Backpacker's Pho
By Dally Tram | Photographer, Climber, Backcountry Chef
In light of the Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Vietnam’s largest celebration), traditionally known as “Tết”, I wanted to share my Backpacker’s take on a Vietnamese classic, Pho. Now this dish normally requires hours of preparation and cook time, but we are on the trail and we have 5 minutes. So, take a trip to your local asian market and let’s get cooking.
This pho inspired recipe is designed for simplicity without compromising on the iconic flavor. Being a Vietnamese-American that is passionate about the outdoors, there is nothing more comforting than cozying up to a meal that defined my childhood. It is a perfect way to combine my culture with my passion.
All ingredients are extremely lightweight and fit into a small sandwich bag. This recipe is so quick, easy, and delicious that any Vietnamese granny would be proud.
Ingredients:
- 1 small bundle of dry flat rice noodles*
- 1 pho hoa spice packet*
- 1 bouillon cube (vegetable, chicken, or beef flavor)
- 5-10 pieces of soy protein*
- 1 small piece of rock sugar (roughly the size of a grape or alternatively use 1 tsp of brown sugar)*
- 1 tbsp of dehydrated onions
- Optional garnish: green onions and cilantro can be added
Substitutions:
- Rice noodles can be replaced with ramen noodles
- Pho Hoa spice packet can be DIY by combining ground cloves, ground star anise, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger in a tea bag
- Soy protein can be replaced with any other protein
- Rock sugar can be replaced with brown sugar
Tools:
- Jetboil Flash Cooking System
- Utensil of choice (chopsticks or fork)
Directions:
Preparations: Add all ingredients to a small reusable bag or sturdy container
- Add all ingredients (rice noodles, spice bag, bouillon cube, soy protein, and rock sugar) into a jetboil system.
- Add 2 cups of water and bring to a boil, once a rolling boil is reached, turn off the flame.
- The spice packet will inflate in your jetboil, but have no fear, this is normal.
- Stir ingredients until the bouillon cube and rock sugar are dissolved
- Cover with lid for approximately 5 minutes
- Once the rice noodles and soy protein are soft, remove and discard the spice packet.
- Add optional garnish if desired, mix gently and enjoy!
Tips:
- There are many different bundle sizes of flat rice noodles available at most asian markets, make sure you choose a bundle that is compact enough to fit into your jetboil system. (or alternatively portion enough for your serving size)
- The soy proteins are a great light weight and dry ingredient, they can have a tough texture if not completely softened by hot water. Make sure to allow the protein pieces to soak in hot water and soften completely before enjoying.
- For a more rich flavor, leave the spice packet in your soup to steep longer.
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