Soulful Beef Pho

Ingredients

While the original Vietnamese Pho is known for its delicate and light flavors, the Soulful Beef Pho takes a bolder approach. The soul food adaptation infuses the broth with deep, smoky flavors, using ingredients like smoked meat and spices commonly found in soul food cuisine. The result is a heartier and more robust version of Pho that will satisfy your soul food cravings. We alse have the original recipe for Pho, so you can check it out.

• 2 pounds (900g) beef shank 2 pounds (900g) beef shank
• 1 onion, peeled and halved 1 onion, peeled and halved
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cinnamon sticks 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 star anise 2 star anise
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 8 cups (1.9 liters) beef broth 8 cups (1.9 liters) beef broth
• 8 ounces (225g) rice noodles 8 ounces (225g) rice noodles
• 1 cup (240ml) collard greens, thinly sliced 1 cup (240ml) collard greens, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (240ml) bean sprouts 1 cup (240ml) bean sprouts
• 1 jalapeno, thinly sliced 1 jalapeno, thinly sliced
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving Lime wedges, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 12g (5g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 45g (3g sugars)
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, add the beef shank, onion, garlic, cinnamon sticks, star anise, black peppercorns, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and beef broth.
2. 2.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
3. 3.
   Remove the beef shank from the pot and shred the meat using two forks. Set aside.
4. 4.
   Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. 5.
   Strain the broth to remove the solids, then return it to the pot. Bring the broth back to a simmer.
6. 6.
   To serve, divide the cooked rice noodles among bowls. Top with the shredded beef, collard greens, bean sprouts, and jalapeno slices.
7. 7.
   Ladle the hot broth over the ingredients in each bowl.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.

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.
• Collard greens — To achieve a tender texture, thinly slice the collard greens and add them to the hot broth just before serving.
• Rice noodles — Follow the package instructions for cooking the rice noodles, but be careful not to overcook them as they can become mushy.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smokier flavor, you can add a small amount of liquid smoke to the broth.
• Customize your Soulful Beef Pho by adding your favorite soul food ingredients such as collard greens, black-eyed peas, or cornbread croutons.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add more jalapeno slices or a drizzle of hot sauce.
• Make a large batch of the broth and freeze it in individual portions for quick and easy meals.
• Experiment with different cuts of beef, such as short ribs or oxtail, for added richness and flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Soulful Beef Pho hot in individual bowls, allowing each person to garnish their bowl with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice according to their taste preferences.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of the Soulful Beef Pho, arrange the toppings in an organized manner, creating a colorful and appetizing display. Serve the bowls on wooden or ceramic plates for a rustic touch.