Quick Faux Pho Recipes

QUICK BEEF PHO

Steps:

• For the Pho Stock: Add the beef base and 1 quart water to a 2-quart (1.9-L) saucepan and bring to a low boil. Add the fish sauce, sugar, ginger, onion and salt to the stock and reduce the heat to a simmer. Wrap the cloves, star anise and cinnamon stick in a piece of cheesecloth and tie it into a satchel. Add the satchel to the broth and simmer for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 45 minutes.
• Around the 30 minute mark, taste the broth to see that the spice flavors have been extracted, and adjust seasonings if necessary. Strain the aromatics and satchel from the broth, return to a sauce pot, and reserve for assembly.
• For the assembly: Bring the broth back to a simmer. In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Using a sieve or basket, quickly dip the noodles into the water until they are hot and al dente, 10 to 20 seconds. Drain the excess water from the noodles and distribute the noodles between 4 bowls.
• Top each bowl with some sliced beef, basil, bean sprouts, cilantro, jalapeno, scallions and onion, or as each person wishes. Ladle in enough broth to cover the ingredients in the bowl. Garnish with a lime wedge. I like to serve pho with Sriracha and hoisin sauce.

FAUX PHO - QUICK AND EASY VIETNAMESE STYLE NOODLE SOUP

Steps:

• Soak rice noodles in very, hot tap water.
• Heat oil in a large, deep skillet on medium hot.
• Saute garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes, with the beef until the beef is 85% cooked through. .
• Add broth, fish sauce, spices and sugar.
• Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
• Rinse rice noodles and chop into 4-5 inch pieces.
• Place noodles in bowls, pour broth and meat over noodles.
• Add any or all garnish desired.
• Personal Note: I like mine with super spicy so I add tons of jalapeno and siracha sauce, along with all the veggies and herbs. You can also do this with pork, fish, shrimp, or chicken, or use veggie stock and tofu if you want to keep it vegetarian.

QUICK FAUX PHO

Steps:

• Put broth in a large pot. Cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
• NOTE - I like to simmer the broth with a 1" piece of fresh ginger (quartered) and a cinnamon stick for 30 minutes, remove the items and bring to a boil. It makes it not-so-quick, but it is more flavorful.
• Add the noodles, reduce heat to medium and boil gently, uncovered, 6-8 minutes or until noodles are tender, stirring occasionally.
• Stir in the spinach and basil for the last minute of cooking time.
• Divide beef among 4 serving bowls. Ladle soup over the pastrami, sprinkle with green onions and drizzle with chili sauce.
• Serve with lime.

FAUX PHO

Steps:

• Cook the ramen according to package directions, using only half the seasoning packet. Add lime juice, sugar, fish sauce and red pepper flakes.
• When noodles are fully cooked, add steak and immediately turn off heat. Transfer to a serving bowl (the residual heat will cook the steak) and add bean sprouts and herbs.