Perfecting Central Vietnamese Pork Rib Noodle Soup - Mytour

The Central region is renowned for its delectable variety of noodle soups. The translucent, chewy noodles blending with the natural sweetness of the broth create an unforgettable taste. Let Mytour guide you through the kitchen with this authentic recipe for Central Vietnamese pork rib noodle soup!

1. Introduction to Pork Rib Noodle Soup

In the Central region, pork rib noodle soup is often prepared with either broth or rice porridge. Depending on the area, people use various ingredients like pork ribs, fish cakes, fresh shrimp, etc. The distinguishing feature of this dish lies in the noodles made from wheat flour, providing a chewy texture and a unique flavor.

Prepare the Ingredients

• Pork ribs: 700g
• Carrots: 100g
• Turnips: 100g
• Rice flour: 300g
• Cornstarch: 100g
• Wheat flour: 100g
• Spring onions, cilantro
• Seasonings: cooking oil, seasoning salt, MSG, sugar, pepper, etc.

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Clean the fresh pork ribs, eliminate any odor by soaking in a dilute saltwater solution for about 5 minutes, or blanch in boiling water with a bit of ginger and purple onions. Then, lift them out, rinse with cold water, drain, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Peel and clean the carrots, white turnips, and cut into approximately 1cm thick slices.
• Trim and wash the fresh spring onions and cilantro, removing any wilted leaves, then finely chop.

Step 2: Making Bánh Canh

• Combine the three types of flour with a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Prepare 200ml of warm water at around 70 degrees Celsius, then slowly pour it into the flour mixture.
• Knead gently and continuously by hand until the dough forms a non-sticky, cohesive mass. Add a bit of cooking oil and continue kneading until the dough becomes smooth, shiny, then divide it into four equal portions.
• Sprinkle a bit of dry flour on the surface, use a rolling pin or a glass bottle to flatten each dough portion 3-5 times before rolling it thin. This method helps make the dough more elastic.
• Once the dough is thinly rolled, use a knife to cut it into strands of desired thickness and length. Remember to sprinkle a bit of dry flour to prevent the bánh canh strands from sticking together.

Image: Collected

Step 3: Prepare the Broth

• After preparing the pork ribs, place them in a pot for simmering. During simmering, keep the heat low and regularly skim off impurities to ensure a clear and enticing broth.
• Add seasoning salt, salt, sugar, chicken stock, and pepper to taste. Simmer for about 10 – 15 minutes, then add carrots and white turnips to simmer together.
• Once the carrots and turnips are cooked, add the sliced bánh canh. Adjust the seasoning, wait until the bánh canh is soft, then turn off the heat. Finally, add fresh herbs on top to finish.
• Note: When adding bánh canh to cook with the broth, the broth may become slightly cloudy and thick. Alternatively, you can boil the bánh canh in a separate pot (adding a bit of cooking oil). Once cooked, lift them out and place in a bowl of cold water to prevent sticking. When serving, simply lift them into a bowl and ladle the broth over the top.

Image: Pé Tý

Finished Product Requirements

Indulge in the enticing aroma and flavors of Central Vietnamese-style pork rib noodle soup. The pork ribs are simmered to perfection, creating a mouthwatering sensation. The broth is rich and velvety, with the sweet and savory essence of pork ribs and fresh vegetables. The soft and chewy banh canh noodles, paired with spicy fish sauce, elevate the dish to a new level of richness. This is the perfect breakfast to kickstart a day full of energy.

Explore more: How to cook pork bone banh canh with intense broth

3. Tips for selecting fresh and delicious ingredients 

In contributing to the success of any dish, choosing fresh and delicious ingredients is crucial. Therefore, right here, Mytour Blog will share with you the secrets to selecting and buying top-notch ingredients.

Pro Tips for Choosing Pork Ribs

• Select pork ribs with a fresh pink color, meat that doesn't stick to your touch, and good elasticity.
• Opt for pork ribs with small flat bones as they have more meat.
• Avoid buying ribs that are pale, watery, and have a strange odor.

Pro Tips for Choosing Carrots

• Choose carrots of medium size, not too large, with a slim and sturdy appearance when held.
• Select ones with a deep orange color, bright hue, smooth and shiny skin without roughness. The stem should be fresh green and tightly attached to the carrot body. 
• Avoid buying carrots with withered stems, soft wrinkled bodies, and many blemishes on the surface. These are signs of being stored for a long time and may affect your health.

Image: Collected

Pro Tips for Choosing White Radish

• Buy radishes that are medium-sized, slender towards the tail. Avoid those with round, chubby tails, as they tend to have a bland taste and are not delicious.
• Choose radishes that still have their stems and roots intact, with the stem remaining fresh. Avoid radishes with shiny skin but rotting stems, as they may have been treated with preservatives, not good for health.

Here are the steps to cook pork rib banh canh with the authentic flavor of Central Vietnam and tips for selecting fresh ingredients. Hope this helps you successfully prepare this dish. Don't forget to showcase your culinary skills to treat your family members to a delicious and nutritious breakfast!

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