Beef Meatball Pho Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Beef Meatballs:

• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1 small onion, finely minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Broth:

• 8 cups beef broth
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3-4 slices of fresh ginger
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3-4 star anise pods
• 2-3 cloves
• 1 cardamom pod
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• Salt and sugar to taste
• Rice noodles, cooked according to package instructions
• Fresh bean sprouts
• Fresh basil leaves
• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Lime wedges
• Sriracha or hoisin sauce (optional)

Instructions:

For the Beef Meatballs:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, minced onion, minced garlic, minced ginger, breadcrumbs, egg, fish sauce, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix the ingredients until well combined.
3. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get approximately 20 meatballs.
4. Place the meatballs on a tray or plate and refrigerate them for about 30 minutes to firm up.

For the Broth:

1. In a large pot, add the beef broth and bring it to a simmer.
2. Add the sliced onion, fresh ginger slices, cinnamon stick, star anise pods, cloves, cardamom pod, coriander seeds, and fennel seeds to the broth.
3. Let the broth simmer for about 30-40 minutes to infuse the flavors. Season with salt and sugar to taste.

To Assemble:

1. While the broth is simmering, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. When the broth is ready, strain it to remove the spices and aromatics, leaving you with a clear and flavorful broth.
3. Return the strained broth to the pot and keep it simmering.
4. Add the meatballs to the simmering broth and cook for about 10-12 minutes until they are fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
5. To serve, divide the cooked rice noodles among serving bowls.
6. Ladle the hot broth and meatballs over the noodles.
7. Serve your beef meatball pho with fresh bean sprouts, basil leaves, cilantro leaves, lime wedges, and condiments like Sriracha or hoisin sauce if desired.
8. Enjoy your homemade beef meatball pho!

This delicious and hearty bowl of pho is a comforting meal that’s perfect for any time of the year. Customize it with your favorite herbs and condiments for a satisfying dining experience.