If you're a fan of Asian cuisine, then you've probably heard of the delicious and comforting Vietnamese meatball noodle soup, also known as "pho". This dish is a staple in Vietnamese culture and is gaining popularity all over the world. But what sets this recipe apart from other noodle soups? Let's dive in and explore the unique flavors and techniques that make this dish a must-try for any food lover.
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Chicken Stock, Black Peppercorns, Star
Nothing beats a warm and comforting bowl of Vietnamese meatball noodle soup on a chilly evening. This easy recipe is packed with flavor and can be made in under 30 minutes. The combination of tender meatballs, flavorful broth, and chewy noodles makes this dish a favorite among many. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover chicken you may have on hand. Serve with a side of fresh herbs and hoisin sauce for a complete meal.
2of 20
Vietnamese Meatball Pho Noodle Soup (Pho Bo)
Main Ingredients: Beef Stock, Green Onions, Chopped Cilantro, Ginger, Bay
If you're a fan of traditional Vietnamese pho, you'll love this meatball version. The combination of tender beef meatballs, fragrant broth, and chewy noodles makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. To add a spicy kick, top your bowl with some sliced jalapenos and a squeeze of sriracha. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or even as a quick and easy weeknight meal.
3of 20
Thai Beef Noodle Soup (Whole30, Paleo)
Main Ingredients: Beef Chuck Steak, Garlic Cloves, Cilantro Roots, Black
For those following a Whole30 or Paleo diet, this Thai-inspired beef noodle soup is the perfect recipe to add to your rotation. Made with tender beef meatballs, coconut milk, and zucchini noodles, this dish is packed with flavor and is a great alternative to traditional grain-based noodles. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some extra veggies into your diet. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
4of 20
Chicken Noodle Soup With Pork Meatballs And Tofu
Main Ingredients: Noodle, Oyster Mushrooms, Black Fungus, Bok Choy, Tofu
This unique twist on classic chicken noodle soup is a must-try. Instead of using traditional chicken meatballs, this recipe calls for pork meatballs and tofu for a delicious and protein-packed meal. The combination of tender meatballs and creamy tofu adds a new level of texture to the traditional soup. Serve with a side of steamed rice for a heartier meal.
5of 20
Lion’s Head Meatball Soup
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Soy Sauce, Dry Sherry, Salt, Cornstarch
This Chinese-inspired meatball soup is a classic dish that is packed with flavor. The large and tender meatballs are made with a combination of pork and shrimp, and are served in a flavorful broth with noodles and bok choy. The name "lion's head" comes from the large size of the meatballs, resembling the head of a lion. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or for impressing guests.
6of 20
Thai Inspired Chicken Meatball Soup
Main Ingredients: Ground Chicken, Scallions, Cilantro, Garlic, Fresh
If you love Thai flavors, you'll love this chicken meatball soup. The combination of tender chicken meatballs, lemongrass, and coconut milk creates a fragrant and flavorful broth that will warm you up from the inside out. Serve with a side of rice noodles and top with some fresh basil for a burst of freshness. This dish is perfect for a cold winter night or as a quick and easy weeknight meal.
7of 20
Comforting Noodle Soup
Main Ingredients: Somen Noodles, Meatballs, Spinach, Oyster Mushroom
This comforting noodle soup is a classic that is sure to please everyone in the family. The combination of tender beef meatballs, carrots, and celery creates a hearty and flavorful broth that is perfect for cold and flu season. Serve with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal. This dish is sure to warm you up and bring comfort on a chilly day.
8of 20
Thai Coconut Curry Noodle Soup
Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Ginger, Yellow Curry
For those who love a little spice, this Thai coconut curry noodle soup is the perfect dish to try. The combination of curry paste, coconut milk, and rice noodles creates a flavorful and fragrant broth that is sure to please. Top with some fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a burst of freshness. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or for impressing guests.
9of 20
Spicy Wonton Noodle Soup
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Chilli Paste, Ramen Noodles, Baby
This spicy wonton noodle soup is a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for a cold winter night. The combination of spicy wontons, noodles, and bok choy creates a flavorful and satisfying broth that will warm you up from the inside out. Serve with a side of steamed dumplings for a complete meal. This dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
This Italian-inspired meatball soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Made with savory beef meatballs, tomatoes, and spinach, this soup is packed with flavor and is sure to please. Serve with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal. This dish is a great way to switch up your traditional pasta dishes.
11of 20
Bun Bo Hue (Spicy Beef Noodle Soup)
Main Ingredients: Beef Shank, Beef Short Ribs, Pork Bones, Chicken Stock
This traditional Vietnamese dish is a must-try for any noodle soup lover. The combination of spicy beef broth, beef meatballs, and rice noodles creates a flavorful and hearty dish that will warm you up from the inside out. Top with some fresh herbs and bean sprouts for a burst of freshness. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or for impressing guests.
