Delicious & Nutritious Vietnamese Beef Pho Recipe
Vietnamese Beef Pho is a bowl of warmth and comfort that comes with an explosion of flavors. This traditional Vietnamese noodle soup is not only hearty and delicious; it’s also simple and easy to make. Whether you’re a fan of Asian cuisine or just looking for a recipe to warm up on a cold day, this beef pho recipe is the way to go!
Pho originates from northern Vietnam and was first introduced in the early 20th century. It has since become one of the country’s most iconic foods, known for its rich depth of flavor and herbaceous complexity. Even if you’ve never had it before, you’re sure to fall in love with this classic Vietnamese soup.
This recipe places style on traditional Vietnamese beef pho, using 1 ½ pounds of sirloin tip steak as the star ingredient, along with aromatics such as lemongrass, onion, ginger, whole black peppercorn, and cinnamon stick to make the broth. To serve, top it off with plenty of bean sprouts, fresh herbs like cilantro leaf, mint leaves or basil leaf slices of onion and lime wedges.
This recipe article will walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to make Vietnamese beef pho right in your own kitchen! So put on your apron and get ready to experience the comfort and satisfaction that comes with enjoying a bowl of homemade beef pho noodle soup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a simple recipe that is packed with flavor and comfort, look no further than this traditional Vietnamese beef pho recipe. This dish is more than just soup, it’s a complete sensory experience that will transport you to the streets of Hanoi, with every bite reminiscent of the bustling restaurants and street vendors throughout Vietnam.
One of the reasons why this dish is so beloved is because of its rich history and classic preparation. Made with a combination of rice noodles, thinly-sliced sirloin steak, and a savory beef broth infused with spices such as cinnamon, lemongrass and whole black peppercorns, this recipe is sure to take your taste buds on an adventure.
What makes pho different from other noodle soups is its unique blend of herbs and condiments. Fresh cilantro, basil leaves, bean sprouts, limes, and fish sauce all come together to create an unforgettable flavor profile—each ingredient adding its own distinct layer of taste and texture.
But what truly makes this dish special are the memories you’ll make while preparing it. Blending the ingredients and spices together fill the kitchen with aromatic scents—a hint of nostalgia for those who have visited Vietnam in their travels or simply love Southeast Asian cuisine.
So if you’re in search of something bold, warming, and authentically Vietnamese, give this simple yet soulful recipe a try. It’s a perfect choice for any night when you want to cozy up with something comforting for your family or friends.
Ingredient List
Here are all the ingredients you’ll need to make a delicious Vietnamese Beef Pho recipe:
- 1 1/2 lbs. sirloin tip steak, thinly sliced
- 1 lb. rice noodles
- 4-6 marrow bones (optional)
- 2-3 lbs. beef bones
- 2-3 lbs. beef shank
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3-inch piece of ginger, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tsp. whole black peppercorns
- 1 lemongrass stalk, bruised and chopped into pieces
- 2 tsp. fish sauce
- 1 1/2 tbsp. hoisin sauce (optional)
- 10 cups beef broth
–1 lime, cut into wedges for serving.
Garnishes:
– bean sprouts
– cilantro leaves
– fresh mint leaves
– fresh basil leaves
This recipe requires more traditional Vietnamese ingredients but don’t worry as they can easily be found in most Asian grocery stores.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all the ingredients prepared, it’s time to bring them together to make a delicious bowl of Vietnamese Beef Pho. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to cook!
1. Making the Broth
First, let’s prepare the broth. In a large stockpot, add 12 cups of beef broth, 3 lbs of beef bones, 2 medium onions (cut in half), and 6 cloves of garlic (smashed). Bring everything to a boil over high heat.
Once boiling, add 3 stalks of lemongrass (crushed), 1 cinnamon stick, and 1 tsp of whole black peppercorn. Lower the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for at least 2 hours. You can also add some marrow bones to give the broth a rich flavor.
