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+ servings
Vietnamese Pho recipe

Heavenly Vietnamese Pho Recipe: Comfort in Every Bowl

Experience the authentic flavors of this Vietnamese Pho recipe, a comforting noodle soup that embraces you with warmth and rich flavors.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Soups
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Broth
  • 1 pound Beef Brisket Provides rich beef flavor and tender texture; don’t skip for a robust broth.
  • 2 pounds Meaty Beef Bones Adds depth and richness to the broth; substitute with oxtail or more brisket if needed.
  • 1 pound Marrow Bones Introduces essential richness; use leg or knuckle bones cut to expose marrow.
  • 2 large Onions Aromatic base for the broth; char them for added flavor.
  • 4 inches Ginger Provides a smokey, aromatic element; slice and char before adding to the broth.
  • 2 pieces Star Anise Essential spices for authentic flavor; toast lightly to enhance flavor before adding to broth.
  • 1 stick Cinnamon Essential spices for authentic flavor; toast lightly to enhance flavor before adding to broth.
  • 4 pods Cardamom Essential spices for authentic flavor; toast lightly to enhance flavor before adding to broth.
  • 4 pieces Cloves Essential spices for authentic flavor; toast lightly to enhance flavor before adding to broth.
  • 1 tablespoon Coriander Seeds Essential spices for authentic flavor; toast lightly to enhance flavor before adding to broth.
  • 3 tablespoons Fish Sauce Adds umami and depth; can substitute with light soy sauce, but expect a different taste.
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar Balances the broth’s flavor profile.
  • 1 tablespoon Salt Balances the broth’s flavor profile.
For the Noodles
  • 8 ounces Rice Noodles The foundation for the soup; ensure they're medium-sized for the best texture.
For Serving
  • 1 pound Beef Tenderloin Used for serving, cooked by pouring hot broth over; thinly slice after partially freezing for easy cutting.
  • 1 cup Bean Sprouts Essential for traditional serving style and customization.
  • 1 cup Thai Basil Essential for traditional serving style and customization.
  • 1 cup Coriander Essential for traditional serving style and customization.
  • 2 pieces Lime Wedges Essential for traditional serving style and customization.
  • 1 piece Sliced Red Chili Essential for traditional serving style and customization.
  • 2 tablespoons Hoisin Sauce Essential for traditional serving style and customization.
  • 2 tablespoons Sriracha Essential for traditional serving style and customization.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • fine-mesh sieve

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare Aromatics: Begin by charring the large onions and ginger in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until they are nicely browned.
  2. Remove Impurities: Place the beef brisket and bones into a large pot of cold water and bring to a boil for 5 minutes, then drain and rinse.
  3. Make Broth: In the same pot, combine the bones, brisket, charred onions, ginger, toasted spices, sugar, and salt with approximately 3.5 liters of fresh water; bring to boil.
  4. Strain Broth: After simmering, carefully remove the brisket and strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding solids.
  5. Finish Broth: Season the strained broth with fish sauce, adjusting salt and sugar as necessary, and bring back to a gentle simmer.
  6. Assemble Pho: Cook the rice noodles, divide among bowls, layer with brisket and thinner beef slices, and ladle steaming broth over top.
  7. Serve with Toppings: Serve with an array of toppings on the side for customization.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 1200mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Embrace the comfort of your homemade Vietnamese Pho recipe and prepare to create a cozy meal that wraps around you like a warm hug!

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