Spicy Vietnamese Beef and Noodle Soup Recipe

Name: Spicy Vietnamese Beef and Noodle Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 5 tablespoons peanut oil; 3 1/4 pounds meaty oxtails, patted dry; 2 large onions, chopped; 1 large carrot, peeled, chopped; 3 stalks lemongrass,* chopped; 2/3 cup chopped peeled fresh ginger; 8 garlic cloves, chopped; 7 whole star anise (star-shaped spice)*; 1 tablespoon black peppercorns; ½ cups water; 7 cups canned beef broth (about four 14 1/2-ounce cans); 3 tablespoons fish sauce (nam pla)*; 1 12-ounce package fresh udon noodles (refrigerated Japanese wheat noodles)* or fresh linguine; 1 tablespoon oriental sesame oil; 3 cups bean sprouts; 6 radishes, thinly sliced; 4 green onions, thinly sliced; 4 serrano chilies, thinly sliced; 6 tablespoons chopped fresh basil; 6 tablespoons chopped fresh mint; 6 tablespoons chopped cilantro; Lime wedges; Additional fish sauce (nam pla)

Servings: persons

5 tablespoons peanut oil
3 1/4 pounds meaty oxtails, patted dry
2 large onions, chopped
1 large carrot, peeled, chopped
3 stalks lemongrass,* chopped
2/3 cup chopped peeled fresh ginger
8 garlic cloves, chopped
7 whole star anise (star-shaped spice)*
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
½ cups water
7 cups canned beef broth (about four 14 1/2-ounce cans)
3 tablespoons fish sauce (nam pla)*
1 12-ounce package fresh udon noodles (refrigerated Japanese wheat noodles)* or fresh linguine
1 tablespoon oriental sesame oil
3 cups bean sprouts
6 radishes, thinly sliced
4 green onions, thinly sliced
4 serrano chilies, thinly sliced
6 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
6 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
6 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Lime wedges
Additional fish sauce (nam pla)

1
Heat peanut oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat.
2
Sprinkle oxtails with salt and pepper.
3
Add oxtails to pot and brown on all sides, about 20 minutes.
4
Transfer oxtails to large bowl.
5
Add onions and next 6 ingredients to same pot.
6
Saute until vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
7
Return oxtails to pot.
8
Add 12 cups water, beef broth and 3 tablespoons fish sauce.
9
Cover and simmer gently until oxtails are very tender, about 3 hours.
10
Using tongs, transfer oxtails to large bowl.
11
Strain broth into another large pot; discard solids.
12
Remove meat from oxtails; discard bones.
13
Add meat to broth.
14
Refrigerate overnight.
15
Spoon solid fat off top of soup.
16
Cook noodles in large pot of boiling salted water until tender.
17
Drain; rinse under cold water.
18
Return to same pot.
19
Toss noodles with sesame oil.
20
Bring soup to boil.
21
Divide noodles, sprouts and next 6 ingredients among 6 bowls.
22
Ladle soup into bowls.
23
Serve with lime wedges and additional fish sauce.
24
*Available at Asian markets and some supermarkets nationwide.

691

kcal

Calories

Fat

124

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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How did you like this recipe?

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

You need 23 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 5 tablespoons peanut oil, 3 1/4 pounds meaty oxtails, patted dry, 2 large onions, chopped, 1 large carrot, peeled, chopped, and more.

Yes, Spicy Vietnamese Beef and 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!

Spicy Vietnamese Beef and Noodle Soup

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions