Authentic Homemade Pho Recipe

Introduction

Pho is one of Vietnam’s most beloved dishes, celebrated for its aromatic broth, tender meat, and fresh herbs. This delicious soup brings warmth and comfort with each spoonful. Making homemade pho allows you to tailor the flavors to your liking, giving you control over the broth’s depth, the tenderness of the meat, and the freshness of the herbs. Whether you prefer beef-based Pho Bo or chicken-based Pho Ga, this guide will help you make an authentic bowl of pho in the comfort of your kitchen.

Overview of the Recipe

Homemade pho is a satisfying and versatile soup consisting of a fragrant, spiced broth with a variety of fresh ingredients. Key to achieving that authentic taste are the spices—star anise, cloves, cinnamon, and coriander—which are toasted and simmered to bring out their aromas. You can choose between beef or chicken as the protein base, enhancing the soup with fresh herbs, lime, and sauces. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide, from creating the rich broth to preparing the noodles and toppings for a pho experience tailored to your taste.

History and Origin

Pho originated in Northern Vietnam in the early 20th century and quickly became a staple of Vietnamese cuisine. The dish’s development is influenced by various culinary traditions, with its roots in French and Chinese cooking techniques. The French influence can be seen in the use of beef, which wasn’t traditionally part of Vietnamese diets until the colonial period. The name “pho” is thought to derive from the French word “feu” (fire), as the broth is traditionally simmered for hours to build a rich flavor. Today, pho is enjoyed worldwide, appreciated for its depth of flavor and versatility.

Ingredients

For the Broth:

• 4-5 star anise
• 3-4 whole cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
• 1 large onion, halved
• 1 (3-inch) piece of fresh ginger, sliced
• 6 cups beef or chicken broth (depending on your protein choice)
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar

For the Protein:

• 1 pound beef (for Pho Bo) or chicken breast (for Pho Ga), thinly sliced

For the Noodles and Garnishes:

• 1 pack (8 oz) rice noodles (banh pho)
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 bunch fresh Thai basil, leaves separated
• 2-3 green onions, sliced
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Fresh bean sprouts
• Sliced fresh chili or jalapeño (optional)
• Hoisin sauce and Sriracha (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Toast the Spices

1. In a large pot, add the star anise, cloves, cinnamon stick, and coriander seeds.
2. Dry roast the spices over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become fragrant. Remove from the pot and set aside. Toasting the spices intensifies their flavors, enhancing the depth of your broth.

Step 2: Char the Onion and Ginger

1. Place the halved onion and sliced ginger directly on a hot skillet or grill.
2. Char them for a few minutes until the surfaces are blackened and aromatic. Charring brings a subtle smokiness to the broth.

Step 3: Prepare the Broth

1. In the same large pot, combine the toasted spices, charred onion, and ginger.
2. Pour in the beef or chicken broth, followed by fish sauce and sugar. Stir to combine.
3. Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful the broth will be.

Step 4: Cook the Rice Noodles

1. While the broth simmers, prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions.
2. Drain and set the noodles aside, ready for assembly.

Step 5: Prepare the Protein

1. For beef, slice it very thinly; partially freezing it for about 15 minutes before slicing makes it easier to cut. The hot broth will cook the raw beef slices in the bowl.
2. If using chicken, you can use pre-cooked or raw chicken breast sliced thinly. The hot broth will also cook the thin slices of raw chicken.

Step 6: Strain the Broth

1. Once the broth has simmered and developed a rich aroma, strain it to remove the spices, onion, and ginger.
2. Return the clear broth to the pot and keep it warm on low heat.

Step 7: Assemble the Pho

1. In individual serving bowls, divide the cooked rice noodles evenly.
2. Layer the raw thinly sliced beef or chicken on top of the noodles.

Step 8: Pour the Hot Broth

1. Ladle the hot broth over the meat and noodles. The heat from the broth will cook the beef or chicken instantly in the bowl.

Step 9: Add Fresh Garnishes and Serve

1. Garnish each bowl with fresh cilantro, Thai basil leaves, green onions, bean sprouts, and a wedge of lime.
2. For an extra layer of heat, add sliced chili or jalapeño if desired.
3. Serve hoisin sauce and Sriracha on the side, allowing each person to customize their pho to their taste.

Serving Suggestions

Pho is best enjoyed immediately after assembly, as the broth will keep the noodles warm and tender. Encourage diners to customize their bowl with the garnishes and sauces provided. Lime juice adds brightness, while hoisin and Sriracha introduce sweetness and heat to the broth. Pho is traditionally enjoyed as a standalone meal due to its hearty ingredients, but it can be complemented with a light salad or spring rolls.

