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Vietnamese Pho

A comforting bowl of Vietnamese Pho featuring a flavorful beef broth and customizable toppings, perfect for warming up on a cold day.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Broth
  • 2 lbs beef bones (marrow bones preferred) For a rich broth.
  • 2 pieces onions, charred Char over gas burner or in broiler.
  • 1 piece ginger, charred Char along with onions.
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce Essential for depth of flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon rock sugar Traditional sweetener for broth.
  • 1 stick cinnamon For aromatic flavor.
  • 2 pieces star anise Adds a unique anise flavor.
  • 4 pieces cloves For flavor enhancement.
  • 1 tablespoon coriander seeds For depth of flavor.
  • 1 stalk lemongrass (optional) Adds a fresh kick.
  • to taste grams salt Season broth as necessary.
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional) Enhances flavor.
For Serving
  • 8 oz rice noodles (banh pho) Flat rice noodles used in Pho.
  • 1 lb thinly sliced beef Top round or sirloin for quick cooking.
  • 1 cup Thai basil Fresh garnish.
  • 1 cup bean sprouts Additional crunchy texture.
  • 1 piece jalapeño, sliced For a spicy kick.
  • 1 piece lime, cut into wedges Adds brightness.
  • to taste tablespoons sriracha For added heat.

Method
 

Prepare the Broth
  1. Place beef bones in a large pot.
  2. Char the onions and ginger until blackened.
  3. Add the charred onions and ginger to the pot.
  4. Cover with water and simmer for 4-5 hours.
  5. Strain out solids to obtain clear broth.
  6. Add spices (star anise, cloves, cinnamon, coriander) to the broth and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
Cook the Noodles and Prepare Toppings
  1. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions.
  2. Slice beef very thinly.
  3. Prepare garnishes and toppings (Thai basil, bean sprouts, jalapeños, lime, sriracha).
Assemble the Pho
  1. Divide raw beef slices into bowls.
  2. Pour boiling broth over the beef slices in the bowls.
  3. Top with cooked noodles and choosen garnishes.

Notes

For advanced prep, simmer the broth a day ahead and chill overnight. Slice beef beforehand and store it in a sealed bag, and prepare herbs in advance. Reheat broth before serving.