Pre-packaged pho?

Question

Hi, I live in Southern Callifornia. Which grocery stores can I get pre-packaged pho, you know the kind where all I need to do is add water? I know this isn't the ideal way to eat pho, but my boyfriend is overseas and he's craving it. Also, if you can give me the recipe for homemade pho, that'd be great.

Thanks

Answer 1

Prepackaged Pho tastes nothing like pho. It's more like Ramen noodles version of pho. However it is instant (just add hot water). If he's unable to get to a stove then that's the only choice. They do sell pho broth in a can or bullion cube form. But you'll still have to boil the noodles. Any asian supermarket will sell them. Especially chinese or vietnamese ones.

As for a recipe, Chicken pho is easy, but beef pho is the real deal and takes forever to make from scratch. It's just better if he goes to a restaurant. A bowl of pho is usually 6-8 bucks and a lot less time consuming to make.

Here's the beef recipe: http://www.vietworldkitchen.com/bookshel...

Here's the Chicken one:

http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/chick...

Answer 2

I agree, the home made versions are much better but if you're in a bind you can try Trader Joe's.  I have seen them definitely at Ranch 99 markets.  Any Vietnamese/Asian grocery stores carry them also.

Here's a great recipe:

http://www.vietworldkitchen.com/bookshel...

Answer 3

I never heard of pre-packed pho maybe because i haven't been back to so-cal. but here is a simple pho recipe: serves 2

1:

5c beef stock, 1 lb cooked ox tail

2:

1 T fish sauce, 3/4 t salt, 2 t sugar

3:

2 T chopped green onions

4 onion slices

beef balls

1/2lb fresh thin rice noodles

fragrant spices/herbs and vegetables.(Basil, mint, coriander(cilantro)).

directions:

blanch thin rice noodle in hot or boiling water and drain. place in bowl. place 3 in bowl on top of noodles.

bring 2 to boil add 1, 2 and beef balls then add to rice noodles. serve with fragrant spices/herbs.

hope he like it.

Answer 4

How pre-prepackaged is the pho mix?

There's a pho mix that looks like a large tea bag pouch that's not bad when you don't have all of the ingredients handy.  You still have to add your own stock/broth but that simplyfies the whole process.

The pho in a tea bag is probably a giant step up from the "instant" pho soup.

Besides it's easier to ship overseas.