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

1. Herbal Teas: Traditional green tea or jasmine tea pairs well, as the flavors complement the herbs in pho without overpowering the broth.
2. Fresh Lemonade: The acidity in lemonade complements the tangy lime and fish sauce notes.
3. Coconut Water: For a tropical pairing, coconut water adds a refreshing sweetness that balances the savory and spicy elements in pho.

Variations of the Recipe

1. Pho Bo (Beef Pho): Made with thinly sliced beef, traditionally cooked by the hot broth in each bowl.
2. Pho Ga (Chicken Pho): Uses chicken broth with chicken breast or thigh, sliced thinly or pre-cooked for a lighter flavor.
3. Vegetarian Pho: Replace the beef or chicken broth with vegetable broth and swap the meat for tofu or mushrooms for a plant-based option.
4. Spicy Pho: Increase the spice level by adding more chili, jalapeño, or Sriracha directly into the broth.

Health Benefits Notes

Pho offers several health benefits due to its nutrient-dense ingredients:

1. High in Protein: The addition of lean meats provides a good source of protein essential for muscle repair and immune function.
2. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Ingredients like fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime contribute Vitamin C, antioxidants, and essential nutrients.
3. Low in Calories: When made with clear broth and lean meats, pho is relatively low in calories while still providing a satisfying meal.
4. Gut Health: The spices used, such as ginger and cinnamon, have anti-inflammatory properties and can aid digestion.

FAQs

Q: Can I make pho in advance?
A: Yes! The broth can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. Reheat it and add fresh noodles and toppings when ready to serve.

Q: How can I achieve a clear broth?
A: Straining the broth carefully and simmering without a rolling boil helps keep it clear. Also, avoid adding too many vegetables or overly fatty cuts of meat to prevent cloudiness.

Q: Can I use other types of noodles?
A: While traditional pho uses rice noodles, you can substitute them with other types like glass noodles or even zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option.

Q: What are some other toppings I can add?
A: Feel free to add thinly sliced red onions, shredded carrots, or even cooked shrimp for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Making homemade pho is a rewarding culinary journey that results in a nourishing and aromatic bowl of comfort food. With its rich, spiced broth, tender slices of meat, and fresh herbs, pho provides an array of flavors and textures that will satisfy any craving. Whether you choose beef or chicken, this recipe offers a versatile base for you to experiment with different ingredients and flavors, making it a fantastic dish for any occasion. Enjoy each spoonful of your homemade pho, knowing it’s crafted with care and tailored to your taste.

Authentic Homemade Pho Recipe

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• Author: Wendy Balderas
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Pho is a traditional Vietnamese soup known for its rich, fragrant broth, tender slices of beef or chicken, and fresh herb toppings. This easy recipe guides you through creating an authentic homemade pho from scratch, capturing the delicate balance of spices and ingredients that make pho a beloved dish worldwide.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Broth:

• 4–5 star anise
• 3–4 whole cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tbsp coriander seeds
• 1 large onion, halved
• 1 (3-inch) piece of fresh ginger, sliced
• 6 cups beef or chicken broth
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar

For the Protein:

• 1 lb beef (for Pho Bo) or chicken breast (for Pho Ga), thinly sliced

For the Noodles and Garnishes:

• 1 pack (8 oz) rice noodles (banh pho)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Thai basil, leaves separated
• Green onions, sliced
• Lime wedges
• Fresh bean sprouts
• Sliced chili or jalapeño (optional)
• Hoisin sauce and Sriracha (for serving)

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Instructions

• Toast Spices: Dry roast star anise, cloves, cinnamon, and coriander seeds in a pot over medium heat until fragrant.
• Char Onion & Ginger: Char onion halves and ginger on a hot skillet until blackened to add a smoky flavor to the broth.
• Prepare Broth: Combine spices, charred onion, ginger, broth, fish sauce, and sugar. Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer, and cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Cook Noodles: Prepare rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• Prepare Protein: Slice beef or chicken thinly. For raw meat, the hot broth will cook it instantly in the bowl.
• Strain Broth: After simmering, strain the broth to remove solids. Return the broth to the pot to keep warm.
• Assemble Pho: Divide noodles into bowls, add raw meat, and pour hot broth over it. Garnish with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime wedges.
• Serve: Add hoisin and Sriracha on the side for customizing.

Notes

• Partially freeze meat for easier slicing.
• Adjust spice amounts to taste for a milder or stronger broth.
• Store leftover broth separately from noodles for freshness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Vietnamese

Nutrition

• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g