Authentic Pho Recipe: Traditional Vietnamese Soup
Pho is a beloved Vietnamese soup known for its aromatic broth, tender noodles, and flavorful toppings. Whether you're looking for a comforting bowl on a cold day or a light yet satisfying meal, this pho recipe will hit the spot. With a rich broth simmered for hours, tender beef or chicken, fresh herbs, and a hint of spice, pho delivers a balanced yet complex taste in every bite. Perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks, this guide will help you create an authentic pho recipe that will impress friends and family.
Equipment
- Large stockpot
- Fine mesh strainer
- knife
- Tongs
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef bones (or chicken bones)
- 1 onion, halved
- 1 piece of ginger (2-inch), halved
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 4 star anise pods
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 200 grams rice noodles
- 200 grams thinly sliced beef (or chicken)
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, Thai basil, mint)
- Lime wedges
- Bean sprouts
- Sriracha and hoisin sauce for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth:In a large stockpot, roast the bones, onion, and ginger over medium heat for 10 minutes to release flavor.
- Add Spices:Add star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and garlic to the pot. Pour in 3 liters of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 3 hours.
- Strain the Broth:After simmering, strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer to remove the solids. Add fish sauce for seasoning.
- Cook the Noodles:Boil water in another pot and cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the Pho:Divide the cooked noodles into bowls. Add thinly sliced beef or chicken on top of the noodles.
- Pour Hot Broth:Pour the hot broth over the meat and noodles, cooking the thin slices of beef instantly.
- Garnish:Top each bowl with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime. Serve with sriracha and hoisin sauce.
Notes
- For a more authentic flavor, let the broth simmer longer to deepen the taste.
- Feel free to substitute beef with chicken or tofu for a different version of pho.
