Drawing its roots from the heart of Vietnamese cuisine, this pork and noodle soup offers an exquisite balance of flavors. It's a warm, comforting dish with a refreshing blend of herbs, spices, and the tender goodness of pork, all topped with a burst of lime. This soup is a heavenly delight for those chilly evenings or just when you need that extra comforting bowl of goodness.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be readily available in your pantry but fear not, most supermarkets stock these. The Asian fish sauce - a common ingredient in Vietnamese cooking, adds a unique depth of flavor to the dish. You may also need fresh ginger, bean sprouts, and mint - fresh produce that enhances the soup's aroma and texture. Lastly, don't skip the lime; it adds a citric punch that elevates the flavor profile.
Ingredients for Vietnamese Pork and Noodle Soup
Linguine: A type of pasta that's similar to spaghetti but flatter. This will serve as the base of your soup.
Cooking oil: Used to saute the pork and aromatics. Any neutral oil would work.
Pork tenderloin: The star of the soup. Lean and tender cut of pork.
Scallions: Also known as green onions, contribute to the aromatic base of the soup.
Fresh ginger: Adds a unique spicy-zesty flavor to the dish.
Tomatoes: Provide a mild sweetness and acidity to the soup.
Asian fish sauce: A salty and tangy condiment that gives the soup a distinct Vietnamese flavor.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the soup.
Water: The liquid base of your soup.
Chicken broth: Adds a rich and savory taste to the soup.
Bean sprouts: Adds a crunchy texture to the soup.
Lime juice: Brings a tangy freshness that balances the rich flavors.
Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch as a topping.
Mint: Gives a cooling contrast to the soup's spicy and savory taste.
One reader, Laurel Matson says:
This Vietnamese pork and noodle soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so vibrant and the pork is incredibly tender. The combination of fresh herbs and the tangy lime juice really elevates the dish. It's a must-try for anyone looking to explore new and delicious flavors.
Techniques for Crafting Vietnamese Pork and Noodle Soup
How to cook the linguine: Boil the linguine in a large pot of salted water until just done, about 12 minutes. Then, drain the pasta, rinse with cold water, and drain thoroughly.
How to prepare the pork and vegetables: Heat cooking oil in a large pot over moderate heat. Add the pork, scallions, and ginger, and cook for 2 minutes. Then, add the tomatoes, fish sauce, salt, water, and broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the pork is just done, about 10 minutes.
How to assemble the soup: Stir the cooked linguine, bean sprouts, and lime juice into the soup. Ladle the soup into bowls, top each serving with some cucumber and herbs, and serve with lime wedges.
How To Make Vietnamese Pork-and-Noodle Soup
Cooked in a deliciously seasoned broth, this pork and noodle soup is both savory and refreshing thanks to the flavors of cucumber and fresh mint leaves.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ¼lblinguine
- 1½tbspcooking oil
- ¾lbpork tenderloin
- 6scallions,including green tops
- 1tbspfresh ginger,chopped
- 2tomatoes
- 3tbspAsian fish sauce,(nam pla or nuoc mam)
- 1tspsalt
- 2cupswater
- 4cupschicken broth,canned, low sodium
- ¼lbbean sprouts
- 2tbsplime juice,(from about 1 lime)
- 1cucumber
- 1cupmint,lightly packed
Instructions
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In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the linguine for about 12 minutes until just done. Drain the pasta. Rinse with cold water and drain thoroughly.
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In another large pot, heat the oil over moderate heat. Add the pork, scallions, and ginger and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes.
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Add the tomatoes, fish sauce, salt, water, and broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until the pork is just done.
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Stir the cooked linguine, bean sprouts, and lime juice into the soup.
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Ladle into bowls, top each serving with some of the cucumber and herbs, and serve with the lime wedges. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 395.99kcal
- Fat: 12.04g
- Saturated Fat: 2.35g
- Trans Fat: 0.05g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.96g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.83g
- Carbohydrates: 41.42g
- Fiber: 4.73g
- Sugar: 9.77g
- Protein: 31.10g
- Cholesterol: 62.48mg
- Sodium: 1651.67mg
- Calcium: 112.49mg
- Potassium: 1168.75mg
- Iron: 5.49mg
- Vitamin A: 90.50µg
- Vitamin C: 24.47mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Your Pork and Noodle Soup
When cooking the pork, it's important to not overcook it as it can become tough and lose its juiciness. To ensure it's cooked just right, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Once it reaches this temperature, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before adding it to the soup. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the pork, making it tender and flavorful.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Vietnamese Soup
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all the ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup time.
