Nui Xao Bo Recipe: How to Make Vietnamese Stir-Fried Macaroni with Beef at Home

If you’re craving a quick and flavorful meal, “nui xao bo” might just become your new favorite. This Vietnamese stir-fried macaroni with beef is a delightful fusion of tender beef, chewy pasta, and vibrant veggies, all coated in a savory, umami-packed sauce. It’s comfort food with a unique twist that brings together the best of East and West.

What Is Nui Xao Bo?

Nui xao bo is a beloved Vietnamese dish that translates to “stir-fried macaroni with beef.” It brings together tender slices of beef and perfectly cooked macaroni, enhanced by a combination of colorful vegetables like carrots and bell peppers. The entire mix is tossed in a savory, flavorful sauce that ties all the elements together beautifully. Nui xao bo is a wonderful example of East meets West, showcasing the use of pasta—a Western staple—infused with Vietnamese cooking techniques and seasonings. Its rich flavors and vibrant presentation make it a comforting and satisfying meal suitable for any time of the day.

Ingredients

For The Pasta

• 8 ounces of fusilli, macaroni, or penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of salt (for boiling water)

For The Beef

• 8 ounces of thinly sliced beef (flank steak or ribeye works best)
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon of dark soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of cooking oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch (optional, for tenderness)

For The Sauce

• 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon of dark soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of water
• 1 teaspoon of sesame oil (optional)

Optional Garnishes

• Sliced green onions
• Fresh cilantro
• Fried shallots
• Chili slices (for extra heat)
• Lime wedges

Tools And Equipment

To prepare nui xao bo efficiently, we need to gather the right tools and equipment. Having these items ready will streamline our cooking process and ensure the dish is cooked to perfection.

Cooking Utensils and Pans

• Large pan or wok: A wok is ideal for stir-frying due to its large surface area and deep shape, allowing us to cook the ingredients quickly and evenly. If a wok isn’t available, we can use a large skillet as an alternative.

Cutting Tools

• Knife: A sharp knife is essential for thinly slicing the beef and chopping the onions, tomatoes, and other vegetables.
• Cutting board: We’ll use a sturdy cutting board to prepare all the ingredients safely and efficiently.

Cooking Aids

• Colander or strainer: This is perfect for draining the cooked macaroni, preventing it from becoming overly wet.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavors in nui xao bo, especially for the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other seasonings.

Mixing and Marinating

• Bowl: A medium-sized bowl is needed to marinate the beef, allowing the flavors to soak into the meat evenly.
• Whisk or spoon: We’ll use one of these to thoroughly mix the marinade ingredients, ensuring the seasonings are evenly combined.

Having these tools on hand will help us create the perfect nui xao bo without any hiccups in the kitchen.

Directions

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making nui xao bo. Follow these directions for a mouthwatering dish bursting with vibrant flavors.

Prep The Ingredients

1. Wash and thinly slice 1 medium carrot, 1 bell pepper (any color), and 1 small onion.
2. Mince 2 cloves of garlic.
3. Slice 8 ounces of beef into thin strips, ensuring they’re uniform for even cooking.
4. Set the vegetables and beef aside in separate bowls to streamline your cooking process.

Cook The Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
2. Add 8 ounces of pasta (fusilli, macaroni, or penne) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta using a colander and toss it with 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
4. Set the cooked pasta aside.

Prepare The Beef

1. In a medium bowl, combine 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar, and a pinch of black pepper.
2. Add the sliced beef to the marinade and coat evenly. Let it rest for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
4. Stir-fry the marinated beef for 2-3 minutes until browned and just cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.

Make The Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 2 tablespoons water.
2. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Keep it handy for the final assembly.

Assemble The Nui Xao Bo

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in the same pan or wok over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Toss in the sliced carrots, bell peppers, and onions. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, keeping the vegetables crisp and vibrant.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the pan, followed by the prepared sauce. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly.
5. Return the stir-fried beef to the pan and toss everything together for another 1-2 minutes.
6. Adjust seasoning if necessary and transfer the nui xao bo to a serving dish.

For optional garnishing, sprinkle sliced green onions or fresh cilantro on top and serve with lime wedges for a zesty touch.

Tips For Best Results

Achieving the perfect nui xao bo involves attention to detail at every step, from ingredient preparation to the final stir-fry. Here are our top tips to ensure your dish turns out flavorful and balanced every time:

1. Choose the Right Pasta

Opt for short pasta types such as fusilli, macaroni, or penne. We recommend using fusilli because its spiral shape traps the savory sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor.

