Authentic Vietnamese Pho Xao: Stir-Fried Noodles Recipe

Ingredients

200g of Pho noodles
200g of beef sirloin, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 carrot, julienned
1 bell pepper, sliced
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
2 tablespoons of fish sauce
1 tablespoon of sugar
1 teaspoon of black pepper
2 green onions, chopped
1 bunch of fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lime, cut into wedges
Sriracha sauce to taste

Steps and instructions

Prepare the Pho noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced beef to the pan and stir-fry until it is browned and just cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Stir-fry until the onion is soft and translucent.
Add the julienned carrot and sliced bell pepper to the pan. Continue to stir-fry for a few more minutes until the vegetables are tender.
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Pour this sauce over the stir-fried vegetables in the pan and mix well.
Add the cooked noodles and stir-fried beef back into the pan. Toss everything together to combine and heat through.
Garnish the stir-fry with the chopped green onions and cilantro.
Serve the Pho xao hot with lime wedges and Sriracha sauce on the side for additional flavoring as needed.

Tools for making

Large wok or frying pan - A large wok or frying pan will be used to stir-fry the ingredients.
Small bowl - A small bowl will be used to mix the sauce ingredients.
Knife - A knife will be needed to thinly slice the beef, onion, and bell pepper.
Cutting board - A cutting board will provide a surface for chopping and slicing the ingredients.
Strainer - A strainer will be used to drain the cooked Pho noodles.
Tongs or spatula - Tongs or a spatula will be helpful for stirring and tossing the ingredients in the pan.
Chopsticks or fork - Chopsticks or a fork can be used for serving and eating the Pho xao.
Lime squeezer - A lime squeezer can be used to easily extract juice from the lime wedges.

Recipe variations

Use chicken, shrimp, or tofu instead of beef for a different protein option.
Add bean sprouts, snow peas, or bok choy for extra vegetables.
Experiment with different types of noodles such as rice noodles, udon noodles, or soba noodles.
Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
Include sliced jalapenos or Thai chili peppers for a spicy kick.
Swap the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
Try adding a tablespoon of oyster sauce for a deeper umami flavor.
For a vegetarian or vegan option, omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of fish sauce.
Top the dish with crushed peanuts or sesame seeds for added crunch and texture.
Add a squeeze of hoisin sauce for a touch of sweetness.

Recipe overview

Pho Xao is a flavorful and hearty Vietnamese stir-fried noodle dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings. This recipe incorporates tender slices of beef, vibrant veggies, and soft pho noodles all tossed together in a savory sauce. With its mix of textures and flavors, Pho Xao is a delight to both prepare and eat! In this recipe, we will guide you through the process of making Pho Xao at home. Expect to stir-fry beef and vegetables, prepare a savory sauce, and combine everything with soft pho noodles. The dish is garnished with green onions and cilantro, adding a fresh touch to the hearty stir-fry. Serve it hot with lime wedges and Sriracha sauce on the side for an extra kick. Whether you're new to Vietnamese cuisine or an experienced cook looking to try something new, this Pho Xao recipe is a fantastic option. Enjoy the cooking process and dig into your very own homemade Pho Xao!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of noodle? Yes, you can use other types of noodles such as rice noodles or udon noodles as a substitute for Pho noodles.
Can I use a different cut of beef? Certainly! You can use other cuts of beef like flank steak or tenderloin instead of sirloin if you prefer.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish? Absolutely! You can replace the beef with tofu or extra vegetables to make a delicious vegetarian Pho xao.
Can I add other vegetables to the stir-fry? Of course! Feel free to experiment and add your favorite vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, or snap peas to customize your Pho xao.
What can I do if I don't have fish sauce? If you don't have fish sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile will be slightly different.
How spicy is Pho xao? Pho xao is not traditionally spicy, but you can adjust the heat level to your preference by adding more or less Sriracha sauce.
Can I make Pho xao ahead of time? While it is best to enjoy Pho xao immediately after cooking, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and stir-fry them just before serving to save time.
What other garnishes can I use? In addition to green onions and cilantro, you can also garnish Pho xao with bean sprouts, Thai basil, or chopped peanuts for extra flavor and texture.
Can I double the recipe? Certainly! Just make sure to adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly and use a larger pan or cook in batches if needed.

Serving dishes and utensils

Wok or Frying Pan - A large wok or frying pan is needed to stir-fry the ingredients.
Cooking Spoon - A cooking spoon is necessary for stirring and tossing the ingredients in the pan.
Knife - A sharp knife is needed for slicing the beef, onion, garlic, and bell pepper.
Cutting Board - A cutting board provides a surface for safely chopping and preparing the vegetables.
Small Bowl - A small bowl is required to mix the sauce ingredients together.
Tongs - Tongs are helpful for flipping and removing the beef slices from the pan.
Strainer - A strainer is needed to drain the cooked Pho noodles.
Lime Squeezer - A lime squeezer is useful for extracting juice from the lime wedges.
Serving Bowls - Serving bowls are required for presenting the Pho xao.
Chopsticks - Chopsticks are the traditional utensils used for eating Pho xao.

Origin stories

Pho xao, a popular dish in Vietnam, is a fascinating testament to the country's culinary heritage. This dish reflects the influences of both Chinese stir-frying techniques and French culinary preferences, combined with native Vietnamese ingredients, creating a unique fusion that is characteristic of Vietnamese cuisine. The use of rice noodles in Pho xao is a classic element in Southeast Asian cooking, while the technique of stir-frying brings out the rich flavors of the meat and vegetables. The addition of French-inspired ingredients like beef sirloin adds a distinctive touch to the dish. Thus, each bowl of Pho xao is like a journey through history, offering a taste of the diverse cultures that have shaped Vietnam's culinary landscape.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.