Cozy Vietnamese Pho Recipe: Homemade Soul-Soothing Noodle Soup

Steaming bowls of authentic pho captivate taste buds with their delicate Vietnamese noodle soup blend of fragrant herbs and tender meat.

Generations of culinary tradition simmer within this comforting dish, creating layers of complex flavors.

Each spoonful tells a story of cultural heritage and passionate cooking techniques.

Aromatic broth slowly develops its rich character through hours of careful preparation.

Tender rice noodles swim alongside carefully selected proteins, transforming simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Fresh herbs and zesty garnishes add brightness and depth to every serving.

You’ll find this recipe an irresistible journey through Vietnamese culinary artistry that promises to transport your senses straight to the bustling streets of Hanoi.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 4

Everything Inside Vietnamese Pho Ingredients

• Onion, Ginger: Bring deep, smoky undertones that create the soul of the broth, charring them intensifies their natural sweetness and adds complexity to the soup.

• Beef Bones, Oxtail, Beef Shank: Select fresh, high-quality bones with some meat attached to ensure rich, robust flavor and create a deeply nourishing broth that's foundational to authentic pho.

• Star Anise, Cinnamon Stick, Cloves, Cardamom Pods: These warming spices infuse the broth with a delicate, exotic fragrance that transforms an ordinary soup into a memorable culinary experience, choose whole spices for maximum potency.

• Fish Sauce, Salt, Rock Sugar: Provide essential umami depth and subtle sweetness, balancing the broth's flavor profile while adding authentic Vietnamese character.

• Rice Noodles: Soft, silky strands that absorb the broth's incredible flavor, select fresh or dried noodles that are smooth and translucent.

• Thai Basil, Bean Sprouts, Lime, Green Onions, Cilantro: Add bright, crisp textures and vibrant flavors that contrast with the rich broth, choose herbs that are fragrant and crisp.

• Rare Beef Slices, Cooked Beef, Meatballs: Provide additional protein and textural variety, slice beef thinly for quick cooking in the hot broth.

Tools for Cooking Authentic Vietnamese Pho

• Large Stock Pot: Essential for simmering rich, flavorful broth for hours.
• Grill or Gas Stove: Perfect for charring onion and ginger to develop deep, smoky notes.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for precise slicing of beef and vegetables.
• Skimmer or Slotted Spoon: Helps remove impurities from broth during cooking.
• Tongs: Great for handling meat and arranging ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Provides stable surface for chopping ingredients.
• Ladle: Used for serving steaming hot broth over noodles.

Crafting a Bowl of Vietnamese Pho

• Fire Up Aromatics

Grab onions and ginger, and expose them to intense heat using an open flame, grill, or dry skillet. Watch for those delightful blackened edges that unlock deep, rich flavors.

• Craft Beef Broth

Simmer beef bones in water, letting them dance and release their savory essence. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface to ensure a crystal-clear, clean-tasting liquid.

• Build Flavor Layers

Add star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and other spices to the simmering broth. These magical ingredients will transform your soup from ordinary to extraordinary, creating a complex taste profile.

• Prepare Rice Noodles

Cook rice noodles until they’re perfectly tender and silky. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy.

• Slice Meat Thinly

Cut beef into paper-thin slices that will gently cook when the hot broth is poured over them. Choose tender cuts that will melt in your mouth.

• Assemble Soup

Layer noodles in a bowl, arrange meat slices on top, and pour piping hot broth over everything. The heat will cook the meat instantly.

• Garnish Generously

Top with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chili peppers. These vibrant additions bring brightness and texture to your Vietnamese noodle soup.

Pho Tips and Twist Options to Try

• Broth Brilliance: Simmer the beef bones for at least 3-4 hours to extract maximum flavor, creating a rich and deeply aromatic base that defines authentic pho.
• Meat Mastery: Slice beef extremely thin against the grain for tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and briefly dip in boiling broth just before serving to maintain its delicate texture.
• Herb Haven: Add fresh herbs like Thai basil, cilantro, and mint at the table, allowing each person to customize their bowl with vibrant, fresh flavors and aromatic notes.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace traditional wheat noodles with rice noodles, making this dish naturally gluten-free and suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Twist: Swap beef broth with mushroom or vegetable stock, and use tofu or plant-based protein as a meat alternative for a delicious vegetarian version of this classic Vietnamese soup.

