Vietnamese Pho

Vietnamese pho is a fragrant and comforting noodle soup made with delicate rice noodles, thinly sliced beef or chicken, and a flavorful clear broth infused with aromatic spices. Known for its balance of savory, sweet, and herbal notes, pho is a beloved dish in Vietnam and around the world.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pho recipe delivers the authentic essence of Vietnamese cuisine right in your kitchen. The simmered broth is deeply aromatic without being heavy, the rice noodles are soft yet springy, and the fresh herbs add brightness to every spoonful. Whether enjoyed on a cold day or as a light, wholesome meal, pho is both satisfying and refreshing. It is also highly customizable, making it easy to adapt to different preferences and dietary needs.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Rice noodles (medium-width, dried or fresh)

• Beef bones (marrow or knuckle bones) or chicken bones

• Thinly sliced beef (such as sirloin, eye of round) or cooked shredded chicken

• Onion

• Fresh ginger

• Whole star anise

• Whole cloves

• Cinnamon stick

• Coriander seeds

• Fish sauce

• Rock sugar or regular sugar

• Salt

• Fresh bean sprouts

• Fresh Thai basil

• Fresh cilantro

• Fresh mint

• Lime wedges

• Fresh chili slices (optional)

directions

1. Rinse the bones under cold water and parboil them for 5–7 minutes to remove impurities. Drain and rinse.

2. Place bones in a large stockpot with fresh water. Add halved onion and sliced ginger.

3. Toast the star anise, cloves, cinnamon stick, and coriander seeds in a dry pan for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add them to the pot.

4. Simmer the broth gently for 4–6 hours for beef (or 2–3 hours for chicken), skimming off any foam.

5. Season with fish sauce, sugar, and salt to taste.

6. Strain the broth and return it to a clean pot.

7. Prepare rice noodles according to package instructions, then divide them into serving bowls.

8. Top noodles with thinly sliced raw beef (which will cook in the hot broth) or pre-cooked chicken.

9. Pour hot broth over the meat and noodles.

10. Garnish with bean sprouts, herbs, lime wedges, and chili slices. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4–6
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 4–6 hours for beef broth (2–3 hours for chicken broth)
Total time: Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours 30 minutes (beef) or 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes (chicken)

Variations

• Vegetarian Pho: Use vegetable broth and add tofu or mushrooms instead of meat.

• Spicy Pho: Add chili oil or sliced fresh chilies to the broth for extra heat.

• Seafood Pho: Use shrimp or fish fillets and a lighter seafood broth.

• Pho Ga (Chicken Pho): Use chicken bones and shredded chicken breast.

• Low-Carb Pho: Substitute zucchini noodles for rice noodles.

storage/reheating

Store leftover broth in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Keep noodles and toppings separate to maintain texture. To reheat, bring the broth to a gentle simmer before serving, and warm the noodles briefly in hot water.

FAQs

How do I get a clear broth?

Parboil the bones and skim the broth regularly during simmering to remove impurities.

Can I make pho in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can cook beef pho in about 1.5–2 hours using the pressure cook setting.

What type of noodles should I use?

Medium-width flat rice noodles are traditional for pho.

Can I prepare the broth a day ahead?

Yes, the flavor actually improves after resting overnight in the refrigerator.

How do I slice the beef thinly?

Freeze it for 20–30 minutes before slicing with a sharp knife.

Is pho gluten-free?

Yes, if you ensure the fish sauce and other seasonings are gluten-free.

What herbs are essential for pho?

Thai basil, cilantro, and mint are the most common.

How do I make it less salty?

Add more water or unsalted broth to dilute the flavor.

Can I skip the sugar?

Yes, but a small amount helps balance the flavors.

What’s the difference between pho and ramen?

Pho has a lighter, clearer broth flavored with spices, while ramen broth is typically richer and often made with soy-based seasonings.

Conclusion

Vietnamese pho is a soul-warming dish that combines delicate noodles, aromatic broth, and fresh herbs into a perfectly balanced bowl. Whether enjoyed in its traditional beef form or customized with your preferred proteins and garnishes, pho offers comfort, nutrition, and a taste of Vietnam in every spoonful

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