Pho is a traditional Vietnamese soup, known for its flavorful broth and delicate balance of herbs, spices, and savory meats. The dish typically features rice noodles in a fragrant broth, topped with thinly sliced beef, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lime. Pho is often enjoyed as a comforting meal, especially during colder months, but its fresh ingredients also make it a year-round favorite. This recipe will guide you through creating a rich, aromatic broth from scratch, giving you an authentic taste of Vietnam in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
Broth:
- 2 lbs beef bones (marrow or knuckle)
- 1 large onion, halved
- 1 4-inch piece of ginger, halved
- 5 star anise pods
- 4 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon rock sugar (or brown sugar)
- Salt, to taste
- 10 cups water
Noodles & Toppings:
- 1 lb flat rice noodles (banh pho)
- 12 oz thinly sliced beef (sirloin or brisket)
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, Thai basil, mint)
- 2-3 green onions, thinly sliced
- Bean sprouts
- Sliced jalapeños
- Lime wedges
- Hoisin sauce and Sriracha (optional)
Instructions:
- Roast the aromatics: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the onion and ginger halves on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes until slightly charred. Set aside.
- Prepare the broth: In a large pot, add the beef bones and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then drain the water and rinse the bones to remove impurities. Refill the pot with 10 cups of fresh water, add the charred onion, ginger, star anise, cloves, cinnamon stick, coriander, and fennel seeds.
- Simmer the broth: Bring the broth to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 3-4 hours. Occasionally skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
- Season the broth: After simmering, remove the bones, onion, and spices from the broth. Add fish sauce, rock sugar, and salt to taste. Let the broth simmer for an additional 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the noodles: While the broth is simmering, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the pho: To serve, divide the cooked noodles into bowls. Top with thinly sliced beef, green onions, and fresh herbs. Ladle the hot broth over the beef to gently cook it.
- Garnish and enjoy: Serve with bean sprouts, jalapeños, lime wedges, and sauces on the side for extra flavor customization.
Enjoy your homemade Vietnamese pho with its rich broth and vibrant toppings!
