Pho is a traditional Vietnamese soup that is both comforting and delicious. It features a rich broth made from simmered beef bones, aromatic spices, and fresh herbs. The broth is poured over flat rice noodles and thinly sliced beef, creating a flavorful and hearty dish.
Pho is often enjoyed as a main course and is perfect for any time of the year. This recipe is easy to follow and uses simple ingredients to create an authentic and satisfying meal. Try making pho at home to experience the wonderful flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.
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Why This Recipe Works
This pho recipe works well because it focuses on creating a deeply flavorful broth, which is the heart of any good pho. Roasting the beef bones before simmering them with spices like star anise, cloves, and cinnamon adds depth and complexity to the broth. The fresh ginger and fish sauce enhance the savory, umami taste, making every sip delightful.
You should make this pho recipe because it’s versatile and customizable. You can adjust the toppings and condiments to suit your taste, making each bowl unique. It’s also a great dish to serve to family and friends, offering a communal and interactive dining experience. The combination of the rich broth, tender beef, and fresh herbs makes this pho an irresistible and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Beef Bones - The base for a rich and flavorful broth. You can substitute with chicken bones for a lighter broth.
Rice Noodles - These flat noodles are essential for pho. Substitute with gluten-free rice noodles if needed.
Beef Slices - Typically eye of round or brisket, thinly sliced. Chicken or tofu can be used as substitutes.
Ginger - Adds warmth and depth to the broth. Fresh ginger is best, but ground ginger can be used in a pinch.
Fish Sauce - Provides a savory umami flavor. Soy sauce can be used as a substitute for a different taste.
Tips
- Roast the beef bones before simmering to enhance the broth's flavor.
- Skim the broth regularly to remove impurities and keep it clear.
- Soak rice noodles in warm water before adding to the broth to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Add fresh herbs like cilantro and basil just before serving for extra freshness.
- Use a cheesecloth to bundle spices for easy removal from the broth.
How to Serve
Pho is best served hot with a variety of fresh herbs and condiments on the side. This allows each person to customize their bowl to their taste. Common toppings include bean sprouts, fresh basil, cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced chili peppers. A side of hoisin sauce and sriracha can add a sweet or spicy kick.
- Serve pho as a main course with a platter of fresh herbs, lime wedges, and bean sprouts for a DIY experience.
- Offer small bowls of hoisin sauce and sriracha on the side for guests to adjust the flavor to their liking.
- Pair pho with a light salad or fresh spring rolls for a complete Vietnamese-inspired meal.
Similar Recipes
Pho
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef bones
- 1 onion halved
- 4- inch piece of ginger sliced
- 5 star anise
- 3 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 8 cups water
- ยผ cup fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 pound rice noodles
- ยฝ pound thinly sliced beef eye of round or brisket
- Fresh herbs cilantro, basil
- Bean sprouts
- Lime wedges
- Sliced chili peppers
- Hoisin sauce and sriracha optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place beef bones on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes.
- In a large pot, add roasted bones, onion, ginger, star anise, cloves, cinnamon stick, and coriander seeds. Cover with water and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 3-4 hours. Skim any foam that rises to the top.
- Strain the broth, discarding solids. Return the broth to the pot and add fish sauce and sugar. Simmer for another 30 minutes.
- Soak rice noodles in warm water for 20 minutes, then drain.
- In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and divide noodles into bowls.
- Top each bowl with thinly sliced beef. Pour hot broth over the beef and noodles to cook the meat.
- Serve immediately with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sliced chili peppers. Add hoisin sauce and sriracha if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
• Skim the broth regularly to remove impurities and keep it clear.
• Soak rice noodles in warm water before adding to the broth to prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Add fresh herbs like cilantro and basil just before serving for extra freshness.
• Use a cheesecloth to bundle spices for easy removal from the broth.