12of 20
Meatball Soup
Main Ingredients: Italian Style Stewed Tomatoes, Beef Broth, Veggies
This simple and classic meatball soup is a go-to recipe for busy weeknights. Made with beef meatballs, carrots, and potatoes, this dish is packed with flavor and is sure to please. Serve with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal. This dish is perfect for those looking for a comforting and hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
13of 20
Chicken Meatball Noodle Soup
Main Ingredients: Ground Chicken, Eggs, Bread Crumbs, Shredded Parmesan
This chicken meatball noodle soup is a great way to switch up your traditional chicken noodle soup recipe. The combination of tender chicken meatballs, egg noodles, and vegetables creates a flavorful and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter night. Top with some fresh parsley for a burst of freshness. This dish is sure to become a family favorite.
14of 20
Hearty Meatball Soup
Main Ingredients: Meatballs, Olive Oil, White Onion, Diced Celery
This hearty meatball soup is a great way to use up any leftover meatballs you may have on hand. The combination of tender meatballs, vegetables, and barley creates a filling and delicious soup that is perfect for a cozy night in. Serve with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal. This dish is sure to warm you up and bring comfort on a chilly evening.
15of 20
Chickarini Soup
Main Ingredients: Meatballs, Ground Chicken, Egg, Plain Bread Crumbs
This unique twist on traditional chicken noodle soup is a must-try. Made with chickpea pasta and chicken meatballs, this soup is a great way to add some extra protein into your diet. The combination of tender meatballs and chewy chickpea noodles creates a satisfying and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Serve with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.
16of 20
Chicken Meatball Noodle Soup (gluten free and paleo)
Main Ingredients: Butter, Onion, Carrots, Celery Stalks, Garlic, Broth
This gluten-free and paleo-friendly chicken meatball noodle soup is a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Made with zucchini noodles and chicken meatballs, this dish is packed with flavor and is a great alternative to traditional grain-based noodles. Top with some fresh basil for a burst of freshness. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
17of 20
Meatball Stew
Main Ingredients: Meatballs, Potatoes, Carrots, Onion, Celery, Tomato
This hearty and flavorful meatball stew is a great option for those looking for a filling and comforting meal. Made with beef meatballs, potatoes, and vegetables, this dish is packed with flavor and will warm you up from the inside out. Serve with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or for impressing guests.
18of 20
Bitch Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Meatballs, Olive Oil, White Onion, Green Pepper, Tomato
Okay, okay, so this isn't exactly a noodle soup, but it's too good not to include on this list. This "bitch lasagna" is a fun and delicious twist on traditional lasagna. Made with pasta, meatballs, and cheese, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover meatballs you may have on hand. Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
19of 20
Amazing Tomatoes and meatballs soup
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Chicken Broth, Diced
This tomato and meatball soup is a great option for those looking for a lighter and healthier soup option. Made with lean ground turkey and fresh tomatoes, this soup is packed with flavor and is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies into your diet. Top with some fresh basil and parmesan cheese for a burst of flavor. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
20of 20
One Pot Creamy Meatball Soup
Main Ingredients: Meatballs, Ground Pork, Ground Italian Sausage, Minced
This one pot creamy meatball soup is a great option for those looking for a simple and delicious meal. Made with chicken meatballs, cream of chicken soup, and vegetables, this dish is perfect for a cozy night in. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover chicken you may have on hand. Serve with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.
The Secret to Authentic Vietnamese Meatball Noodle Soup
When it comes to making a traditional Vietnamese meatball noodle soup, the key is in the broth. Unlike other noodle soups, such as ramen or udon, the broth for pho is made with a delicate balance of aromatic herbs and spices that give it a distinct and savory flavor. The most important ingredients include star anise, cinnamon, and coriander, which are simmered for hours to extract their rich flavors and create a flavorful base for the soup.
Making the Perfect Meatballs
Another essential element of this recipe is the meatballs. While traditional pho uses beef meatballs, you can also use chicken or pork to make them. The key is to mix the ground meat with fish sauce, garlic, onion, and lemongrass for a burst of flavor with every bite. It's important to mix the ingredients well and let the meatballs rest for at least 30 minutes before cooking to allow the flavors to infuse.
The Noodles and Toppings
The noodles used in Vietnamese meatball noodle soup are thin and flat, called banh pho or rice noodles. They are typically soaked in hot water for a few minutes and then added to the broth to finish cooking. As for toppings, bean sprouts, fresh herbs, and lime are popular choices. You can also add hoisin sauce and sriracha for some heat and sweetness.
In Conclusion
Vietnamese meatball noodle soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a warm and flavorful meal on a cold day or wanting to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills, this recipe is a winner. With its unique blend of herbs, tender meatballs, and noodles, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. So why not give it a try and see for yourself why pho has become a beloved dish all over the world.