Yen Ta Fo, a beloved noodle soup from Thailand, offers a captivating blend of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This iconic dish features thick, chewy noodles swimming in a rich, savory broth, often infused with the umami depth of dried shrimp and a subtle sweetness. Topped with an array of vibrant ingredients like succulent pork, crisp bean sprouts, and fresh herbs, Yen Ta Fo is a culinary adventure in a bowl. The satisfying combination of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy elements makes it a truly unforgettable experience.
Beyond its deliciousness, Yen Ta Fo is surprisingly accessible to home cooks. The seemingly complex flavors are achieved with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques. Ready to embark on a culinary journey and create your own authentic bowl of Yen Ta Fo? Let's dive into the step-by-step guide below to unlock the secrets of this Thai treasure.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Blender
Ingredients
- Bone: 1 kg
- Water: 3 liters
- Coriander roots: 5, crushed
- Chinese garlic: 5 cloves, crushed
- White pepper: 1 tablespoon, crushed
- Salt: 1 tablespoon
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- White vinegar: 1.5 tablespoons
- Fish sauce: 4 tablespoons
- Grilled dried squid: 2 pieces
- Radish: 1, sliced
- Fermented bean curd blocks: 4
- Fermented bean curd juice: 3 tablespoons
- Garlic: 2 tablespoons
- Red chili peppers: 10
- Ground salt: 0.5 tablespoon
- Tomato sauce: 100 grams
- Chili sauce: 150 grams
- Yen Ta Fo red sauce: 3 tablespoons
- Pickled garlic juice: 100 grams
- Oyster sauce: 3 tablespoons
- 5% distilled vinegar (brand QP): 6 tablespoons
- Noodles
- Morning glory
- Pork
- Fried garlic oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Rich Broth
- Mix 1 kg of bone with hot water for 5 minutes.
- In 3 liters of water, add boiled bones, 5 crushed coriander roots, 5 crushed cloves of Chinese garlic, 1 tablespoon of crushed white pepper, 1 tablespoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1.5 tablespoons of white vinegar, 4 tablespoons of fish sauce, 2 pieces of grilled dried squid, and 1 sliced radish. Boil over medium heat, skimming off bubbles.
- Simmer the soup over low heat with the lid slightly open for 1 hour.
Step 2. Craft the Flavorful Yen Ta Fo Sauce
- Blend 4 fermented bean curd blocks, 3 tablespoons of fermented bean curd juice, 2 tablespoons of garlic, 10 red chili peppers, 0.5 tablespoon of ground salt, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 100 grams of tomato sauce, 150 grams of chili sauce, 3 tablespoons of Yen Ta Fo red sauce, 100 grams of pickled garlic juice, 3 tablespoons of oyster sauce, and 6 tablespoons of 5% distilled vinegar until smooth.
- Simmer the sauce over low heat until thickened.
Step 3. Cook the Noodles and Greens
- Boil noodles and morning glory.
Step 4. Assemble and Serve
- Serve noodles in a bowl. Add soup, Yen Ta Fo sauce (1.5 tablespoons), and other desired toppings.
- Add fried garlic oil.
Read more: Rad Na Recipe: Thai Seafood Gravy Noodles
Tips
- You can use different kinds of noodles.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 600-800
- Fat: 25-40g
- Carbs: 50-70g
- Protein: 40-50g
FAQs
1. What kind of noodles are traditionally used in Yen Ta Fo?
Thick, flat rice noodles are the classic choice for Yen Ta Fo. You can find them at most Asian grocery stores.
2. Can I substitute the pork in the recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken, shrimp, or even tofu can be delicious substitutes for the pork. Adjust cooking time as needed for different proteins.
3. How can I make the broth richer?
For a deeper flavor, you can add more dried shrimp to the broth or simmer it for a longer period. A splash of fish sauce can also enhance the umami.
With its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures, your homemade Yen Ta Fo noodle soup is sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy the rewarding experience of creating this authentic Thai dish, savoring each delicious mouthful. Now go forth and impress your friends and family with your newfound culinary skills!