After 2 hours, remove all the ingredients from the pot using a slotted spoon or spider strainer. Now comes the most crucial step – skim off any residual fat or impurities from the surface using a ladle. This process will ensure that we have a clear and flavorful broth.
Finally, season with 1-2 tsp of fish sauce (add according to taste), and let it simmer for another 30 minutes on low heat.
2. Preparing the Beef
Next up is preparing the beef. Thinly slice 1 ½ lb of sirloin tip steak, against the grain, into bite-size pieces. Then, blanch the meat by adding it into a pot of boiling water for about 30 seconds. Make sure not to overcook it – this will help remove any impurities from the meat.
Once blanched, transfer the meat to a bowl and set aside until ready to serve.
3. Cooking Rice Noodles
In a large pot of boiling water, cook 1 ½ lb of rice noodles for 4-6 minutes until tender but still firm. Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process.
4. Assembling Pho
Now, it’s time to assemble our delicious bowl of pho. In each serving bowl, add a portion of cooked rice noodles, followed by a few slices of blanched beef, and some thinly sliced onions.
Then, pour the piping hot broth into the bowl, and watch as the delicate flavors and aromas infuse together! Garnish with cilantro leaves, fresh mint leaves, and basil leaves, along with a squeeze of lime juice.
For an added crunch, top off the pho with some bean sprouts and a dollop of hoisin sauce.
5. Enjoy
Voila! Your Vietnamese Beef Pho is now ready to serve.
I hope this recipe has helped you create a comforting and authentic Vietnamese noodle soup right in your own kitchen!
Substitutions and Variations
If you want to add some personal touches to this traditional Vietnamese beef pho recipe, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try.
Firstly, if you prefer chicken instead of beef, you can easily make a chicken pho by swapping the beef broth for chicken broth and the sirloin tip steak for boneless chicken breasts or thighs. It will still have the same delicious broth and comforting noodles but with a different twist in flavor.
If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you can make a vegetable pho by using vegetable broth instead of beef broth and replacing the steak with tofu or mushrooms. You’ll still get that heart-warming noodle soup experience and all the flavorful toppings.
For those who love spice, feel free to add hot chili peppers or sriracha sauce into your pho bowl for an extra kick. You can also add some sliced jalapeños or red chili flakes on top.
Lastly, for a healthier twist, you can use brown rice noodles instead of white rice noodles for more fiber or replace the noodles altogether with zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own by adding your favorite ingredients!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving Vietnamese beef pho, the possibilities are endless. Traditionally, it is served as a soup dish with cooked beef, noodles, and vegetables in a flavorful broth. However, there are some additional ways to serve and enjoy this delicious dish.
For a simple and classic approach, top 1 ½ – 2 cups of hot broth with ½ lb of cooked sliced sirloin tip steak and rice noodles. Garnish with thinly sliced onion, fresh cilantro leaves, fresh mint leaves, and bean sprouts. Squeeze in some lime wedges for that extra burst of flavor.
If you are looking to level up your serving game, try making Vietnamese summer rolls. Dip the rice paper wrapper in warm water to soften and wrap cooked beef slices, rice noodles, vegetables such as carrot and cucumber sticks along with fresh cilantro leafs, fresh basil leafs and mint leafs. Serve with hoisin sauce or fish sauce for an amazing flavour experience.
For a more fusion tasting way of enjoying Vietnamese beef pho, try using the savory broth as a poaching liquid for chicken or fish. Alternatively use it in place of water when cooking rice or risotto.
When it comes to pairing Vietnamese beef pho with beverages, I recommend serving it with Jasmine tea or light-bodied Syrah. Both complement the natural umami flavors found in the beef broth while also refreshing your palates between bites.
No matter how you decide to serve and pair this traditional Vietnamese beef pho recipe, make sure to be creative and give different combinations a try. You may just discover your new favorite way to enjoy it!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As much as I enjoy eating this Vietnamese beef pho recipe fresh, it’s also great to know that you can store and reheat it effortlessly. This pho soup can be made ahead of time so that you can save yourself some cooking time without compromising its taste.
