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Recipe
Cuban-style Pho
Havana Pho: A Cuban Twist on a Vietnamese Classic
4.6 out of 5
In the vibrant world of Cuban cuisine, we introduce a unique twist on the beloved Vietnamese dish, Pho. This Cuban-style Pho combines the aromatic flavors of traditional Pho with the rich and bold ingredients found in Cuban cooking. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that fuses the best of both worlds.
Metadata
Preparation time
20 minutes
Cooking time
2-3 hours
Total time
2 hours 20 minutes - 3 hours 20 minutes
Yields
4 servings
Preparation difficulty
Medium
Suitable for
Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free, Low-carb, Paleo-friendly
Allergens
Fish (fish sauce)
Not suitable for
Vegan, Vegetarian, Keto, High-carb, Low-sodium
Ingredients
While the original Vietnamese Pho is known for its delicate balance of flavors and lightness, the Cuban-style Pho takes a bolder approach. It incorporates Cuban spices and ingredients, such as cumin, oregano, and citrus, to add a distinct Cuban flair to the dish. The broth is also enriched with a touch of tomato and a hint of smokiness. We alse have the original recipe for Pho, so you can check it out.
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2 pounds (900g) beef shank 2 pounds (900g) beef shank
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1 onion, quartered 1 onion, quartered
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4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
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1 teaspoon (5g) ground cumin 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cumin
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1 teaspoon (5g) dried oregano 1 teaspoon (5g) dried oregano
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1 teaspoon (5g) paprika 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika
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1 teaspoon (5g) salt 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
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1 teaspoon (5g) black pepper 1 teaspoon (5g) black pepper
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1 tablespoon (15ml) lime juice 1 tablespoon (15ml) lime juice
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1 tablespoon (15ml) orange juice 1 tablespoon (15ml) orange juice
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8 cups (1.9L) beef broth 8 cups (1.9L) beef broth
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2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
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2 tablespoons (30ml) fish sauce 2 tablespoons (30ml) fish sauce
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8 ounces (225g) rice noodles 8 ounces (225g) rice noodles
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Fresh cilantro, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sliced jalapenos for garnish Fresh cilantro, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sliced jalapenos for garnish
Nutrition
- Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
- Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 4g
- Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 4g
- Protein: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Salt: 2.5g
Preparation
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1.In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
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2.Add the beef shank to the pot and sear on all sides until browned.
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3.Add the quartered onion, ground cumin, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to coat the beef with the spices.
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4.Pour in the lime juice and orange juice, and let it simmer for a few minutes.
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5.Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and fish sauce to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2-3 hours until the beef is tender.
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6.While the broth is simmering, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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7.Once the beef is tender, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the pot.
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8.To serve, divide the cooked rice noodles among bowls. Ladle the hot broth and shredded beef over the noodles.
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9.Garnish with fresh cilantro, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sliced jalapenos. Serve hot.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Beef shank — Slow cooking the beef shank will result in tender and flavorful meat. Make sure to remove any excess fat before shredding.
- Rice noodles — Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions, but slightly undercook them as they will continue to soften in the hot broth.
Tips & Tricks
- For an extra Cuban touch, serve the Pho with a side of fried plantains.
- If you prefer a spicier broth, add a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Customize your toppings by adding sliced avocado or diced red onions for added flavor and texture.
- To save time, you can use pre-made beef broth instead of making it from scratch.
- Leftover Cuban-style Pho can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
Serving advice
Serve the Cuban-style Pho hot in individual bowls, allowing each person to garnish their own bowl with fresh cilantro, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sliced jalapenos. Provide chopsticks and spoons for a traditional Pho experience.
Presentation advice
To enhance the presentation, arrange the garnishes neatly on a platter and serve alongside the bowls of Pho. The vibrant colors of the garnishes will add visual appeal to the dish.
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