The Best Beef Pho Recipe: Cozy Vietnamese Comfort in a Bowl

Steaming bowls of fragrant beef pho have captivated taste buds across continents.

Slurping these delicate noodles transports you straight to the bustling streets of hanoi.

Delightful aromas of star anise and cinnamon weave through tender meat and silky broth.

Vietnamese culinary traditions shine in this soul-warming dish that balances complex flavors with incredible simplicity.

Carefully simmered beef creates a rich, deep foundation that makes each spoonful memorable.

Seasonal herbs and zesty lime add bright, fresh notes to complement the hearty base.

You’ll want to gather ingredients and start cooking right away.

Beef Pho Summary

• Unlock Authentic Flavor: Dive into a traditional Vietnamese soup that delivers restaurant-quality taste right in your kitchen with minimal professional cooking skills required.
• Customize Your Bowl: Personalize your pho by adding various toppings like jalapeños, bean sprouts, and herbs, making each serving unique and tailored to individual preferences.
• Quick Comfort Meal: Create a deeply satisfying and nourishing dish that transforms simple ingredients into a rich, aromatic broth packed with complex flavors without complicated techniques.
• Budget-Friendly Gourmet: Prepare a restaurant-style meal using affordable ingredients like beef neck bones and basic pantry staples, proving gourmet cooking doesn't need expensive components.

Ingredients for Beef Pho

• Beef Neck Bones: Provide a rich, deep flavor base for the broth.
• Beef Fillet or Beef Shave: Tender meat that cooks quickly in the hot broth.

• Water: The primary liquid for creating the soup.
• Soy Sauce or Fish Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor to the broth.
• Salt and Pepper: Seasonings to enhance the overall taste.

• Ginger, Onion: Provide a warm, fragrant base for the broth.
• Turnips: Add subtle sweetness and depth to the soup.
• Green Onions, Cilantro or Basil: Fresh herbs that bring brightness and aroma.
• Jalapeños, Sliced Onion: Additional layers of flavor and heat.

• Rice Noodles: The classic base for traditional pho.
• Bean Sprouts: Add a fresh, crunchy texture.
• Lime Wedges: Optional bright, citrusy finishing touch.
• Hoisin Sauce: Optional sweet and tangy condiment.

How to Prepare Beef Pho

Step 1: Kickstart the Broth Brewing

• Beef neck bones
• Ginger
• Onion
• Turnips

Splash in soy sauce or fish sauce to boost the flavor profile.

Step 2: Boil and Beautify the Broth

Crank up the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Watch for foam bubbling up on the surface.

Grab a spoon and gently skim off the foam to keep the broth crystal clear and super tasty. Let the broth simmer for 1-2 hours, allowing flavors to mingle and deepen.

Top up with water if needed to keep ingredients submerged. Season with salt and pepper as the broth develops.

Step 3: Prep the Noodle Base

While the broth simmers away, cook rice noodles following package directions. Drain thoroughly and set aside.

Step 4: Build Your Pho Masterpiece

• Cooked rice noodles
• Raw beef fillet or beef shavings
• Green onions
• Sliced jalapeños
• Bean sprouts
• Sliced onion
• Cilantro or basil

Step 5: Unleash the Liquid Magic

Pour the piping hot broth over the ingredients, letting the beef cook instantly in the steaming liquid.

The heat will transform the raw beef into tender, mouthwatering morsels.

Step 6: Garnish and Devour

Serve immediately with bonus toppings like lime wedges or hoisin sauce.

Dive into your homemade beef pho and savor every single slurp!

Tips for Flavorful Beef Pho

• Choose high-quality beef bones with some meat attached for a richer, more flavorful broth that develops deep, complex tastes.
• Remove foam during initial boiling to create a crystal-clear broth without cloudy impurities, ensuring a clean and professional-looking soup.
• Maintain a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil to extract maximum flavor from bones and aromatics without making the broth bitter.
• Add fish sauce and salt incrementally, tasting as you go to create a perfectly seasoned broth that's not too salty or overwhelming.
• Slice beef, chop herbs, and prepare garnishes before starting the broth to streamline the final assembly and serve piping hot pho quickly.

