Mexican-Inspired Pho

Ingredients

While the original Vietnamese Pho typically features a delicate and aromatic broth with Asian spices, this Mexican adaptation adds a bold and spicy twist. The traditional Pho ingredients are enhanced with Mexican spices like cumin, chili powder, and chipotle peppers, giving it a unique and vibrant flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Pho, so you can check it out.

• 8 cups (1.9 liters) beef broth 8 cups (1.9 liters) beef broth
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, sliced 1 jalapeno pepper, sliced
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil 1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) soy sauce 1 tablespoon (15ml) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) fish sauce 1 tablespoon (15ml) fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cumin 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon (5g) chili powder 1 teaspoon (5g) chili powder
• 1 teaspoon (5g) chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced 1 teaspoon (5g) chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 star anise 1 star anise
• 1 pound (450g) beef sirloin, thinly sliced 1 pound (450g) beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces (225g) rice noodles 8 ounces (225g) rice noodles
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving Lime wedges, for serving
• Sliced jalapenos, for serving Sliced jalapenos, for serving
• Avocado slices, for serving Avocado slices, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 2.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and jalapeno pepper. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
2. 2.
   Add the beef broth, soy sauce, fish sauce, cumin, chili powder, chipotle peppers, cinnamon stick, and star anise to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. 3.
   While the broth is simmering, cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. 4.
   After 30 minutes, remove the cinnamon stick and star anise from the broth. Add the sliced beef to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes until the beef is cooked to your desired doneness.
5. 5.
   To serve, divide the cooked rice noodles among bowls. Ladle the hot broth and beef over the noodles. Top with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, sliced jalapenos, and avocado slices. Serve immediately.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef — For a more tender result, freeze the beef for 30 minutes before slicing it thinly.
• Rice noodles — Be careful not to overcook the rice noodles as they can become mushy. Follow the package instructions and rinse with cold water after cooking to prevent sticking.
• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce — Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers according to your spice preference. Start with a small amount and add more if desired.
• Cilantro — If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley for a similar herbaceous flavor.
• Avocado — Choose ripe avocados that are slightly soft to the touch for the best texture and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• To add an extra layer of flavor, toast the cinnamon stick and star anise in a dry pan for a minute before adding them to the broth.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of jalapeno peppers and chipotle peppers to suit your taste.
• For a heartier meal, add cooked shredded chicken or shrimp along with the beef.
• Serve with a side of Mexican hot sauce or salsa for those who prefer an extra kick of heat.
• Leftover broth can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Mexican-Inspired Pho piping hot in individual bowls. Encourage your guests to squeeze fresh lime juice over their bowls and garnish with additional cilantro, sliced jalapenos, and avocado slices to enhance the flavors. Provide chopsticks and spoons for a traditional Pho experience.

Presentation advice

For an eye-catching presentation, arrange the sliced beef, rice noodles, and garnishes neatly on top of the broth in each bowl. Sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top for a pop of color. Serve the Pho with a side plate of lime wedges, sliced jalapenos, and avocado slices for guests to add as desired.