Introduction: Rare Steak Pho, also known as “Pho Tai,” is a Vietnamese noodle soup known for its rich, aromatic broth and tender slices of rare beef. This comforting and flavorful dish is a favorite worldwide. Here’s how to make Rare Steak Pho at home.
Ingredients:
For the Pho Broth:
- 10 cups beef broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 onion, peeled and halved
- 2-3 slices of fresh ginger
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3-4 star anise pods
- 3-4 cloves
- 1 cardamom pod (optional)
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1-2 teaspoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
For the Rare Steak Pho:
- 8 oz (225g) dried rice noodles (banh pho)
- 8 oz (225g) top sirloin or ribeye steak, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2-3 green onions, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
- Bean sprouts
- Fresh Thai basil leaves (optional)
- Lime wedges
- Hoisin sauce
- Sriracha sauce
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pho Broth:
- In a large pot, add the beef broth, onion halves, ginger slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, cloves, cardamom pod (if using), coriander seeds, and fennel seeds.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 30-45 minutes to infuse the flavors.
2. Strain the Broth:
- Using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the broth into another pot or large bowl. Discard the solids.
3. Season the Broth:
- Season the strained broth with sugar and salt to taste. Adjust the sweetness and saltiness according to your preference.
4. Prepare the Rice Noodles:
- Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions until they are tender. Drain and set aside.
5. Assemble the Rare Steak Pho:
- Divide the cooked rice noodles among serving bowls.
- Arrange the thinly sliced raw beef on top of the noodles. The hot broth will cook the beef when poured over.
6. Bring It All Together:
- In a separate pot, reheat the strained pho broth until steaming hot but not boiling.
- Carefully ladle the hot broth over the beef and noodles in each bowl. The heat from the broth will cook the beef to rare or medium-rare, depending on your preference.
7. Garnish and Serve:
- Top each bowl with sliced onions and green onions.
- Serve with a plate of bean sprouts, fresh cilantro, Thai basil leaves, lime wedges, hoisin sauce, and sriracha sauce for diners to customize their pho.
8. Enjoy:
- Serve Rare Steak Pho piping hot and enjoy the fragrant aroma and rich flavors of this classic Vietnamese noodle soup.
Conclusion: Rare Steak Pho is a beloved Vietnamese dish that’s easy to recreate at home. The combination of aromatic broth, tender beef, and fresh herbs and condiments makes it a delightful and comforting meal. Customize your pho with your favorite toppings and savor the authentic flavors of this homemade Rare Steak Pho!