Variations on Beef Pho

• Chicken Pho Swap: Replace beef neck bones with chicken bones and use chicken breast instead of beef fillet for a lighter protein option.
• Vegetarian Pho Bowl: Substitute beef with tofu or mushrooms, use vegetable broth, and add extra vegetables like bok choy and carrots for depth.
• Gluten-Free Pho Friendly: Use gluten-free fish sauce, replace soy sauce with tamari, and ensure rice noodles are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Spicy Pho Kick: Add sriracha sauce, increase jalapeño quantity, include chili oil, and incorporate red pepper flakes for heat lovers seeking extra spiciness.

Pairing Suggestions for Beef Pho

• Pair the rich, deep beef pho with a crisp Vietnamese lager like Saigon or 333, which cuts through the broth's intensity and refreshes the palate with its light, clean finish.
• Complement the fragrant cilantro and basil with a bright, citrusy white wine such as a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, highlighting the herb's freshness and balancing the broth's depth.
• Match the pho's subtle heat from jalapeños with a slightly sweet German Riesling, whose slight residual sugar softens the pepper's kick while enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Storage Advice for Beef Pho

• Store leftover broth and noodles separately in airtight containers. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent soggy noodles.
• Pour cooled broth into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and preserve flavor.
• Gently warm broth in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to prevent overcooking and maintain its rich taste. Add fresh herbs when serving.
• Cook fresh noodles when reheating to prevent mushiness. Briefly dip cold noodles in hot water before assembling to refresh their texture.

FAQs

• What is the key to a clear and flavorful pho broth?

Skimming the foam that forms during boiling is crucial. Remove the white foam with a spoon to keep the broth clear and maintain its rich, clean flavor.

• Can I substitute different types of beef in this recipe?

Yes, you can use various beef cuts like brisket, chuck, or sirloin depending on your preference. The key is to use thinly sliced beef that will cook quickly in the hot broth.

• How do I ensure the raw beef cooks properly in the pho?

Pour the hot broth directly over the thinly sliced raw beef in the bowl. The boiling broth will instantly cook the beef, making it tender and safe to eat.

Beef Pho Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Simmering Vietnamese Beef Pho brings authentic flavors straight from Hanoi’s bustling streets to home kitchens. Rich broth, tender meat, and aromatic herbs create a soul-warming bowl you’ll crave with every spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef:

• 3 pounds beef neck bones or shank bones
• 1 pound beef fillet or beef shave

Aromatics and Vegetables:

• 2 turnips, sliced into big chunks
• 1 ginger, roasted
• 1 large onion, roasted
• 3 tablespoons (tbsp) soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Add-ins and Noodles:

• 1 package rice noodles, cooked and drained
• Cilantro
• Basil
• Green onions
• Sliced onions
• Bean sprouts
• Jalapeño

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust broth by combining beef neck bones, ginger, onion, and turnips in a spacious pot, filling it three-quarters with water and incorporating soy sauce or fish sauce.
2. Elevate the liquid to a rolling boil, meticulously removing foam that surfaces to maintain a pristine, clear consistency. Reduce heat and allow the mixture to gently simmer for 1-2 hours, developing profound, complex flavors.
3. Periodically replenish water to keep ingredients fully submerged, seasoning with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process to enhance depth and richness.
4. Simultaneously prepare rice noodles according to package guidance, ensuring thorough drainage and setting aside while maintaining optimal temperature.
5. Strategically arrange cooked noodles in a substantial serving bowl, layering raw beef fillet, fragrant green onions, spicy jalapeños, crisp bean sprouts, delicate onion slices, and aromatic cilantro or basil.
6. Carefully cascade the piping hot broth over assembled ingredients, allowing the intense heat to gently cook the beef slices instantaneously.
7. Complement the dish with complementary condiments like zesty lime wedges or savory hoisin sauce, presenting a vibrant, authentic Vietnamese culinary experience.

Notes

• Carefully remove and discard any impurities when skimming foam to ensure a crystal-clear, clean-tasting broth that’s rich and flavorful.
• Experiment with different cuts of beef like brisket or oxtail to add more depth and complexity to the traditional pho base.
• Toast whole spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves before adding to the broth to enhance their aromatic qualities and create a more robust flavor profile.
• For a lighter version, substitute some beef bones with chicken bones or use lean cuts of meat to reduce overall fat content while maintaining the dish’s signature taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Vietnamese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg