Description
A steaming bowl of Vietnamese Beef Pho is the kind of easy recipe that turns simple ingredients into something deeply comforting and full of flavor. With a fragrant broth, tender beef, silky rice noodles, and plenty of fresh herbs, this dish works beautifully for cozy dinner ideas, satisfying food ideas, and even a special weekend meal when you want a homemade classic that feels both fresh and hearty.
Ingredients
4 cups beef broth
1 pound beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
8 ounces rice noodles
1 medium onion, halved
2 inches fresh ginger, halved lengthwise
3 cloves garlic, smashed
2 star anise pods
1 cinnamon stick
3 whole cloves
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
3 green onions, sliced
1/2 cup fresh cilantro
1/2 cup Thai basil
1 cup bean sprouts
1 lime, cut into wedges
1 red chili or jalapeño, sliced
Instructions
1. Char the onion and ginger in a dry skillet or under the broiler until lightly blackened on the edges.
2. Add the beef broth, onion, ginger, garlic, star anise, cinnamon stick, and cloves to a large pot.
3. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer, then stir in the fish sauce and brown sugar.
4. Simmer for 30 to 40 minutes so the broth becomes aromatic and flavorful.
5. Cook the rice noodles according to the package directions, then drain and set aside.
6. Strain the broth and discard the onion, ginger, garlic, and whole spices.
7. Divide the cooked noodles among serving bowls.
8. Arrange the thinly sliced beef over the noodles.
9. Ladle the very hot broth over the beef so it cooks gently in the bowl.
10. Top with green onions, cilantro, Thai basil, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sliced chili before serving.
Notes
Use very thin slices of beef so the hot broth can cook them quickly without making them tough.
Keep the noodles separate from the broth until serving so they stay tender instead of mushy.
Taste the broth before serving and adjust with a little extra fish sauce or lime if you want more depth or brightness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Vietnamese beef pho, pho recipe, beef noodle soup, easy dinner, comfort food, homemade pho, noodle soup