Beef Pho - Vietnamese

Servings: 6

Author: Chef Connie

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Vietnamese Beef Pho

Pho, a fragrant Vietnamese noodle soup, is famous for its deeply flavorful broth and tender slices of beef. This recipe guides you to make a traditional bowl of Beef Pho (Phở Bò) at home.

Prep time: 30 MinCook time: 3 HourTotal time: 3 H & 30 M

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Ingredients

For Broth:

• 2 lbs beef bones (marrow bones or knuckles)
• 1 lb beef brisket or chuck
• 1 large onion (halved, peeled)
• 4-inch piece of ginger (halved)
• 5 star anise
• 3 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tbsp coriander seeds
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 12 cups water

Noodles and Toppings:

• 1 lb dried or fresh rice noodles (bánh phở)
• 1/2 lb beef sirloin or eye of round (thinly sliced against the grain)
• Fresh herbs: cilantro, Thai basil, and mint
• Bean sprouts
• Lime wedges
• Sliced red chilies or chili paste
• Thinly sliced green onions
• Hoisin sauce and Sriracha (optional)

Instructions

1. Rinse beef bones under cold water. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil for 10 minutes. This removes impurities.
2. Drain and rinse the bones thoroughly under cold water. Clean the pot.
3. Place the halved onion and ginger on a grill, in a broiler, or over an open flame until charred (blackened spots). This adds depth to the broth.
4. In the cleaned pot, add the beef bones, brisket, charred onion, ginger, and spices (star anise, cloves, cinnamon, and coriander seeds).
5. Pour in 12 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
6. Add fish sauce, sugar, and salt. Skim any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
7. Simmer uncovered for about 3 hours. Remove the brisket after 1.5 hours and set it aside to cool. Slice it thinly once cool.
8. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking.
9. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean pot. Discard the solids.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning with fish sauce, sugar, or salt as needed.
11. Place a portion of noodles in each bowl. Top with thin slices of raw beef sirloin, cooked brisket, and green onions.
12. Ladle the hot broth over the meat and noodles, cooking the raw beef slices in the process.
13. Serve with a platter of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chilies. Allow diners to customize their bowls with hoisin sauce, Sriracha, or chili paste if desired.

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Beef Pho is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup consisting of a rich, aromatic broth, flat rice noodles, and tender slices of beef. The broth is typically simmered for several hours with a combination of spices such as star anise, cloves, and cinnamon, which infuse the dish with deep flavors. Served hot, it is garnished with fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, and mint, along with bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chili slices that allow diners to customize their meal to their preference. This comforting dish is not only a staple in Vietnamese cuisine but has also gained popularity globally, appreciated for its balance of savory and fresh ingredients.

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