Description
A rustic, game-inspired version of Vietnam’s beloved noodle soup that combines the rich flavors of wild venison with aromatic spices. This hearty dish uses tender, thinly sliced venison sirloin instead of traditional beef, creating a robust flavor profile that honors both wilderness traditions and Asian culinary excellence.
Ingredients
1 lb venison sirloin, thinly sliced
12 cups venison broth
2 onions, halved
4-inch piece of ginger, sliced
3–4 star anise
3–4 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons sugar
Rice noodles
1 bunch each: cilantro, Thai basil, mint
2 cups fresh bean sprouts
3 limes (juiced plus wedges)
Sriracha and hoisin sauce for serving
Instructions
1. Marinate venison in fish sauce and sugar for 30 minutes.
2. Partially freeze venison for easier slicing (30-45 minutes).
3. Char onions and ginger in dry pot until blackened (5-7 minutes).
4. Toast whole spices until fragrant (1-2 minutes).
5. Add oil and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
6. Add broth and simmer for 30 minutes.
7. Prepare rice noodles according to package instructions.
8. Strain and season broth with remaining fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar.
9. Slice semi-frozen venison very thinly against the grain.
10. Assemble bowls with noodles, raw venison, and pour boiling broth over top.
Notes
Use homemade venison broth for best results.
Semi-freezing the meat is crucial for achieving paper-thin slices.
The raw venison will cook perfectly in the hot broth.
Store components separately if making ahead.
Serve with plenty of fresh herbs and garnishes for authenticity.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vietnamese-Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Baby bok choy, ground venison, rice noodles, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, thai basil, bean sprouts, deer, chili sauce, star anise, fish sauce, venison pho, wild game pho, vietnamese venison soup, game meat pho recipe