Pho. Just saying the word brings back memories of cozy evenings with friends, immersed in laughter, savory aromas wafting through the air. I remember the first time I tried it: a small, bustling Vietnamese restaurant with steam rising from bowls around me. I could feel the warmth of the spices, the softness of the rice noodles, and the comfort that only a steaming bowl of pho can provide. This dish has stolen a piece of my heart (and stomach) ever since, and I’m thrilled to share my authentic Vietnamese Pho recipe with you.

Pho is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl. Whether you’re winding down after a busy day or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this dish captures the essence of warmth and love. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home! So, let’s embark on this flavorful journey together, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy weeknight dinner that can be whipped up in under an hour.
• Budget-friendly ingredients that pack a flavorful punch.
• Customizable – you can make it your own with various toppings.
• Warm and comforting, perfect for chilly evenings or rainy days.
• Great for meal prep; it tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this vibrant dish to life:

• 8 cups beef broth or chicken broth
• 1 onion, halved
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 piece ginger (about 3 inches), sliced
• 2 stalks of lemongrass, trimmed and smashed
• 1 tablespoon star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 12 ounces rice noodles (bánh phở)
• 1 pound beef brisket or sirloin, thinly sliced
• Fresh herbs for garnish (Thai basil, cilantro, mint)
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Bean sprouts
• Sliced jalapeños (optional)
• Hoison and sriracha sauce for serving

Note: Using fresh garlic and ginger will elevate the dish’s flavor compared to their powdered counterparts. Trust me; it’s worth it!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to dive into making your pho? Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the Aromatics: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and roast for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly charred. This step adds a depth of flavor that makes your broth sing.
2. Simmer the Broth: In a large pot, combine your roasted aromatics, beef or chicken broth, lemongrass, star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, fish sauce, and sugar. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. The house will smell like a beautiful spice market!
3. Prepare the Rice Noodles: While the broth is simmering, cook the rice noodles according to package directions. Drain them and set aside. They should be al dente since they’ll finish cooking in the hot broth.
4. Cook the Meat: Thinly slice your beef (if you’re using brisket, cook it in the broth for about 1 hour to become tender). If using sirloin, you can add the slices directly to the broth for about 30 seconds just before serving to ensure it’s perfectly medium-rare.
5. Strain the Broth: Once your broth has simmered to divine perfection, strain out the solids to have a smooth, rich broth. Taste and adjust with a bit more fish sauce or sugar if you feel it needs a little more punch!
6. Assemble Your Pho: Place a generous amount of rice noodles in each bowl. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles, then top with slices of beef. Garnish with fresh herbs, lime wedges, bean sprouts, and a few slices of jalapeño if you like it spicy.
7. Serve with Sauce: Drizzle some hoison and sriracha sauce on top or serve them on the side for each guest to customize their flavor. Enjoy!

Pro tip: For an extra flavor boost, consider toasting the spices (star anise, cloves, cinnamon) in the pan before adding them to the broth. It takes just a few minutes but creates a flavor profile that will leave your taste buds dancing!

Pro Tips & Variations

Here are some fun twists to keep your pho exciting and adaptable:

• Different Proteins: Swap the beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian version. Just remember that cooking times may vary.
• Spice Level: If you love heat, feel free to crank up the spice with fresh chilies or red pepper flakes.
• Herb Upgrades: Apart from the usual herbs, try adding some perilla leaves or even a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a unique flavor profile.
• Boost the Broth: Adding a dash of soy sauce or a spoonful of miso can add a different umami kick to your broth.

Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and finding what delights your palate! Feel free to make this recipe your own—you can’t go wrong with a bowl of love like this.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving pho, I adore a simple setup that allows everyone to personalize their bowls! Here’s how I like to do it:

• Side of Fresh Herbs: Serve a platter with ample herbs. The aromatic, fresh flavors pair beautifully with the broth.
• Lime Wedges: Having wedges of lime on the table adds a zesty kick that makes each bite sing.
• Crunchy Side: A side of spring rolls complements the meal nicely and brings in another texture!
• Good Company: Nothing pairs better with a good meal than good friends! Gather around the table and enjoy the warmth together.

