Description
Lao Beef Noodle Soup is a hearty and flavorful traditional Southeast Asian dish featuring tender slices of beef shank served over soft rice noodles in a rich, aromatic beef bone broth. Garnished with crunchy bean sprouts, fresh green onions, fried garlic, and cilantro, this comforting soup is perfect for a nourishing meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Broth and Beef
- 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 Bones and Shank: Rinse the beef bones and shank thoroughly under cold running water to remove any impurities and blood.
- Boil and Skim Broth: Place the cleaned bones and beef shank in a large pot and pour in 8 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then skim off any foam or scum that appears on the surface to ensure a clear broth.
- Simmer the Broth: Reduce the heat to low and allow the broth to simmer gently for 1 hour. This slow simmer extracts flavors from the bones and tenderizes the beef shank.
- Prepare Beef and Broth: Remove the beef shank from the pot and set aside to cool slightly before slicing thinly. Strain the broth through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove bones and sediment, then return the clear broth to the pot.
- Season the Broth: Add 1 tablespoon of fish sauce and 1 teaspoon of salt to the strained broth. Stir well and adjust seasoning according to your taste preference.
- Cook the Rice Noodles: Prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions, typically by soaking or briefly boiling until tender. Drain the noodles thoroughly.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide the cooked rice noodles evenly among four serving bowls. Top the noodles with the thinly sliced beef shank, followed by fresh bean sprouts, chopped green onions, fried garlic, and chopped cilantro for added texture and flavor.
- Serve with Hot Broth: Ladle the hot, seasoned beef broth over the noodle and beef arrangement in each bowl. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy this comforting, aromatic soup.
Notes
- Skimming the broth is important for a clear and clean-tasting soup.
- Adjust fish sauce and salt seasoning to your preference, adding gradually to avoid over-salting.
- Rice noodles can be replaced with fresh noodles if available for a different texture.
- Adding fresh herbs like Thai basil or mint can enhance the soup’s aroma.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Lao
