not quite ready to serve, rinse noodles and drain again.
5
To serve, remove seasonings (except onions) from broth; keep broth hot.
6
Place 1/2 cup rice noodles in each of 6 large, deep bowls.
7
Arrange thinly sliced beef over noodles, fanning out to increase surface area. Ladle very hot broth over beef and stir to cook.
8
Serve immediately. Pass garnish platter, hoisin sauce, fish sauce, and sambal oelek or sriracha sauce for people to add as desired.

469

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 16 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 4 quarts fat free low-sodium beef broth, 1 large onion, sliced into paper-thin rings, 6 slices peeled fresh gingerroot (about the size of quarters), 1 stalk lemongrass, cleaned, leaves removed (do not substitute lemon zest or juice(the flavor is not at all the same), and more.

Yes, Faux Pho Bo (Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup) falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Faux Pho Bo (Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup)

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions