Name: Vietnamese Stir-Fried Flat Rice Noodles with Beef (Phở Xào Bò)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: Pho Noodles (dried flat rice noodles); 200 grams beef (flank, skirt, or sirloin); 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder or mushroom seasoning; 1 tablespoon neutral oil (for frying); Vegetables: Bok choy, bean sprouts, or your preferred vegetables; Aromatics: Yellow onion, garlic, green onions; 1 teaspoon baking soda (for tenderizing beef); 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 beaten egg

Phở Xào Bò is a savory, stir-fried Vietnamese dish featuring flat rice noodles, tender beef, and flavorful vegetables. With a rich combination of textures and a deliciously balanced sauce, this dish is both comforting and satisfying. It’s easy to make at home with simple ingredients, making it perfect for anyone craving a taste of Vietnamese street food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Savory: The beef, vegetables, and noodles absorb a savory sauce, creating a delightful, umami-rich dish.
Simple to Prepare: With easy-to-find ingredients and a straightforward cooking method, this dish is beginner-friendly.
Customizable: You can use your choice of vegetables and beef cuts to fit your preferences.

Ingredients

Pho noodles (dried flat rice noodles)
200 grams beef (flank, skirt, or sirloin)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder or mushroom seasoning
1 tablespoon neutral oil (for frying)
Vegetables: Bok choy, bean sprouts, or any desired vegetables
Aromatics: Yellow onion, garlic, green onions
1 teaspoon baking soda (for tenderizing beef)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 beaten egg

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Directions

Prepare the Beef & Sauce: Thinly slice the beef, marinate it with seasonings for at least 20 minutes. Mix all sauce ingredients and set aside.
Blanch Vegetables & Noodles: Blanch bulky vegetables and noodles briefly before stir-frying to reduce their volume.
Fry the Beef: Shallow fry the marinated beef in oil until browned, then drain on paper towels.
Stir-Fry Aromatics: Sauté onions, garlic, and green onions in oil until fragrant.
Combine Ingredients: Add noodles, sauce, cooked beef, and vegetables to the pan, stir-fry for a few minutes until well combined, and serve.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Vegetables: Use carrots, snap peas, or any veggies you prefer.
Beef: Substitute with chicken or shrimp for a different protein.
Sauce Adjustments: Add chili flakes for heat or more sugar for sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a little oil to prevent drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh noodles instead of dried pho noodles?

Yes, fresh noodles work, but make sure to cook them quickly as they are more delicate than dried ones.

2. Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Chicken, pork, or shrimp can be used as alternatives to beef.

3. What vegetables can I add to this dish?

You can use any leafy greens, carrots, or snap peas. Bok choy and bean sprouts are traditional options.

4. How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?

After blanching, toss the noodles in oil to prevent sticking.

5. How can I make the beef tender?

Marinate the beef with baking soda and cornstarch to help tenderize it.

6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.

7. What can I substitute for oyster sauce?

Soy sauce with a bit of sugar can be used as a substitute for oyster sauce.

8. Can I add spice to this dish?

Yes, you can add chili flakes or fresh chili peppers to add some heat.

9. Can I freeze this dish?

Freezing is not recommended due to the noodles’ texture after thawing.

10. Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure all sauces are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Phở Xào Bò is a delicious, quick, and easy dish full of rich flavors and textures. It’s a perfect meal for any day of the week and can easily be customized to your preferences. Whether you are craving a comforting noodle dish or a hearty stir-fry, this Vietnamese classic is sure to satisfy.