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Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This pho meatballs
- Deliciously aromatic with fresh herbs and spices.
- Easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies and noodles.
- Healthy and satisfying, packed with protein.
pho meatballs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, minced onion, garlic, fish sauce, salt, pepper, sugar, and cinnamon. Mix gently until just combined. Form the mixture into small meatballs.
- In a pot, bring beef broth and star anise to a gentle boil. Carefully add the meatballs to the pot. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until they are cooked through.
- While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Divide the cooked noodles among bowls. Ladle the hot broth and meatballs over the noodles. Garnish with fresh basil, cilantro, bean sprouts, sliced chili, and lime wedges before serving.
Notes
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbs | 30g |
Ingredients
Gather these tasty ingredients to create delicious pho meatballs!
- 1 lb ground beef – main protein for the meatballs
- 1/2 lb ground chicken – substitute for pork, adding lean flavor
- 1 small onion – minced for depth of flavor
- 2 cloves garlic – minced for an aromatic kick
- 2 tbsp fish sauce – brings umami to the meatballs
- 1 tsp salt – enhances overall taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – a touch of heat
- 1 tsp sugar – balances the flavors
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon – adds warmth
- 2 star anise – infuses traditional pho flavor
- 6 cups beef broth – the savory base for the soup
- rice noodles – for a filling component
- fresh basil – garnishing for freshness
- cilantro – adds a burst of flavor
- lime wedges – to brighten the dish
- bean sprouts – for crunch
- sliced chili – for a spicy kick
How to Make pho meatballs
This delightful pho meatballs recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook. With a little extra time for resting, you’ll have a warm, savory dish ready to enjoy!
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a bowl, combine ground beef, minced onion, garlic, fish sauce, salt, pepper, sugar, and cinnamon. Mix gently until just combined. Form the mixture into small meatballs.
Step 2: Cook the Meatballs
In a pot, bring beef broth and star anise to a gentle boil. Carefully add the meatballs to the pot. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until they are cooked through.
Step 3: Prepare the Noodles
While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Divide the cooked noodles among bowls. Ladle the hot broth and meatballs over the noodles. Garnish with fresh basil, cilantro, bean sprouts, sliced chili, and lime wedges before serving.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | Vietnamese |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Extra Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Dietary | High Protein |
| Serves | 6 |
| Best Served | Hot with fresh garnishes! |
Pro Tips for Making pho meatballs
- Use lean ground beef or chicken for a healthier option.
- Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions for vibrant flavor.
- Chill the meat mixture before forming meatballs for better texture.
- Simmer the meatballs gently to keep them tender and juicy.
- Serve with lime wedges and fresh basil for a refreshing finish.
How to Serve this pho meatballs
- Serve in a warm bowl of savory broth for a comforting meal.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, and mint for a burst of flavor.
- Add lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick.
- Pair with rice noodles for a traditional pho experience.
- Top with bean sprouts and sliced jalapeños for extra crunch and heat.
- Enjoy with a side of hoisin sauce and sriracha for dipping.
- For a lighter option, serve with steamed vegetables instead of noodles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your pho meatballs later is easy!
Storing Leftovers
- Allow meatballs to cool completely.
- Place in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Keep broth separate to maintain texture.
Freezing
- Cool meatballs and broth before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Label with date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat broth on the stove until simmering.
- Add meatballs to the broth to warm through.
- Microwave meatballs if preferred, but check for even heating.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What are the meatballs in pho made of?
Pho meatballs are typically made from a combination of ground beef or chicken, mixed with spices such as garlic, ginger, and green onions. Some recipes also include rice flour or tapioca starch to help bind the meatballs and give them a delightful texture. This combination creates a flavorful and tender meatball that complements the savory broth of pho perfectly.
2. Why are Vietnamese meatballs chewy?
Vietnamese meatballs often have a chewy texture due to the use of certain ingredients like tapioca starch or rice flour, which help create a bouncy consistency. Additionally, the method of mixing the meat thoroughly until it becomes sticky also contributes to this unique texture. This chewiness is a beloved characteristic of authentic Vietnamese meatballs, making them a delightful addition to pho.
3. What are in Vietnamese meatballs?
Vietnamese meatballs typically include ground meat (such as beef or chicken), garlic, shallots, and a blend of spices like black pepper and fish sauce. Some recipes may also incorporate herbs like cilantro or green onions for added flavor. The combination of these ingredients creates a savory and aromatic meatball that enhances the overall taste of pho.
4. What kind of meat goes with pho?
Pho is traditionally made with beef, but you can also use chicken or even seafood for a different twist. Common cuts of beef include brisket, flank, or sirloin, while chicken can be used in the form of shredded meat or whole pieces. The choice of meat can greatly influence the flavor of the broth, so feel free to experiment with your favorites to find the perfect match for your pho!
Final Thoughts
We hope you’re as excited to try these pho meatballs as we are! They’re not just easy to make, but each bite is a warm hug of flavor that brings back memories of cozy family dinners. So gather your ingredients, let the savory broth simmer, and enjoy this delightful dish that’s sure to become a favorite!