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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
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