Authentic Vietnamese Pho
Classic Vietnamese noodle soup with rich beef broth, rice noodles, and fresh herbs.
30 mins
Prep Time
4 hours
Cook Time
4
Servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef bones (marrow or knuckle)
- 1 lb beef brisket
- 1 onion, halved
- 1 piece ginger (3 inches), sliced
- 3 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 cloves
- 1 cardamom pod
- 1 tbsp coriander seeds
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 8 oz dried rice noodles
- 1/2 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 bunch Thai basil
- 1 bunch cilantro
- 1 bunch green onions, sliced
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
- 2 jalapenos, sliced
- Bean sprouts
Nutrition Facts
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Instructions
Char the onion and ginger: Place the halved onion and sliced ginger on a baking sheet. Broil for 10-15 minutes until slightly charred.
Prepare the broth: In a large pot, add beef bones and brisket. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface.
Toast the spices: In a dry pan, toast star anise, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and coriander seeds for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Simmer the broth: Add charred onion, ginger, toasted spices, salt, sugar, and fish sauce to the pot. Simmer for 3-4 hours.
Prepare noodles: Soak rice noodles in warm water for 20 minutes, then drain.
Slice the meat: Remove brisket from broth, slice thinly, and set aside. Keep broth hot.
Assemble bowls: Divide noodles among bowls. Top with sliced brisket and raw sirloin. Ladle hot broth over meat to cook it.
Garnish: Add herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and jalapenos. Serve immediately.
Chef's Tips
- Broth clarity: Skim impurities frequently during the first hour of simmering for a clear broth.
- Meat selection: Use a combination of bones with marrow for richer flavor.
- Noodle texture: Don't overcook noodles - they should be slightly chewy.
- Customization: Let everyone adjust their bowl with fish sauce, hoisin, or sriracha to taste.
- Time-saving tip: Make broth a day ahead and refrigerate - the flavor improves overnight.
- Vegetarian option: Replace beef with mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
