Description
This easy Beef Pho recipe delivers an authentic Vietnamese noodle soup experience with a rich, aromatic broth simmered with warming spices. Thinly sliced beef is cooked to perfection by pouring hot broth over it, and the dish is garnished with fresh herbs and vegetables. It’s a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Broth Ingredients
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
- 2 star anise
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces rice noodles
- 12 ounces thinly sliced beef sirloin or flank steak
Garnishes
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Hoisin sauce, for serving
- Sriracha, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the broth: In a large pot, combine the beef broth, sliced onion, sliced ginger, star anise, cloves, cinnamon stick, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 30 minutes to develop deep flavors.
- Strain the broth: After simmering, strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into another pot or container, discarding the solids. Return the clear broth to the pot and keep warm on low heat.
- Cook the noodles: Meanwhile, prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions, typically by soaking or boiling for a few minutes until tender. Drain them well and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Assemble the pho bowls: Divide the cooked rice noodles evenly among serving bowls. Top each bowl with the thinly sliced raw beef arranged over the noodles.
- Cook the beef with hot broth: Ladle the hot broth directly over the raw beef slices in each bowl. The heat from the broth will gently cook the thin beef slices almost instantly.
- Add garnishes: Garnish each bowl with bean sprouts, fresh basil leaves, cilantro, sliced green onions, and jalapeño slices to add freshness and a hint of spice.
- Serve with condiments: Provide lime wedges alongside the bowls, along with hoisin sauce and sriracha for dipping or drizzling according to taste. Enjoy your homemade beef pho immediately!
Notes
- For faster preparation, use pre-sliced beef from the butcher or freezer section.
- For a richer broth flavor, simmer the broth for up to 1 hour instead of 30 minutes.
- You can make a chicken pho variation by substituting beef broth and beef with chicken broth and sliced chicken breast or thigh.
