For those who like their noodle soup with a bit of a kick, learning how to make Spicy Meatball Pho is a must. This variation takes the classic and beloved Pho Bo Vien (beef meatball pho) and elevates it with a spicy, aromatic chili element. It’s a simple modification that transforms a comforting classic into a fiery and exciting meal that is perfect for warming up on a cold day.
Table of Contents
Spicy Broth
There are two main ways to create the spicy broth for this dish. The first method is to add the spicy components directly into your main pot of pho broth during the simmering process. The key ingredients for adding heat are:
- A Vietnamese sate sauce (*sa tế*), a chili oil packed with lemongrass, garlic, and chili flakes.
- Whole dried red chilies.
- Sriracha or other chili sauces, added to taste.
The second, and more customizable, method is to add a spoonful of sate sauce directly into the individual serving bowl, allowing each person to control their own spice level.
Perfect Meatball
The star of the show is the beef meatballs (*bò viên*). For this dish, you can use high-quality, pre-made Vietnamese beef meatballs from an Asian grocery store. They just need to be heated through by simmering them in the main pot of broth for about 10-15 minutes before serving. Their savory flavor and unique, bouncy texture are the perfect canvas for the spicy broth.
🌶️ How to Assemble Your Bowl
Building your bowl of Spicy Meatball Pho is all about layering flavors. To assemble the perfect bowl:
- Start with your cooked rice noodles in a large bowl.
- Add your desired amount of sate sauce or chili oil to the bottom of the bowl (if not adding it to the main pot).
- Place the hot, simmered beef meatballs on top of the noodles.
- Ladle the steaming hot and spicy pho broth over everything.
- Garnish with fresh Thai basil, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime to balance the heat.
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