Description
Looking for a rich, soul-soothing soup with layers of authentic flavor? Vietnamese Beef Pho is your answer. This beloved noodle soup brings together a fragrant spiced broth, melt-in-your-mouth beef slices, and silky rice noodles topped with fresh herbs, lime, and chili. It’s a deeply satisfying, restaurant-quality meal you can master at home. Whether you’re craving a healthy dinner, a quick lunch idea, or just love food with bold flavor, this easy pho recipe is perfect for all occasions. Great for cozy nights, meal prep, or impressive dinner ideas!
Ingredients
1.5 lbs beef bones
0.5 lb beef sirloin or eye of round, thinly sliced
8 oz rice noodles (banh pho)
1 large onion
3-inch piece of ginger
2 star anise
4 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 black cardamom pod (or 2 green)
2 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp rock sugar
1 cup bean sprouts
1 lime, cut into wedges
1 jalapeño, sliced
1 bunch Thai basil
0.5 cup fresh cilantro
0.5 cup fresh mint leaves
2 green onions, chopped
Hoisin sauce (optional)
Sriracha sauce (optional)
Instructions
1. Char the onion and ginger over open flame or broiler until blackened.
2. Parboil beef bones for 5 minutes, then rinse and transfer to a clean stockpot.
3. Add charred onion, ginger, and enough water to cover bones. Bring to simmer.
4. Toast star anise, cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom. Add to broth in a spice bag.
5. Simmer broth uncovered for 4-6 hours, skimming foam periodically.
6. Strain broth and return to pot. Add fish sauce and rock sugar. Adjust to taste.
7. Soak rice noodles for 30 minutes, then cook briefly until tender.
8. Place noodles and raw sliced beef in bowls. Ladle hot broth to cook beef.
9. Garnish with herbs, sprouts, lime, jalapeño, and sauces as desired.
10. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For an even richer broth, add oxtail or brisket alongside the bones.
Freeze leftover broth in portions to reheat for quick noodle bowls anytime.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Vietnamese beef pho, pho soup, beef noodle soup, easy dinner, healthy soup, pho recipe