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Vietnamese Pho

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A traditional Vietnamese soup consisting of broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat, typically beef or chicken. Known for its aromatic and savory flavor, pho is a comforting and nourishing dish enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups beef broth
  • 1 lb beef bones (optional for richer flavor)
  • 8 oz rice noodles (banh pho)
  • 8 oz thinly sliced beef sirloin or brisket
  • 1 large onion, halved
  • 3-inch piece fresh ginger, halved
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 whole star anise
  • 4 cloves
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Fresh bean sprouts (for serving)
  • Fresh Thai basil leaves (for serving)
  • Fresh cilantro leaves (for serving)
  • Fresh lime wedges (for serving)
  • Sliced chili peppers (optional)
  • Hoisin sauce (optional)
  • Sriracha sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Char the onion and ginger over an open flame or in a dry skillet until lightly blackened, about 5 minutes.
  2. In a large pot, bring beef broth to a boil. Add beef bones (if using), charred onion, and ginger.
  3. Add cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, fish sauce, sugar, and salt. Reduce heat and simmer for 1–2 hours for richer flavor. Skim any foam from the surface.
  4. Meanwhile, cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  5. Remove solids from broth with a fine strainer. Keep broth hot.
  6. To serve, divide cooked noodles into bowls, top with thinly sliced beef, and ladle hot broth over beef to cook it.
  7. Garnish with bean sprouts, basil, cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced chilies. Serve with hoisin and sriracha on the side.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, use chicken broth and cooked chicken breast instead of beef.
  • To save time, you can use store-bought broth, but simmering with bones enhances the flavor.
  • Serve immediately to ensure the beef cooks perfectly in the hot broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: Vietnamese pho, beef noodle soup, pho recipe, authentic pho, Vietnamese soup

Find it online: https://zesticook.com/vietnamese-pho/