How many times has this happened to you?
You want a bowl of pho. You don’t want to go out. There is virtually nothing fresh in your kitchen.
Happens to me on a weekly basis. So I cheat sometimes (as with Tom Yum Goong), like the lazy Asian that I am.
Here is what I did have: steady supply of rice noodles in the pantry, long beans sent by Mom, onions, garlic, some rotisserie chicken, and this magical ingredient:
Instant beef flavor. I don’t know what they put in this stuff, but it’s miraculous.
Add this to boiling water with onions and garlic; season just how you like it with sugar, fish sauce, a little lime juice, and infused chili oil… That’s as close as you’re going to get without time or ingredients to make proper broth.
I also added fried onions and pickled cabbage for extra zing. Garnish with whatever vegetables are in the refrigerator (in my case, kale, tomatoes, and long beans). For the meat eater, I shredded up some rotisserie chicken and called it a day.
I hope you are able to figure out the perfect seasoning ratio because I didn’t write down my measurements. Good luck!
Noony Trudges On 
I love this secret brew too. I actually add it to a good pho broth to give it more oomph! 🙂
I add a little to good broth as well but used to be scared of using it as the base. Mom says it’s okay, and she was right!
That’s what I meant. I always add extra stuff to a bowl of pho. Sometimes it ends up quite un-pho-riendly. 😀
Great idea, Noonster! I’ll have to get some of that beef paste. Hah! Sounds gross but bet it’s delish!
“Beef paste” definitely doesn’t have a tasty ring to it. haha
It’s likely the MSG in the beef flavor. 🙂
Had to double check, but nope, no MSG. I’m not really sure what “artificial beef flavor” entails though… could be anything!
Quite likely, we don’t want to know.
I’m happy living in sweet, blissful ignorance. 🙂
I’ve never seen this secret beef flavor paste, but your bowl of soup looks awesome!