Pho is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup known for its flavorful broth, tender meat, and fresh herbs. This dish is often enjoyed as a comforting meal and is beloved for its aromatic and rich flavors. Follow this recipe to create an authentic bowl of Pho at home.
Ingredients:
For the Broth:
- 4 lbs (1.8 kg) beef bones (marrow and knuckle bones)
- 1 large onion, halved
- 4-inch piece of ginger, sliced in half lengthwise
- 5 star anise
- 4 cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 8 cups water
For the Soup:
- 1 lb (450g) beef brisket, thinly sliced
- 8 oz (225g) rice noodles (banh pho)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, chopped
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Fresh basil leaves
- Bean sprouts
- Sliced jalapeños
- Lime wedges
- Hoisin sauce
- Sriracha
Instructions:
Preparing the Broth:
- Blanch the Bones:
- In a large pot, cover the beef bones with water and bring to a boil. Boil for 10 minutes, then drain and rinse the bones to remove impurities.
- Char the Onion and Ginger:
- In a skillet, char the halved onion and ginger over high heat until they are slightly blackened.
- Toast the Spices:
- In a dry skillet, toast the star anise, cloves, cinnamon sticks, coriander seeds, and fennel seeds until fragrant.
- Simmer the Broth:
- In a large pot, add the blanched bones, charred onion and ginger, toasted spices, fish sauce, sugar, salt, and 8 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for at least 3 hours, skimming off any foam or impurities.
- Strain the Broth:
- Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into a clean pot. Discard the solids and keep the broth warm.
Preparing the Soup:
- Cook the Noodles:
- Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat:
- Thinly slice the beef brisket and set aside.
Assembling the Pho:
- Arrange the Bowls:
- Divide the cooked noodles among serving bowls. Top with thinly sliced beef brisket.
- Ladle the Broth:
- Pour the hot broth over the noodles and beef, cooking the meat in the broth.
- Add Fresh Toppings:
- Top the Pho with sliced onion, green onions, fresh cilantro, basil leaves, bean sprouts, and sliced jalapeños.
Serving:
- Serve with Condiments:
- Serve the Pho hot, with lime wedges, hoisin sauce, and sriracha on the side.
Pho is a flavorful and aromatic Vietnamese noodle soup that is perfect for any occasion. The rich broth, tender meat, and fresh herbs combine to create a comforting and satisfying meal. Enjoy the authentic taste of Vietnam with this easy and delicious Pho recipe. Chúc ngon miệng!