Vietnamese Noodles: Lamb Pho

Inspired by Vietnamese pho, here is a tweaked version of the classic noodle soup, Lamb Pho. While it may not be the exact version of Vietnam’s world-famous national dish (WHAT TO EAT IN VIETNAM) the Malaysian-made version can be known as a Malaysian-style lamb noodle soup or homemade lamb pho recipe.

Following the traditional pho style from Vietnamese street stalls, the dish features an aromatic and flavorful lamb bone soup, poured over blanched rice noodles or bee hoon. The broth is simmered with essential spices, as in Vietnamese pho - cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and coriander seeds, which are also common in Indian cooking.

What makes this noodle soup unique is the stir-fried minced lamb instead of sliced meat, lightly cooked with fish sauce and soy sauce. Mint leaves, coriander leaves, Thai basil leaves, bean sprouts, and sliced red chilies add fragrance and a touch of heat. 

Served with a lime wedge to squeeze atop the simple chili-soy dipping sauce.

 

The Vietnamese-style lamb noodle soup is an easy recipe for bringing traditional pho to your home kitchen. Every slurp of the spicy lamb noodle soup, packed with aromatic broth, tender lamb, and fresh herbs, delivers true Vietnamese deliciousness (HA LONG BAY VIETNAM). 

For an authentic Vietnamese chili dip, the YouTube video below will guide you.

 

Ingredients for Lamb Soup

½ kg lamb bones - wash and rinse

Spices: 1 cinnamon, 1 star anise,3 cloves and 1 tbsp coriander seeds (all pan roasted)

1 large red onion - cut into 4

½ inch ginger - sliced

12 cups water

Salt to taste

 

How to Make Lamb Soup

Add all ingredients in a pot and simmer over low heat.

While at it, skim away the floating impurities atop.

Keep simmering for at least 1 hour.

If needed, pour more water.

Once simmered, close with a lid and set aside for ½ an hour.

Next, drain the broth to remove all the ingredients.

Keep it simmering over low heat.

 

Ingredients for Stir-Fried Minced Lamb

½ kg minced lamb

½ tbsp light soy sauce

½ tbsp fish sauce

2 tbsp oil

A pinch of sugar

Salt to taste

 

How to Make Stir-Fried Minced Lamb

Heat oil, and add minced lamb.

Stir-fry, while in between, season with soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar and salt. 

Keep stir-frying until lamb is cook.

Dish out and set aside.

 

Other Ingredients for Lamb Pho (as needed)

Rice noodles/bee hoon - blanched to soften

½ cup bean sprouts

Mint leaves - pluck the leaves

Thai basil leaves - pluck the leaves

Coriander leaves - pluck the leaves

Spring onions - sliced 

Sliced red chillies

Lime wedges

 

Ingredients for Chilli Soy Dip (as needed)

Sliced red birds eye chillies

Soy sauce

A pinch of sugar

A pinch of salt

To make chilli soy dip, mix these ingredients together

 

How to Make Lamb Pho

Assemble noodles, with stir fried minced lamb, bean sprouts, the three herbs and red chillies.

Pour lamb soup atop and serve with the chilli soy dip and lime wedge.