Lao Pho - Beef Noodle Soup

Happy New Year!

Thai pho is called 'Guoi Tiao' so when in Laos, ask for 'Pho' and when in Thailand, ask for 'Guoi Tiao'. This beef noodle soup is the most popular soup in Laos and Thailand. I like to make this soup on new years and weekends because it requires low preparation time, the broth simmers all day, and guests help themselves.

People from the northern region of Laos prefer khao soy which is with minced pork and salted soy beans noodle soup. Khao soy uses wide pho noodles.

For 12 years, everytime I craved pho, would order it at restaurants and was never quite satisfied of the taste. I find the pho soups at restaurants have too much fat and not enough meat, vegetables, herbs and sauce options. Since my parents taught me, I make my own at home and for the price of one pho soup bowl, I could feed a family of 6.

You can stir fry pho noodles to make Pad Thai Pho Noodles. Do not substitute vermicelli noodles for pho noodles. The star anis can also be added to dome kim which is pork and egg in soy sauce.

Pho Soup Broth:
1 pound beef bones
1 tablespoon salt
3 liters water
4 star anis
1/2 of whole onion
24 beef balls

In a large pot, over high heat, add all ingredients except beef balls. Boil 30 minutes. Scoop out dark foam that floats in broth. Cool to room temperature. Refrigerate overnight or until fat hardens. Remove fat and place broth over high heat. Add beef balls and boil.

Side Options of Meat, Vegetables, Herbs, and Sauces:thinly slice raw beef
Thai basil
fish sauce
chopped cooked tripe
chopped cilantro
shrimp paste
tomato slices
chopped green onions
chili tomato sauce
bean sprouts
lime slices
oyster sauce

Soak pho noodles 30 minutes in cold water and drain. In a large soup bowl, add a handful of noodles. Pour hot water into bowl to cover noodles. After 3 seconds, drain water out. Add desired amounts of meat, vegetables, herbs, and squeezed lime into bowl. Add pho broth and beef balls. Add 1 tablespoon each fish sauce, oyster sauce, chili tomato sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon shrimp paste. Mix soup and enjoy!

Pad Thai Pho Noodles

My fans have been asking for this recipe from day one of blogging. So here is everyone's favourite recipe. The most important thing here is to cook in high heat, that is, between medium and maximun heat. When purchasing pho noodles, make sure the label of the noodle package reads "Rice Sticks" and "Pho". Use pho noodles to make Lao Pho - beef noodle soup.

Stir Fry Recipe: Pad Thai Pho Noodles
1 handful of rice stick pho noodles soaked in luke warm water for 2 to 3 hours.
1 tablespoon oil
1 tablespoon garlic
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hot chili sauce
3 cups chopped baby bok choy, snow peas, sweet red peppers

Ingredients for Egg Strips:
1 egg
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon oil
1 teaspoon garlic

To make fried egg strips, in a small bowl mix egg and soy sauce. In a wok of high heat, add oil and garlic. Stir for 30 seconds and pour egg mixture into wok. Cook evenly and flip the egg in half and flip again to cook other side. Remove from wok. Once cooled, sliced into strips. Egg strips are also used in the Fried Rice recipe.

To make pad Thai noodles, drain the water from the soaked noodles. In a wok of high heat, add oil and garlic. Add noodles and soy sauce, oyster sauce and chili sauce. Stir quickly. Add chopped vegetables and stir quickly. If the noodles look dry and not yet cooked add ½ cup of water and mix again for another minute. Pour noodles into serving dish and top with fried egg strips. Pad Thai Noodles should not take more than 5 minutes to cook. Serve immediately.