2. Prep Beef Correctly

For tender beef, thinly slice it against the grain. Use cuts like flank steak or shabu shabu-style beef, which cook quickly and remain juicy. Marinate the beef for at least 15 minutes to infuse it with flavor before stir-frying.

3. Cook Pasta Al Dente

Boil the pasta until al dente, as this prevents it from becoming mushy when stir-fried. Drain it thoroughly to avoid excess water diluting the sauce.

4. Maintain High Heat While Stir-Frying

Cooking on high heat is key to achieving the signature smoky flavor known as “wok hei.” Use a large wok or pan to ensure even heat distribution and keep ingredients from overcrowding.

5. Balance Sauce Ingredients

The stir-fry sauce is critical to the dish’s flavor. Taste and adjust the balance of oyster sauce, soy sauce, ketchup, and sugar to suit your preferences. A teaspoon of dark soy sauce can be added for extra color and depth.

6. Add Vegetables Strategically

Stir-fry vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and onions in stages based on their cook time. Start with firmer vegetables like carrots and end with leafy greens like baby bok choy or spinach to retain their crunch and vibrancy.

7. Stir-Fry in Batches

If making a large portion, cook the beef, vegetables, and pasta in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to steaming rather than stir-frying.

8. Garnish for Extra Flavor

Enhance your nui xao bo by garnishing with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or a squeeze of lime juice before serving. These add layers of flavor and a burst of freshness to the finished dish.

Make-Ahead And Storage

Storing

To store our delicious nui xao bo, let it cool down completely after cooking. Once cooled, transfer the dish into an airtight container to keep its flavors intact. Place the container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze nui xao bo for longer storage, allow it to cool completely. After cooling, portion it into freezer-safe zip-top bags or containers. Be sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. When stored in the freezer, the dish can be enjoyed for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that freezing may slightly change the texture of the pasta, but it will remain flavorful.

Reheating

When reheating nui xao bo, you have two options. The easiest is to microwave refrigerated or frozen portions. For refrigerated leftovers, heat in the microwave for a couple of minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even warmth. If reheating from frozen, you’ll need to add extra time and stir occasionally. Alternatively, reheat it in a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water if the dish seems dry to bring back its luscious texture.

Conclusion

Nui xao bo is more than just a meal—it’s a flavorful journey that brings together the best of Vietnamese and Western cuisines. Whether it’s for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting dish to share with loved ones, it never fails to impress.

With the right ingredients, tools, and a few simple steps, we can recreate this vibrant dish in our own kitchens. It’s a recipe that’s as rewarding to make as it is to eat. Let’s savor every bite and enjoy the warmth and richness nui xao bo has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is nui xao bo?

Nui xao bo is a Vietnamese dish that combines stir-fried macaroni with tender beef, colorful vegetables, and a savory sauce. It’s a fusion of Eastern and Western flavors, offering a flavorful and comforting meal that’s perfect for any time of the day.

What type of pasta is best for nui xao bo?

Short pasta like macaroni, fusilli, or penne works best for nui xao bo, as their shapes help the sauce adhere better, enhancing the dish’s flavor.

How do I ensure tender beef in nui xao bo?

Slice the beef against the grain and marinate it beforehand. This helps break down the muscle fibers, ensuring tender and flavorful beef.

Can I make nui xao bo vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the beef and replace it with tofu or mushrooms. Adjust the sauces to stay vegetarian-friendly if needed.

How do I store leftover nui xao bo?

Let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a microwave or pan, adding a splash of water if needed.

What vegetables work best for nui xao bo?

Carrots, bell peppers, and onions are popular choices, but you can customize with other veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy based on your preference.

Can I prepare nui xao bo ahead of time?

Yes, you can make nui xao bo in advance. Store it in the fridge or freezer and reheat as needed. However, for the freshest flavor, it’s best to stir-fry it right before serving.

How can I achieve the smoky flavor in nui xao bo?

Use high heat during stir-frying and avoid overcrowding the pan. Stir-fry in small batches to keep the pan hot and achieve that signature smoky flavor.

What garnishes go well with nui xao bo?

Fresh herbs like cilantro and sliced green onions, along with a squeeze of lime juice, are perfect garnishes for enhancing the flavor and presentation of nui xao bo.

Can I adjust the sauce to suit my taste?

Absolutely! You can tweak the ratios of oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and water to balance sweetness, savoriness, and saltiness based on your preference.

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