Authentic Vietnamese Pho Recipe: A Flavorful Noodle Soup Experience

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Elevate your cooking skills with this step-by-step guide to making traditional Vietnamese pho noodle soup.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 7 hrs 5 mins
Additional Time: 1 hr
Total Time: 8 hrs 25 mins
Servings: 4

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Aromatic Broth: Infused with spices like star anise and ginger for an authentic, unforgettable taste.
  • Gluten-Free Delight: Perfect for those looking for a hearty, gluten-free meal.
  • High-Protein Meal: Packed with tender beef and wholesome ingredients to keep you energized.

Ingredients for Authentic Vietnamese Ph

Broth Base:

  • 4 pounds beef soup bones (shank and knee)
  • 1 medium onion, unpeeled and halved
  • 5 slices fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 2 pods star anise
  • 2 ½ tablespoons fish sauce
  • 4 quarts water

Noodles and Toppings:

  • 1 (8-ounce) package dried rice noodles
  • 1 ½ pounds beef top sirloin, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon chopped green onion
  • 1 ½ cups bean sprouts
  • 1 bunch Thai basil
  • 1 medium lime, cut into 4 wedges

Optional Condiments:

  • ¼ cup hoisin sauce
  • ¼ cup chile-garlic sauce (such as Sriracha)

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1 – Roast the Bones and Onion

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Place the beef bones on a baking sheet and roast for 1 hour until browned.
  3. Roast the onion halves on a separate baking sheet for 45 minutes, or until blackened and soft.

Step 2 – Prepare the Broth

  1. Transfer the roasted bones and onion to a large stockpot.
  2. Add ginger, salt, star anise, fish sauce, and water.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
  4. Simmer for 6 to 10 hours, allowing the flavors to develop fully.
  5. Strain the broth into a clean saucepan and set aside.

Step 3 – Soak and Cook the Noodles

  1. Soak the rice noodles in a large bowl of room-temperature water for 1 hour. Drain.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  3. Cook the noodles in the boiling water for 1 minute, then drain and set aside.

Step 4 – Assemble the Pho

  1. Divide the cooked noodles among 4 serving bowls.
  2. Top each bowl with thinly sliced beef, chopped cilantro, and green onion.
  3. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and beef. Stir gently to partially cook the beef.

Step 5 – Garnish and Serve

  1. Serve the pho with bean sprouts, Thai basil, lime wedges, hoisin sauce, and chile-garlic sauce on the side.
  2. Let each diner customize their bowl with fresh garnishes and sauces.

Tips for the Best Pho

  • Choose Quality Bones: Use marrow-rich beef bones for the most flavorful broth.
  • Longer Simmering Equals Better Flavor: Letting the broth simmer for 8+ hours deepens the complexity.
  • Fresh Garnishes: Use fresh Thai basil and lime for authentic taste.
  • Slice Beef Thin: Thin slices cook quickly in the hot broth, ensuring tender meat.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 509
  • Fat: 11g
  • Carbohydrates: 66g
  • Protein: 35g

Health Benefits of Vietnamese Pho

Gluten-Free Goodness:

Rice noodles make this a safe option for those avoiding gluten.

Protein-Packed:

With 35 grams of protein per serving, pho is perfect for a post-workout meal.

Rich in Spices:

Ginger and star anise add anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

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