Pho Xao might be the lesser known pho dish, but this light, stir-fried version is just as satisfying and doesn’t take all day to make.
Phở Xào Thịt Bò (Vietnamese Stir Fried Rice Noodles with Beef) is sometimes referred to as the little brother to Pho Bo. It’s unfortunate because this classic Hanoi street food dish is able to stand beyond the shadow of its more popular brother.
What’s the Difference Between Pho Xao and Pho Bo?
Though the rice noodles (banh pho) used for Pho Xao and Pho Bo are the same, thats where the similarities end. Pho Bo is a beef noodle soup. The fresh rice noodles are cooked with a quick dunk in boiling water, served in a savory beef broth and topped with a variety of aromatic herbs.
On the other hand, with Pho Xao (which directly translates to stir fried noodles) there is no soup. The rice noodles are stir fried with seasonings and a load of vegetables. Once stir fried, the bed of noodles are topped with a light beef and veggie stir fry. The higher ratio of greens vs. beef makes this dish a lot lighter than its older sibling. Its perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch.
Can I Use Dried Banh Pho Rice Stick Noodles for Pho Xao?
I always recommend fresh rice stick noodles (banh pho) if theyre available to you. However, I recognize that fresh may not always be an option. Dried banh pho rice stick noodles will work as well. The taste and quality vary from brand to brand. Some are not so good but some brands are quite good and not much different than than fresh. So definitely dont give up on dried banh pho if you find one that disappoints you. The brand I like is the Three Ladies Brand. To me, they taste closest to fresh banh pho and some would argue that they taste even better than fresh.
If youre using dried rice stick noodles, it requires planning ahead of time. Dried banh pho requires soaking in room temperature water. Depending on the brand and how thick your banh pho is, it could take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour. Youll know the noodles are ready when theyre limp when you pick them up. They should be pliable and resemble fresh rice stick noodles like the ones in the photo below. Once theyre hydrated, you can cook them according to the recipe.
Vietnamese stir fried noodles with beef- “Pho Xao” Recipe
FAQ
What is the difference between Pho XAO and pho?
What is Pho XAO in English?
What is Pho Xao Bo?