How to Make the Perfect Classic Vietnamese Pho
Vietnamese · Hard · 210 min · 4 servings
A deeply aromatic beef noodle soup simmered with charred ginger and spices for hours to develop a rich, clear broth. Served with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and tender rice noodles for a complete meal.
Why this recipe works
This Classic Vietnamese Pho recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 210 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 520 calories with 38g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 lbs beef bones
- 1 lb beef brisket
- 3 oz fresh ginger charred
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 12 oz flat rice noodles
- 2 cups bean sprouts
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Char and Prepare Aromatics
Place ginger directly over an open flame or under a broiler until blackened on all sides, about 5 minutes. Scrape off the charred skin and set aside. Blanch the beef bones in boiling water for 10 minutes, then drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove impurities.
Step 2: Build the Broth
Add the cleaned bones, brisket, and charred ginger to a large pot with 4 quarts of cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Add fish sauce and a 5-spice sachet with star anise, cloves, and cinnamon sticks. Simmer uncovered for 3 hours, skimming fat regularly.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
Soak the rice noodles in cold water for 30 minutes until pliable. Bring a separate pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles for 1 to 2 minutes until just tender. Drain and divide evenly among 4 large serving bowls.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Remove the brisket from the broth, slice it thinly against the grain, and arrange over the noodles. Ladle the hot strained broth generously over each bowl. Serve immediately alongside fresh bean sprouts, Thai basil, lime wedges, hoisin sauce, and sriracha.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- beef brisket → chicken thighs for a lighter pho ga version
- flat rice noodles → vermicelli noodles for a thinner texture
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Boiling the broth vigorously which causes it to turn cloudy instead of maintaining a gentle simmer
- Skipping the blanching step for bones which leaves the broth bitter and murky
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 520 calories, 38g protein, 58g carbs, 12g fat, 3g fiber.
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