Storage Tips

Leftovers? Yes, please! Here’s how to preserve that deliciousness:

• Refrigeration: Store the broth and noodles separately in airtight containers. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the broth in portion-sized containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
• Reheating: To reheat, gently warm your broth on the stovetop and add fresh noodles. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make pho vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Just substitute the meat and broth with vegetable broth and your favorite veggies or tofu. You can still follow the same steps to create a rich and flavorful soup!

Can I use pre-packaged broth?

Sure! While homemade broth is fantastic, if you’re short on time, high-quality store-bought beef or chicken broth can work beautifully. Just be sure to adjust the flavors accordingly.

What if I can’t find some ingredients?

No worries! Feel free to substitute or leave out ingredients based on what you have. Cooking is about creativity and making things your own. You might just stumble upon a delightful combination!

How spicy is pho?

The spiciness depends on your preferences and the toppings you choose. Traditional pho is more aromatic than spicy, but you can easily amp it up with chilies or spicy sauces.

Can I prepare pho in advance?

You can prepare the broth a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just heat it back up when you’re ready to assemble. Fresh noodles should be cooked just before serving for the best texture!

Conclusion

I hope this Authentic Vietnamese Pho recipe brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen, just as it has to mine. Cooking can be such a joyful journey, and I would love to hear about your adventures with pho! Feel free to drop a comment below, share your tweaks, or tell me about your experience making this delightful dish. Happy cooking, my friend!

“Master Authentic Vietnamese Pho: A Flavorful Recipe Adventure”

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• Author: meryem
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Explore the rich flavors of Vietnamese pho with our authentic recipe. Experience a culinary journey that elevates your cooking game! (155 chars)

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

8 cups of beef broth or chicken broth

1 onion, halved

4 cloves of garlic, smashed

1 piece of ginger (about 3 inches), sliced

2 stalks of lemongrass, trimmed and smashed

1 tablespoon of star anise

1 cinnamon stick

1 teaspoon of whole cloves

2 tablespoons of fish sauce

1 tablespoon of sugar

12 ounces of rice noodles (bánh phở)

1 pound of beef brisket or sirloin, thinly sliced

Fresh herbs for garnish (Thai basil, cilantro, mint)

1 lime, cut into wedges

Bean sprouts

Sliced jalapeños (optional)

Hoisin and sriracha sauce for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the Aromatics: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and roast for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly charred.

Simmer the Broth: In a large pot, combine your roasted aromatics, beef or chicken broth, lemongrass, star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, fish sauce, and sugar. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes.

Prepare the Rice Noodles: While the broth is simmering, cook the rice noodles according to package directions. Drain them and set aside.

Cook the Meat: Thinly slice your beef. If using brisket, cook it in the broth for about 1 hour to become tender. If using sirloin, add the slices directly to the broth for about 30 seconds just before serving.

Strain the Broth: Once your broth has simmered, strain out the solids to have a smooth, rich broth. Taste and adjust with fish sauce or sugar if needed.

Assemble Your Pho: Place rice noodles in each bowl, ladle hot broth over the noodles, then top with slices of beef. Garnish with fresh herbs, lime wedges, bean sprouts, and jalapeño slices if desired.

Serve with Sauce: Drizzle hoisin and sriracha sauce on top or serve on the side.

Notes

Embark on a flavorful journey with this authentic Vietnamese Pho recipe, perfect for cozy evenings or casual dinners.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Vietnamese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5 grams
• Fat: 15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 45 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Protein: 30 grams

Keywords: Vietnamese Pho, Pho Recipe, Authentic Pho, Easy Dinner Recipe, Asian Cuisine