Mariana Islands Beef Noodle Soup

Ingredients

In this Mariana Islands adaptation, we incorporate local spices and ingredients to infuse the broth with a tropical twist. The traditional Vietnamese Phở is enhanced with Mariana Islands flavors, creating a unique and vibrant taste that sets it apart from the original dish. We alse have the original recipe for Phở bò tái chín, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) beef, thinly sliced
• 200g (7 oz) rice noodles 200g (7 oz) rice noodles
• 1 onion, sliced 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized ginger, sliced 1 thumb-sized ginger, sliced
• 2 lemongrass stalks, bruised 2 lemongrass stalks, bruised
• 2 star anise 2 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cups (950ml) beef broth 4 cups (950ml) beef broth
• 2 cups (470ml) coconut milk 2 cups (470ml) coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 lime, cut into wedges 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Fresh cilantro, basil, and mint leaves for garnish Fresh cilantro, basil, and mint leaves for garnish
• Sliced chili peppers for spice (optional) Sliced chili peppers for spice (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 15g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, star anise, and cinnamon stick. Sauté until fragrant.
2. 2.
   Add the beef slices and cook until browned.
3. 3.
   Pour in the beef broth and coconut milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
4. 4.
   Remove the lemongrass, star anise, and cinnamon stick from the broth.
5. 5.
   Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. 6.
   Season the broth with fish sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
7. 7.
   To serve, divide the cooked rice noodles among bowls. Top with the beef slices and ladle the hot broth over them.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh herbs, lime wedges, and sliced chili peppers (if desired).

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — Bruise the lemongrass stalks by lightly pounding them with a rolling pin or the back of a knife. This helps release the aromatic oils and flavors.
• Star anise — Use whole star anise for the best flavor. If you don't have star anise, you can substitute it with Chinese five-spice powder.
• Coconut milk — Shake the can of coconut milk before using to ensure the cream and liquid are well combined.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add sliced chili peppers to the broth while simmering.
• Customize the toppings by adding bean sprouts, sliced onions, or lime wedges.
• If you prefer a lighter broth, you can use chicken broth instead of beef broth.
• Make sure to slice the beef thinly to ensure it cooks quickly and remains tender.
• To save time, you can prepare the broth in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.

Serving advice

Serve the Mariana Islands Beef Noodle Soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs, lime wedges, and sliced chili peppers (if desired). Provide additional fish sauce and soy sauce on the side for diners to adjust the seasoning according to their taste.

Presentation advice

Present the Mariana Islands Beef Noodle Soup in individual bowls, showcasing the vibrant colors of the beef, noodles, and garnishes. Arrange the fresh herbs neatly on top and serve with a lime wedge on the side for squeezing over the soup.