Delicious Homemade Pho Made Easy: A Comprehensive Guide

Prepare yourself for a delightful culinary adventure with this authentic Vietnamese pho recipe. The heart of this dish lies in the rich and aromatic broth, slow-cooked for hours to perfection. Beef bones, ginger, star anise, and fish sauce come together to create a flavorful base that will leave your taste buds longing for more. Once ready, the broth is poured over delicate rice noodles and thinly sliced beef, then garnished with an array of fresh toppings.

 

If you're yearning for a bowl of warm, comforting pho, then look no further. We proudly present to you the most delicious pho recipe you'll find online. The key to its authenticity lies in the broth, simmered for a minimum of six hours to infuse every spoonful with mouthwatering flavors. Trust us, the wait will be worth it.

What is Pho ?

Pho is a Vietnamese soup that consists of a nourishing bone broth, tender rice noodles, thinly-sliced meat (usually beef), and a variety of fresh garnishes.

 

 

Where Does Pho Come From?

Like many culinary creations, the exact origins of pho are shrouded in mystery. It is believed to have originated in northern Vietnam during the early 20th century and gained widespread popularity in various countries following the Vietnam War.

Pho Ingredients

Since we're crafting this authentic Vietnamese delicacy from scratch, the ingredient list is a bit extensive. Here's everything you'll need:

  • Beef Soup Bones: Select shank and knee bones to prepare the homemade bone broth.
  • Rice Noodles: Look for dry rice noodles in the international or pantry aisle of most grocery stores.
  • Beef: Opt for thinly sliced beef top sirloin to ensure it cooks perfectly in the hot broth.
  • Fish Sauce: This ingredient adds a savory, slightly fishy flavor to the pho.
  • Onion: Roasting the onions enhances their depth of flavor in the broth.
  • Spices and Seasonings: Prepare ginger, star anise, and salt to infuse the broth with aromatic notes.
  • Garnishes: Personalize your pho with cilantro, green onion, Thai basil, lime wedges, hoisin sauce, sriracha, or any other toppings you prefer.

How to Make Pho

While making pho is relatively simple, it does require some time and patience. Below is a detailed recipe, so you know exactly what to expect:

  1. Roast the Bones and Onion: Brown the beef bones and soften the onion by roasting them.

  2. Prepare the Broth: In a large stockpot, combine the roasted beef bones, roasted onions, ginger, salt, star anise, fish sauce, and water. Allow the mixture to simmer for 6 to 10 hours. Then, strain the broth into a new saucepan.

  3. Soak the Rice Noodles: Soak the dry rice noodles for approximately 1 hour. While they soak, bring the broth to a simmer.

  4. Cook the Rice Noodles: Boil the rice noodles in water, then drain them and place them in a bowl. Top with thinly sliced beef, cilantro, green onion, and ladle the hot broth over the ingredients. Garnish with your preferred toppings.

How to Store Pho

For storage, it's best to keep the broth and rice noodles separate in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh for up to four days. When you're ready to enjoy another bowl, simply reheat the broth on the stove and warm the rice noodles in the microwave. Combine them, and your pho is ready to be savored.

How to Freeze Pho

If you'd like to freeze pho, it's important to note that only the broth can be frozen. Store the fully cooled broth in airtight containers or zip-top freezer bags, laying them flat in the freezer. The frozen broth will maintain its quality for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stove before serving.

Pho Ingredients:

  • 4 pounds beef soup bones (shank and knee)
  • 1 medium onion, unpeeled and halved
  • 5 slices fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 2 star anise pods
  • 2 ½ tablespoons fish sauce
  • 4 quarts water
  • 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
  • ¼ cup hoisin sauce (optional)
  • ¼ cup chile-garlic sauce (such as Sriracha®) (optional)
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Directions: 

Step 1: Begin by gathering all the necessary ingredients for your homemade pho recipe.

 

 

Step 2: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) to prepare for roasting.

Step 3: Place the beef bones on a baking sheet and roast them in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour or until they are nicely browned.

 

 

Step 4: Take another baking sheet and arrange the onion halves on it. Roast the onions on a separate rack until they become blackened and soft, which usually takes around 45 minutes.

 

 

Step 5: Once the beef bones and onions are roasted, transfer them to a large stockpot. Add in the ginger, salt, star anise, fish sauce, and 4 quarts of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 6 to 10 hours. This long simmering time allows the flavors to develop. After simmering, strain the broth into a separate saucepan and set it aside.

 

 

 

Step 6: Place the rice noodles in a large bowl filled with room temperature water. Allow them to soak for 1 hour, then drain them. This soaking process helps soften the noodles.

 

 

 

 

Step 7: While the noodles are soaking, heat up the reserved broth by bringing it to a simmer in a saucepan.

Step 8: In a separate large pot, bring water to a boil. Cook the soaked rice noodles in the boiling water for 1 minute, then drain them.

Step 9: Divide the cooked rice noodles among 4 serving bowls. Top them with thinly sliced sirloin, chopped cilantro, and green onion.

 

 

Step 10: Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and ingredients in each bowl. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the heat of the broth to partially cook the beef until it is no longer pink.

 

 

Step 11: Serve your delicious homemade pho with bean sprouts, Thai basil, lime wedges, hoisin sauce, and chile-garlic sauce on the side. These garnishes add extra flavors and freshness to the dish.

 

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

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

Watch the Video

 

 

Enjoy your homemade pho and savor the authentic flavors of this Vietnamese classic!




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