🍜 Authentic Vietnamese Pho Recipe (Phở Bò)
Fragrant Broth, Tender Beef, and Rice Noodles in a Bowl of Comfort
Pho (pronounced “fuh”) is Vietnam’s most beloved noodle soup. It features a rich, aromatic broth simmered with beef bones and spices, served over flat rice noodles and topped with slices of beef, fresh herbs, lime, and chili. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or meal prep, this authentic pho recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Pho Recipe
- 🍖 Deep, savory broth simmered with spices
- 🌿 Customizable with herbs, sauces, and toppings
- 🍜 Perfect for make-ahead meals and leftovers
- 🧄 Naturally gluten-free and nourishing
- 🇻🇳 True taste of traditional Vietnamese street food
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the Broth:
- 2 lbs beef bones (marrow and knuckle bones)
- 1 lb beef brisket or flank
- 1 large onion, halved
- 1 piece (3-inch) ginger, halved
- 3–4 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 cloves
- 1 tbsp coriander seeds
- 1 tbsp fish sauce (or to taste)
- 1 tbsp rock sugar or brown sugar
- Salt to taste
- 4–5 quarts water
For the Bowls:
- 1 lb flat rice noodles (bánh phở)
- 1/2 lb raw beef sirloin, thinly sliced (optional for topping)
- Fresh bean sprouts
- Thai basil, cilantro, and mint
- Lime wedges
- Thinly sliced onion & green onions
- Chili slices (optional)
- Hoisin sauce & Sriracha (for serving)
🍽️ Instructions
Step 1: Char the Onion & Ginger
- Char onion and ginger over an open flame or in the oven until slightly blackened. This adds depth to the broth.
Step 2: Prepare the Broth
- Parboil beef bones in boiling water for 5 minutes. Drain and rinse to remove impurities.
- In a large pot, add cleaned bones, brisket, charred onion, ginger, and 4–5 quarts of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Skim foam as needed.
Step 3: Add Spices & Simmer
- Toast spices in a dry pan until fragrant. Place in a mesh bag or directly into the pot.
- Simmer broth for 3–4 hours (or longer for deeper flavor).
- After 2 hours, remove brisket and set aside to cool, then slice thinly.
- Season broth with fish sauce, sugar, and salt to taste.
Step 4: Prepare Noodles & Toppings
- Soak or cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain well.
- Arrange fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime, onions, and chili on a platter for serving.
Step 5: Assemble the Pho Bowls
- In each bowl, place a portion of noodles.
- Top with cooked brisket and raw thin-sliced sirloin (it will cook in the broth).
- Ladle hot broth over the top.
- Garnish with herbs, onion, and sprouts.
👩🍳 Tips & Variations
- Use oxtail or beef neck bones for richer broth
- Don’t skip charring the onion and ginger — it's key to authentic flavor
- Add toasted cardamom or black peppercorns for extra aroma
- Make it chicken pho (Phở Gà) by swapping beef bones for chicken
🥢 How to Serve Pho
- Add hoisin or Sriracha to taste
- Squeeze lime just before eating
- Mix herbs and sprouts into the hot broth for texture
- Enjoy with Vietnamese iced coffee or jasmine tea
📦 Storage & Meal Prep
- Broth: Store in fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months
- Noodles: Cook fresh when ready to serve
- Meat & toppings: Store separately for best texture
- Reheat: Simmer broth until hot, then pour over prepared bowls
📌 Pin It for Later!
Fragrant. Hearty. Comforting.
Save this Authentic Pho Recipe to bring a taste of Vietnam into your kitchen — no takeout needed!
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