Beef Ball (Phở Bò Viên) Recipe

Introduction:

Beef Ball, known as “Phở Bò Viên” in Vietnamese, is a popular addition to the famous Vietnamese noodle soup, Pho. These flavorful and tender beef balls are a delight to the taste buds and a great way to elevate your Pho experience. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make delicious Beef Balls that you can enjoy in your homemade Pho or other dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1/2 cup tapioca starch
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture:

• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork.
• Add minced garlic, salt, black pepper, sugar, and baking powder to the meat mixture.
• Add the tapioca starch and mix everything thoroughly.
• Pour in the fish sauce, sesame oil, and cold water. Continue to mix until you have a uniform meat mixture.

2. Shape the Beef Balls:

• Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking. Take a small amount of the meat mixture and shape it into a ball. Each ball should be about 1 inch in diameter.

3. Cook the Beef Balls:

• In a large pot, bring water to a boil.
• Gently drop the beef balls into the boiling water. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Cook the beef balls for about 5-7 minutes or until they float to the surface. Cooking time may vary based on the size of the balls.

4. Rinse and Serve:

• Once the beef balls float, remove them from the pot and rinse with cold water. This helps to maintain the texture and remove excess starch.
• Serve the Beef Balls in a bowl of Pho, or you can use them in other dishes as desired.

5. Enjoy:

• The Beef Balls are ready to be enjoyed in your favorite soup or noodle dishes.

Tips:

• You can make the beef balls smaller or larger, depending on your preference.
• Adjust the seasonings to your taste. You can add more fish sauce or spices if desired.
• These beef balls are versatile and can be added to various Asian dishes like Pho, noodle soups, or stir-fries.

Conclusion:

Beef Balls, or Phở Bò Viên, are a fantastic addition to many Vietnamese dishes, especially Pho. They offer a burst of flavor and a unique texture that complements the broth and noodles perfectly. With this homemade recipe, you can enjoy these tasty beef balls in your own culinary creations. Enjoy your Beef Balls in Pho or any other dish you like!