Batch cooking: Make larger quantities and freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals later on.
Organized workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you cook to avoid unnecessary clutter and confusion.
Time-saving tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors and slow cookers to expedite meal preparation.
Plan your meals: Create a weekly meal plan to streamline grocery shopping and ensure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand.
Efficient multitasking: Learn to multitask in the kitchen by working on multiple components of a recipe simultaneously.
Substitute Ingredients For Vietnamese Pork-and-Noodle Soup Recipe
- linguine – Substitute with rice noodles: Rice noodles are commonly used in Vietnamese noodle soups and will provide a more authentic texture and flavor.
- cooking oil – Substitute with sesame oil: Sesame oil will add a nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients in the soup.
- pork tenderloin – Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast can be used as a leaner alternative to pork tenderloin.
- scallions – Substitute with shallots: Shallots will provide a milder, sweeter flavor compared to scallions.
- fresh ginger – Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used as a convenient alternative to fresh ginger and will still impart a warm, aromatic flavor to the soup.
- tomatoes – Substitute with red bell pepper: Red bell pepper can add a similar sweetness and color to the soup as tomatoes.
- asian fish sauce – Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can be used as a substitute for fish sauce to add a savory, umami flavor to the soup.
- salt – Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can be used to season the soup and provide a savory flavor.
- water – Substitute with chicken broth: Using chicken broth instead of water will enhance the overall flavor of the soup.
- canned low sodium chicken broth – Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian-friendly alternative to chicken broth.
- bean sprouts – Substitute with shredded cabbage: Shredded cabbage can provide a similar crunchy texture and mild flavor to bean sprouts.
- lime juice – Substitute with rice vinegar: Rice vinegar can add a tangy, acidic element to the soup similar to lime juice.
- cucumber – Substitute with daikon radish: Daikon radish can provide a similar crunchy texture and mild flavor to cucumber in the soup.
- mint – Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can be used to add a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the soup similar to mint.
Presenting Your Pork and Noodle Soup
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Elevate the plating: When presenting the dish, focus on creating a visually appealing arrangement. Use fresh herbs and edible flowers to add color and vibrancy to the dish.
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Incorporate texture: Introduce contrasting textures to the dish. Consider adding a crispy element, such as crispy shallots, to provide a delightful crunch alongside the tender pork and noodles.
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Emphasize precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component on the plate. Ensure that the pork slices are arranged neatly and the noodles are delicately intertwined to showcase attention to detail.
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Highlight the broth: Use a ladel to carefully pour the fragrant broth into the bowl at the table, allowing the aroma to captivate the diners before they indulge in the flavors of the soup.
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Garnish with finesse: Add a final touch of sophistication by garnishing the soup with a drizzle of chili oil and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Essential Tools for Making Vietnamese Soup
- Cutting board: A flat, sturdy surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile, multipurpose knife for slicing, dicing, and chopping.
- Stockpot: A large, deep pot for making soups and broths.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring and mixing ingredients in hot dishes.
- Strainer: Used for draining noodles and separating solids from liquids.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients.
- Ladle: For serving and portioning out the soup.
- Tongs: Useful for handling and turning the pork while cooking.
- Grater: To grate fresh ginger for the soup.
- Citrus juicer: For extracting lime juice.
- Vegetable peeler: For peeling the cucumber.
- Soup bowls: To serve the Vietnamese pork and noodle soup.
Storing and Freezing Vietnamese Pork and Noodle Soup
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To store leftover vietnamese pork and noodle soup, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate the soup for up to 3-4 days.
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When reheating the refrigerated soup, you may need to add a little extra chicken broth or water to thin it out, as the noodles will have absorbed some of the liquid.
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For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. However, it's best to freeze the pork, vegetables, and broth separately from the noodles.
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To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer the pork, vegetables, and broth to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Squeeze out any excess air before sealing.
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Cook the linguine noodles until just al dente, as they will soften further when reheated. Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water, then toss them with a little oil to prevent sticking. Store the noodles in a separate airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator or freezer.
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When ready to serve, thaw the frozen soup and noodles in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add the noodles to the soup and simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm them up.
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Garnish the reheated soup with fresh bean sprouts, cucumber, mint, and lime wedges before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Reheating Leftover Pork and Noodle Soup
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Reheat the broth in a large pot over medium heat until it comes to a simmer. This will help to revive the flavors and ensure that the soup is heated through evenly.
