Experience the magic of one of the greatest noodle soups in the world with this easy to follow traditional Vietnamese Pho recipe! Made from scratch with the signature broth that’s light yet at the same time so full of flavour, it’s infused with spices like cinnamon, star anise and cardamom. The soup is utterly addictive and every spoonful leaves you wanting more!
This Pho recipe has been in the works for a while now. It’s been quietly made and remade by various RecipeTin family members since our first trip to Vietnam. We’ve compared notes, debated furiously about how the latest iteration compared to the (many) bowls of Pho soup we slurped during our travels, and our favourite Pho restaurants back home here in Sydney.
We take our Pho very seriously. One of the greatest noodle soups in the whole world commands respect!
And I am very pleased to report every member of the RecipeTin family whole heartedly approves of this final recipe!
This homemade Pho recipe is actually quite straightforward – but you do need a very large pot!
If you’re wondering “What is Pho?” then you’re probably also wondering “Why is she so bonkers over it???”
The Pho soup broth is everything. It’s light yet full of flavour, deceptively beefy, savoury, complex, has the tiniest hint of richness and is filled with beautiful spices like cinnamon.
Pho is the first thing you seek upon landing in Vietnam, always choosing vendors crowded with locals rather than tourists!
Beef broth: Pho usually has a clear beef broth made from bones and meat that’s flavored with star anise and cloves for a subtle spice. Rice noodles: These flat noodles are delicate in texture and usually cooked separately to prevent them from getting mushy.
How to make this Beef Pho
While you’ll need to man handle a considerable mound of bones and beef, I think you might be surprised how straightforward it actually is to make pho. It’s more time than anything – and a very big pot!
- Quick boil – Remove impurities from beef with a 5 minute boil, it’s the path to a beautiful clear soup;
- Scum – be amazed at all the icky stuff that comes out;
- Wash the bones to get all the icky scum off;
- Simmer for 3 hours – bones, beef, water, onion, ginger and spices (cinnamon, cardamom, coriander, star anise);
- Remove brisket – some is used for Pho topping, see below recipe for ways to use remainder;
- Simmer 40 minutes further with just bones;
- Strain; then
- Ladle into bowls over noodles and pile on Toppings!
How to serve Pho
The classic way to serve Pho is with:
- rice noodles – fresh or dry;
- thinly sliced raw beef that cooks to a perfect medium rare when the hot broth is ladled over – see below for more information;
- piles of bean sprouts, Thai basil and coriander/cilantro on the side – help yourself as you eat the pho;
- lime wedges; and
- hoisin sauce and sriracha (or other chilli sauce).
Typically, the bowls come out with just noodles, beef and broth, then everything else is served on the side.
How to Make 1 Hour Authentic Beef Pho | Made with Quốc Việt Foods Brand Soup Base
FAQ
What is traditional pho broth made of?
Is pho broth the same as beef broth?
What is the secret ingredient in pho broth?
What are the most common ingredients in pho?
What is Pho soup made of?
Pho is a soup consisting of bone broth, rice noodles, thinly-sliced meat (in this recipe, it’s beef), and fresh garnishes. Where is Pho From? As with many foods, the origins of pho are unknown. It is believed to have been created in northern Vietnam in the early 20th century. It gained popularity in many countries after the Vietnam War.
What is pho broth?
Pho broth is the soul of the dish. It is what makes the dish Vietnamese pho. It’s not a bowl of pho until the broth goes in. Pho note: This article on Pho Broth is both a how to make pho broth and a philosophical look at the meaning of the broth in pho.
What is Vietnamese pho?
Pho is a Vietnamese soup that’s made with all the good stuff: broth, noodles, beef (or other protein) and lots of mix-and-match toppings. The best thing about pho is that it’s such a restorative food—the comforting soup is savory and rich, while still feeling clean and refreshing at the same time.
What is pho noodle soup?
Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup topped with awesome things like fresh bean sprouts, basil, and chilies. This pho recipe was approved by a Vietnamese friend! Place the bones and beef chuck in large stockpot and add water to cover. Bring to a boil and boil for 5 minutes. Drain in a colander and thoroughly clean the stockpot.