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Pholalo

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 2 reviews
  • Author: Raymund
  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Total Time: 3 hours 25 mins
  • Yield: 6 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Filipino, Fusion, Vietnamese

Description

Fusion noodle soup combining pho aromatics with rich bulalo beef shank, marrow bones, herbs, and rice noodles.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 1/2 kg beef shank with marrow bones
  • 500 g rice noodles
  • 1 large onion, halved
  • 1 large ginger, sliced lengthwise
  • 5 star anise
  • 1 stick cinnamon
  • 4 cloves
  • 1 tbsp coriander seeds
  • 1 tbsp black peppercorns
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
  • 1 bunch spring onions, sliced
  • 1 cup fresh herbs (basil, mint, coriander)
  • 1 lemon or lime, cut into wedges
  • chili sauce or sliced chilies

Instructions

  1. Place beef shanks in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil for 10 minutes, then discard the water and rinse the bones thoroughly to remove impurities.
  2. Char the onion and ginger over an open flame or dry pan until lightly blackened. This adds depth and smokiness to the broth.
  3. In a clean large pot, combine the beef shanks, charred onion, ginger, star anise, cinnamon, cloves, coriander seeds, and peppercorns. Add 3 to 3.5 litres of water.
  4. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2½ to 3 hours until the beef becomes tender and the marrow softens. Skim impurities occasionally for a clearer broth.
  5. Season the broth with fish sauce, salt, and sugar if using. Adjust according to taste.
  6. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions, then rinse briefly with cold water to prevent sticking.
  7. Divide noodles among serving bowls. Add chunks of beef shank and marrow bones. Ladle the hot broth over the top.
  8. Garnish generously with spring onions, fresh herbs, lime wedges, and chili sauce. Add cabbage or pechay if you want extra Bulalo character.
  9. Serve immediately while steaming hot.