Description
Experience the essence of Vietnam with this authentic Vietnamese pho recipe. This beloved noodle soup features a fragrant broth simmered for hours with tender beef bones, aromatic spices like star anise and cinnamon, and fresh herbs. Each bowl is customizable, allowing you to add your preferred proteins and toppings like lime wedges and sliced jalapeños for a burst of flavor. Perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings, this easy-to-follow recipe brings the warmth and comfort of Vietnamese cuisine right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2–3 pounds beef bones (marrow bones or oxtail)
- 8 ounces flat rice noodles (bánh phở)
- Fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, mint)
- Spices (star anise, cinnamon sticks, cloves, coriander seeds)
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- Lime wedges and sliced jalapeños for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the broth: In a large pot, cover beef bones with water and boil for 10 minutes. Drain and rinse bones to remove impurities.
- Add aromatics: Return cleaned bones to the pot with enough water to cover them by two inches. Add sliced onions, ginger, star anise, and cinnamon sticks. Simmer on low heat for 4 hours.
- Cook rice noodles: Boil noodles according to package instructions for about 3 minutes until soft. Drain and set aside.
- Season the broth: Strain the broth into another pot using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Season with soy sauce and salt to taste, then simmer gently.
- Assemble bowls: Place cooked noodles in serving bowls topped with thinly sliced beef (if using). Ladle hot broth over everything and garnish with fresh herbs, lime wedges, and jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes (4 hours)
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (350g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: - For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth and add tofu or mushrooms as protein. - Experiment with different proteins such as chicken or shrimp for varied flavors. - Allow the broth to simmer longer for richer flavor; consider pressure cooking if short on time.