Serving Vietnamese Pho Like a Local

• Aromatic Appetizer Plate: Serve with fresh bean sprouts, Thai basil leaves, lime wedges, and sliced jalapeños on a separate platter for guests to customize their soup.
• Texture and Crunch Boost: Sprinkle crispy fried shallots or chopped green onions on top of the soup to add a delightful crunch and extra layer of flavor.
• Protein Power Option: Offer additional protein choices like thinly sliced beef, shredded chicken, or tofu on the side so diners can enhance their noodle soup experience.
• Authentic Side Companion: Pair the pho with traditional Vietnamese spring rolls or a small side of hoisin and sriracha sauces for those who love extra zesty dipping options.

Storage Tips for Vietnamese Pho Leftovers

• Quick Refrigeration Tactics: Store leftover broth and noodles separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Broth Freezing Strategy: Pour cooled broth into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays, which can last up to 3 months when sealed tightly, offering convenient future meal prep.
• Noodle Separation Tip: Keep cooked rice noodles away from liquid to prevent them from becoming soggy, storing them in a separate container with a light drizzle of oil to prevent sticking.
• Reheat with Care: Warm broth gently on the stovetop, adding fresh noodles just before serving to restore the soup's original texture and prevent overcooking.

Heartwarming Vietnamese Noodle Soup Recipe (Pho)

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4.5 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Fragrant vietnamese noodle soup pho brings together delicate rice noodles, tender beef, and aromatic herbs. Warm broth and fresh ingredients create a soul-satisfying meal you’ll savor with each comforting spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ lb (225 g) beef (sirloin or flank steak) or chicken breast, thinly sliced
• Optional: tofu slices, vegetarian option
• 4 cups (1 l) beef or chicken stock
• 4 cups (1 l) water
• 1 large onion, halved
• 3-inch ginger, sliced
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 star anise pods
• 4 whole cloves
• 1 tsp coriander seeds
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• salt, to taste
• 8 oz (225 g) rice noodles (medium or thin)
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• cilantro, fresh
• Thai basil, fresh
• mint leaves, fresh
• 1 lime, wedged
• 1 red chili or jalapeno, sliced
• hoisin sauce, for serving
• sriracha, for serving

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Instructions

1. Roasting Aromatics: Char whole onions and ginger over an open flame or dry skillet, rotating to develop smoky depth and release intense flavors.
2. Bone Preparation: Thoroughly rinse beef bones under cold water, eliminating impurities to ensure a crystal-clear broth foundation.
3. Broth Development: Transfer bones to a large stockpot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Skim foam continuously, then reduce heat to create a gentle simmer that extracts rich, profound bone marrow essences.
4. Spice Infusion: Introduce charred onions, ginger, star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom pods into the simmering liquid, allowing the spices to weave their complex, warming notes throughout the broth.
5. Flavor Refinement: Maintain a low, steady temperature for several hours, periodically monitoring water levels and seasoning with fish sauce, salt, and a hint of sugar to balance the broth’s intricate profile.
6. Noodle and Protein Preparation: Cook rice noodles to achieve a tender yet resilient texture, and thinly slice beef cuts for rapid cooking when introduced to the scorching broth.
7. Final Assembly: Layer bowls with noodles, raw beef slices, and a vibrant array of fresh herbs like Thai basil, cilantro, and mint. Pour piping hot broth over the ingredients, allowing the liquid to delicately cook the meat.
8. Garnishing and Serving: Embellish with crisp bean sprouts, zesty lime wedges, fiery chilis, and additional herbs to create a personalized, visually stunning Vietnamese noodle soup experience.

Notes

• Charring Aromatics Perfectly: Rotate onions and ginger slowly over flame to develop deep, smoky flavor without burning, ensuring even caramelization.
• Bone Broth Clarity: Rinse bones thoroughly and skim foam continuously during initial boiling to create a crystal-clear, clean-tasting broth that showcases pure beef essence.
• Spice Infusion Technique: Add whole spices midway through simmering to prevent bitter overtones, allowing gradual flavor extraction and balanced aromatic complexity.
• Temperature Control Mastery: Maintain a gentle, consistent low simmer between 180-190°F to extract maximum collagen and nutrients without clouding or breaking down protein structures.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Vietnamese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg