Description
Lao Beef Noodle Soup is a hearty and flavorful traditional dish featuring tender beef shank and rich beef bone broth served over delicate rice noodles. This comforting soup is garnished with fresh bean sprouts, green onions, crispy fried garlic, and fragrant cilantro, making it a perfect meal for a cozy day.
Ingredients
Scale
Broth and Meat
- 1 lb beef bones
- 1 lb beef shank
- 8 cups water
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp salt
Noodles and Garnishes
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tbsp fried garlic
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Rinse the beef bones and beef shank thoroughly under cold running water to remove any impurities for a clean broth.
- Cook the Broth: Place the rinsed bones and shank into a large pot and add 8 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, skimming off any foam or scum that rises to the surface to ensure a clear broth.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the broth simmer gently for 1 hour to extract rich flavors from the bones and meat.
- Prepare the Beef and Broth: Carefully remove the beef shank from the pot and slice it thinly for serving. Strain the broth through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove solids, then return the clear broth to the pot.
- Season the Broth: Add 1 tablespoon of fish sauce and 1 teaspoon of salt to the broth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed to balance savory flavors.
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions (usually soaking in hot water until tender). Drain well.
- Assemble the Soup: Divide the cooked noodles evenly among serving bowls. Top with sliced beef shank, bean sprouts, chopped green onions, fried garlic, and chopped cilantro.
- Serve: Ladle the hot, seasoned broth over the noodles and garnishes. Serve immediately for the best flavors and texture.
Notes
- Skimming foam from the boiling broth is essential for a clear soup.
- Adjust fish sauce and salt according to your taste preference.
- Use fresh herbs and crispy fried garlic for authentic flavor and texture contrast.
- Rice noodles cook quickly; do not overcook to maintain their texture.
- This soup can be enriched by adding lime wedges or chili slices at serving time if desired.
