Vietnamese-style Beef Ball Soup

Ingredients

In this Vietnamese adaptation, the beef balls are infused with traditional Vietnamese spices and herbs, such as lemongrass, ginger, and cilantro. The broth is also enhanced with fish sauce and star anise, giving it a distinct Vietnamese flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Beef Ball, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 2 stalks lemongrass, finely minced 2 stalks lemongrass, finely minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized ginger, grated 1 thumb-sized ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped 2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce 1 teaspoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 liter (4 cups) beef broth 1 liter (4 cups) beef broth
• 2 star anise 2 star anise
• 200g (7 oz) rice noodles 200g (7 oz) rice noodles
• Fresh herbs (Thai basil, mint, cilantro) Fresh herbs (Thai basil, mint, cilantro)
• Bean sprouts Bean sprouts
• Lime wedges Lime wedges

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, lemongrass, garlic, ginger, cilantro, fish sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 2-3cm (1 inch) in diameter.
3. 3.
   In a large pot, bring the beef broth to a boil. Add the star anise and simmer for 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
4. 4.
   Gently drop the beef balls into the simmering broth and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
5. 5.
   While the beef balls are cooking, prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions.
6. 6.
   Once the beef balls are cooked, remove the star anise from the broth.
7. 7.
   To serve, divide the cooked rice noodles among serving bowls. Ladle the beef ball soup over the noodles. Garnish with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime wedges.
8. 8.
   Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — Remove the tough outer layers before mincing the tender inner part for a more delicate flavor.
• Star anise — Use whole star anise for a stronger aroma. Crush it slightly before adding it to the broth to release its flavors.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a few slices of fresh chili or a drizzle of sriracha sauce to the soup.
• Customize your bowl by adding thinly sliced onions, Thai basil, or bean sprouts as additional toppings.
• If you prefer a lighter broth, skim off any excess fat that rises to the surface during cooking.
• Make a larger batch of beef balls and freeze them for future use in other Vietnamese dishes.
• Experiment with different herbs and garnishes to find your favorite combination.

Serving advice

Serve the Vietnamese-style Beef Ball Soup piping hot in individual bowls. Provide additional lime wedges, fresh herbs, and bean sprouts on the side for each person to customize their bowl according to their taste preferences.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, arrange the cooked rice noodles neatly at the bottom of each bowl. Place the beef balls on top of the noodles and ladle the fragrant broth over them. Garnish with a generous amount of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a lime wedge on the side. The vibrant colors and aromatic steam will make the dish visually appealing.