Description
This authentic homemade beef pho recipe will take you on a flavorful journey to Vietnam with its rich, aromatic broth and tender slices of beef.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds beef bones (knuckle or marrow)
- 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, halved
- 4 inches ginger, halved lengthwise
- 5 star anise
- 4 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces rice noodles (pho noodles)
- Toppings: bean sprouts, Thai basil, lime wedges, hoisin sauce, sriracha, sliced chili peppers
Instructions
- Step 1: Char the onion and ginger. Place onion and ginger on a baking sheet and broil for 5-10 minutes until charred. Alternatively, hold directly over a gas flame with tongs until charred.
- Step 2: Toast the spices. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast star anise, cloves, cinnamon stick, coriander seeds, and fennel seeds for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3: Prepare the broth. Place beef bones in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then drain and rinse bones to remove impurities. Return bones to pot.
- Step 4: Add 4 quarts fresh water, charred onion and ginger, toasted spices, fish sauce, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 4-6 hours, skimming fat occasionally.
- Step 5: Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into a clean pot. Discard solids. Keep broth warm over low heat.
- Step 6: Cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain and divide among bowls.
- Step 7: Arrange raw beef slices on top of noodles. Ladle hot broth over the beef to cook it.
- Step 8: Serve with bean sprouts, Thai basil, lime wedges, hoisin sauce, sriracha, and chili peppers on the side.
Notes
For the most authentic flavor, use beef knuckle or marrow bones and simmer the broth for at least 4 hours. The charring of onion and ginger is essential for that deep, smoky flavor. Leftover broth can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 28g