If you plan on making the recipe ahead of time, simply let the soup cool down then transfer it into an airtight container. The broth will last for up to five days in your refrigerator. However, I would recommend boiling fresh noodles right before serving for the best texture.
When reheating the Vietnamese beef pho, simply pour the soup into a pot and slowly heat it up over medium heat, ensuring that the broth simmers gently rather than boils vigorously. Increase or decrease the heat to preference, and add a splash of water to dilute if required. This approach preserves the integrity and flavor of this noodle soup and is the best way to serve leftovers.
In addition, feel free to add extras such as lime juice or cilantro to bring out the true flavors of this dish. Shredded leftover beef pairs well with stir-fry dishes, and noodles are excellent if used in salads.
Overall, this comforting pho recipe is addictive and delicious- expect no second-day leftovers!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to traditional Vietnamese beef pho, achieving the perfect result can be a daunting task. However, with a few simple tips, you can easily prepare a delicious and authentic pho.
Firstly, it is essential to choose the right cuts of beef. Use sirloin tip steak for tender meat that cooks quickly or beef shank and marrow bones for more flavor and depth. Remember to remove the excess fat and wash the bones thoroughly before use.
Secondly, invest in quality spices like whole black peppercorns, cinnamon sticks, and lemongrass. These ingredients provide pho’s classic aromatic fragrance while adding layers of flavor.
Thirdly, the key to an excellent pho is a rich and clear broth. For this reason, use high-quality beef broth or make it from scratch using beef bones. Allow enough time for the broth to simmer slowly, skimming off any impurities that may rise to the surface.
Next, cook your rice noodles separately and rinse them in cold water before adding them to your soup bowl. This will prevent them from becoming too soggy or sticking together.
Finally, don’t forget about the garnishes! At minimum include bean sprouts, lime wedges, fresh cilantro leaves, basil leaves, and sliced onions. For an added flavor boost try hoisin sauce and fish sauce.
Overall, cooking traditional Vietnamese beef pho is simple when you have high-quality ingredients and take the time needed to create a solid foundation with the broth. Remember these tips when preparing your next pot of pho for an unforgettable meal experience!
Bottom Line
Vietnamese Beef Pho is a heartwarming noodle soup that will comfort you on the coldest of days. With its rich and aromatic broth, tender cuts of beef, and fresh herbs and spices, it’s no wonder why this dish has become a beloved staple in Vietnamese cuisine.
By following these simple and easy steps, you can make a traditional Vietnamese Beef Pho right in your own kitchen. Don’t be intimidated by the seemingly long ingredient list because most of them are pantry staples or easy to find at your local grocery store.
I urge you to try this recipe for yourself and experience the taste of something truly authentic and comforting. You won’t regret it.
Whether you’re a fan of classic Vietnamese dishes or just looking to shake up your weekly dinner routine, Vietnamese Beef Pho is a recipe that is sure to delight your taste buds and impress any dinner guest. So go ahead, grab some rice noodles, beef broth, and fresh herbs, and get cooking!
Vietnamese Beef Pho Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 quarts beef broth
- 1 large onion, sliced into rings
- 6 slices fresh gingerroot
- 1 lemongrass
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorn
- 1 lb sirloin tip steak, cut into thin slices
- 1/2 lb bean sprouts
- 1 cup fresh basil leaf
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 cup loosely packed cilantro leaf
- 3 fresh jalapeno peppers, sliced into rings
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
- 2 (8 ounce) packages dried rice noodles
- 1/2 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 dash hot pepper sauce
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, combine broth, onion, ginger, lemon grass, cinnamon, and peppercorns.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cover.
- Simmer for 1 hour.
- Arrange bean sprouts, mint, basil, and cilantro on a platter with chilies and lime.
- Soak the noodles in hot water to cover for 15 minutes or until soft.
- Drain.
- Place equal portions of noodles into 6 large soup bowls, and place raw beef on top.
- Ladle hot broth over noodles and beef.
- Pass platter with garnishes and sauces.