Authentic Vietnamese Beef Pho Recipe – A Flavorful & Nutritious

Beef Pho is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup that boasts an incredibly aromatic broth, tender beef slices, and perfectly cooked rice noodles. This dish is well-loved worldwide for its balance of flavors, including the savory umami of beef, the sweetness of charred onions, and the warm spices of cinnamon, star anise, and cloves. Served with fresh herbs, lime, and chili, Beef Pho is a comforting yet sophisticated meal that can be enjoyed any time of the day.

In this guide, we will take you through the detailed process of preparing an authentic Beef Pho Recipe at home. You will learn how to make a rich and clear broth, cook the noodles to perfection, and assemble a bowl of pho that rivals restaurant quality.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 1200mg

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Active Time: 45 minutes
• Resting Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Cuisine: Vietnamese
• Course: Main Course
• Servings: 4

Equipment Needed

• Large stockpot (8-quart)
• Strainer or fine-mesh sieve
• Ladle
• Tongs
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Large bowl (for soaking rice noodles)
• Small saucepan (for blanching noodles)
• Chopsticks or serving spoons

Ingredients

For the Broth:

• 2 pounds beef bones (knuckle or marrow bones)
• 1 pound beef brisket or flank steak
• 1 onion (halved and charred)
• 1 piece ginger (2 inches, charred and smashed)
• 3 star anise pods
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 cloves
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon rock sugar or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 8 cups water

For the Noodles & Beef:

• 14 oz dried rice noodles (banh pho)
• ½ pound beef sirloin (thinly sliced)

For the Garnishes:

• Fresh bean sprouts
• Fresh Thai basil
• Fresh cilantro
• Fresh mint leaves
• Lime wedges
• Sliced jalapeño
• Hoisin sauce (optional)
• Sriracha sauce (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

1. Blanch the Bones: Place the beef bones in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes, then discard the water and rinse the bones to remove impurities.
2. Char the Aromatics: Char the onion and ginger over an open flame or in a dry pan until blackened. This enhances the depth of flavor in the broth.
3. Simmer the Broth: Fill the pot with 8 cups of fresh water, add the cleaned bones, charred onion, and ginger. Simmer over low heat for at least 1 hour, skimming off impurities.
4. Add Spices & Seasonings: In a dry pan, toast the star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and coriander seeds for 1-2 minutes, then add them to the broth along with fish sauce, sugar, and salt. Continue simmering for another hour.
5. Strain the Broth: Remove the solids using a fine-mesh sieve, ensuring a clear broth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 2: Prepare the Noodles & Beef

6. Soak the Rice Noodles: Place the dried noodles in warm water for 30 minutes until softened.
7. Slice the Beef: Cut the sirloin into paper-thin slices and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Pho

8. Cook the Noodles: Boil water in a small saucepan, then blanch the noodles for 30 seconds. Drain and divide into serving bowls.
9. Add the Beef: Place raw beef slices on top of the noodles. The hot broth will cook them instantly.
10. Ladle the Broth: Pour the hot, strained broth over the beef and noodles.

Step 4: Serve with Garnishes

11. Customize Your Bowl: Top with fresh bean sprouts, Thai basil, cilantro, and mint. Serve with lime wedges, jalapeño slices, hoisin, and sriracha sauce for additional flavor.

Tips for the Best Beef Pho

• Use high-quality bones for a rich, flavorful broth.
• Simmer the broth low and slow to extract maximum depth of flavor.
• Char the onion and ginger well to give the broth an authentic smokiness.
• Slice the beef as thin as possible to ensure it cooks instantly when the broth is poured over it.
• Adjust seasonings to taste before serving, as flavors develop over time.

Conclusion

Making homemade Beef Pho Recipe is a rewarding process that results in a delicious, aromatic, and heartwarming meal. While it requires patience, the result is a rich and flavorful broth, tender beef, and perfectly cooked noodles. With fresh herbs and condiments, every bowl is customizable to your taste preferences. Whether you’re a pho enthusiast or trying it for the first time, this traditional Vietnamese dish is sure to become a favorite in your home kitchen.