Description
Vietnamese Noodle Soup, commonly known as Pho, is a flavorful and aromatic dish consisting of rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a fragrant broth made from simmered bones, spices, and meat. It is often garnished with bean sprouts, basil, lime, and chili for a vibrant and refreshing meal. This recipe is a traditional favorite, bringing the essence of Vietnamese street food to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the Broth:
- 2 lbs beef bones (marrow or knuckle bones)
- 1 onion, halved
- 1 piece ginger (about 3 inches), sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 cloves
- 1 tbsp coriander seeds
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 10 cups water
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt to taste
- For the Soup:
- 14 oz (400 g) rice noodles (pho noodles)
- 1 lb thinly sliced beef (such as brisket or sirloin)
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- Fresh basil leaves
- Fresh cilantro
- Fresh mint leaves
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 2–3 Thai bird’s eye chilies, sliced
- Hoisin sauce (optional)
- Sriracha (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth:
a. Roast the beef bones, onion, and ginger on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-30 minutes until browned.
b. Transfer the roasted bones, onion, and ginger to a large pot. Add water, garlic, star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, coriander seeds, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and salt.
c. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 4-6 hours, skimming any foam from the surface to keep the broth clear. - Strain the Broth:
a. After simmering, strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the solids, leaving a rich, flavorful broth. Adjust seasoning if necessary by adding more fish sauce, soy sauce, or salt. - Prepare the Noodles:
a. Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions, usually by soaking them in hot water for 5-10 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside. - Assemble the Soup:
a. Divide the cooked noodles into bowls. Top with thinly sliced beef (the hot broth will cook the beef), bean sprouts, fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, and mint), and sliced chilies.
b. Pour the hot broth over the noodles and beef, ensuring everything is covered. - Garnish and Serve:
a. Serve the soup immediately with lime wedges, hoisin sauce, and sriracha on the side for customization.
Notes
- You can also use chicken or shrimp instead of beef for a different version of Pho.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the beef broth with a vegetable broth and use tofu or mushrooms as the protein.