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Phở

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 5 mins
Total Time 35 mins
Cooking Method: ,
Cuisine:
Courses: , ,
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6
Best Season: Fall, Winter, Suitable throughout the year
Description

Phở, Vietnam's iconic noodle soup, is a heartwarming dish made with fragrant broth, tender beef or chicken, and rice noodles, topped with fresh herbs and aromatics. Known for its rich, layered flavors, phở is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave something soothing and satisfying. With its balance of savory, aromatic, and fresh elements, phở is a beloved classic that never fails to bring warmth and joy to the table.

Ingredients
    For the Broth:
  • 4 1/2 pounds beef bones
  • 1 pound oxtail (optional)
  • 1 large onion, halved and unpeeled
  • 1 large piece ginger, unpeeled
  • 5 star anise
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 3 cardamom pods
  • 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 3 tablespoons fish sauce
    • For the Noodles and Garnish:
  • 14 ounces rice noodles
  • 1 pound beef, thinly sliced (sirloin or brisket)
  • Fresh herbs: basil, mint, cilantro
  • Bean sprouts
  • Lime wedges
  • Fresh chili slices (optional)
Instructions
    Prepare the Broth:
  1. 1
    Begin by charring the onion and ginger over an open flame or under a broiler until they are blackened. This will give your broth a deep, smoky flavor.
  2. 2
    In a large pot, bring the beef bones and oxtail (if using) to a boil in enough water to cover them. Boil for 10 minutes, then drain and rinse the bones under cold water to remove impurities. Return the bones and oxtail to the pot and fill it with fresh water to cover the bones.
    3. Add Spices and Simmer:
  3. 3
    Add the charred onion and ginger to the pot along with the star anise, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, and coriander seeds. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 4 hours, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface.
  4. 4
    After simmering, strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the solids. Season the broth with salt and fish sauce to taste.
    5. Prepare the Noodles and Beef:
  5. 5
    Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  6. 6
    Arrange the thinly sliced beef in serving bowls.
    7. Assemble and Serve:
  7. 7
    Bring the strained broth to a rolling boil. Pour the hot broth over the beef in each bowl, which will cook the meat instantly.
  8. 8
    Add a handful of cooked rice noodles to each bowl, then garnish with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chili slices as desired.
Maricel's Tips
  • Don’t rush the simmering process. The longer you simmer the broth, the richer and more flavorful it will become. If you can, let it simmer for up to 6 hours.

  • Pho is all about personalization. Encourage everyone to add as many or as few garnishes as they like. This way, each person’s bowl is a reflection of their taste.
Keywords: phở recipe, Vietnamese noodle soup, beef phở, chicken phở, authentic phở, rice noodle soup, Vietnamese comfort food, phở broth recipe, homemade phở, traditional Vietnamese recipes
Read it online: https://maricelskitchen.com/recipe/pho/