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If the noodles have absorbed a lot of the broth and become mushy, you can cook a fresh batch of linguine separately and add them to the reheated soup. This will give the dish a better texture.
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Add the pork, tomatoes, and bean sprouts to the simmering broth and cook until they are heated through. This should only take a few minutes, as you don't want to overcook the vegetables.
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Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional fish sauce, salt, or lime juice if needed. The flavors may have mellowed during storage, so don't be afraid to give it a boost.
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Prepare fresh garnishes like sliced cucumber, mint, and scallions. These will add a bright, fresh flavor to the reheated soup.
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Serve the hot soup in bowls, topped with the fresh garnishes. For an extra kick of flavor, you can also add a dollop of sriracha or chili oil on top.
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If you have a lot of leftover soup, consider freezing it in individual portions for easy reheating later. Just be sure to store the noodles separately, as they don't freeze well and can become mushy when thawed.
Fascinating Fact About Vietnamese Pork and Noodle Soup
The Vietnamese pork and noodle soup recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender pork, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. This dish is a popular comfort food in Vietnamese cuisine, often enjoyed for its rich and savory broth. The combination of linguine, pork tenderloin, scallions, ginger, and bean sprouts creates a delicious and hearty meal. The addition of Asian fish sauce, lime juice, and mint adds a refreshing and zesty flavor to the soup. Whether enjoyed as a main course or a light lunch, this Vietnamese pork and noodle soup recipe is a delightful culinary experience. Try it with a Mosel Kabinett wine for a perfect pairing.
Vietnamese pork and noodle soup recipe
Budget-Friendly Vietnamese Pork and Noodle Soup
The cost-effectiveness of this Vietnamese pork and noodle soup recipe is quite favorable. The use of affordable ingredients such as pork tenderloin, scallions, and bean sprouts makes it a budget-friendly option for a household. The addition of linguine and Asian fish sauce may slightly increase the cost, but the overall expense is reasonable. The flavorful and satisfying nature of the dish justifies the investment. On a scale of 1-10, this recipe earns a solid 8 for its balance of cost and taste. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20-$25.
Is Vietnamese Pork and Noodle Soup Healthy?
The Vietnamese pork and noodle soup recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. The use of lean pork tenderloin provides a good source of protein while keeping the fat content low. The inclusion of vegetables like scallions, ginger, tomatoes, bean sprouts, and cucumber adds essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the dish. The broth, made with low-sodium chicken broth, helps keep the sodium content in check.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of oil used for cooking the pork and vegetables to lower the overall fat content
- Use whole wheat linguine or rice noodles instead of regular linguine to increase the fiber content and provide a slower release of carbohydrates
- Add more vegetables, such as carrots, bok choy, or mushrooms, to increase the nutrient density of the soup
- Use a lower sodium fish sauce or reduce the amount used to further decrease the sodium content
- Incorporate more herbs like cilantro or Thai basil to boost the flavor without adding extra calories or sodium
By making these simple adjustments, you can enhance the nutritional value of the Vietnamese pork and noodle soup while maintaining its delicious taste. The soup's combination of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and fresh vegetables makes it a well-rounded meal that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Additionally, the use of herbs and spices like ginger and lime juice not only adds depth to the flavor profile but also provides potential health benefits due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Editor's Take on This Vietnamese Soup Recipe
The Vietnamese pork and noodle soup recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of tender pork, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates a harmonious balance in each spoonful. The use of linguine adds a unique twist to the traditional noodle soup, while the addition of fish sauce and lime juice brings a refreshing tanginess to the dish. The suggested wine pairing with a Mosel Kabinett Riesling is a thoughtful touch, enhancing the overall dining experience. This recipe is a testament to the versatility of Vietnamese cuisine and is sure to impress with its vibrant and complex flavors.
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Why trust this Vietnamese Pork-and-Noodle Soup Recipe:
This Vietnamese pork and noodle soup recipe offers an authentic taste of Vietnam, showcasing the rich flavors of pork tenderloin, ginger, and fish sauce. The combination of linguine and bean sprouts adds a unique twist, creating a delightful fusion of textures. With a balance of savory and refreshing elements like scallions, lime juice, and cucumber, this recipe promises a satisfying culinary experience. The inclusion of tomatoes and mint further enhances the aromatic profile. Trust in the tradition and expertise behind this recipe to savor an exquisite bowl of Vietnamese comfort food.
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