How to Make the Perfect Vietnamese Pho Bo
Vietnamese · Hard · 200 min · 4 servings
Pho Bo is Vietnam is iconic beef noodle soup featuring a deeply aromatic broth slow simmered with charred onion, ginger, star anise, and cinnamon. It is served with thin rice noodles, tender beef slices, and a spread of fresh herbs and condiments.
Why this recipe works
This Vietnamese Pho Bo recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 200 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 480 calories with 35g 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:
- 400 g dried flat rice noodles banh pho
- 1 kg beef bones oxtail or knuckle
- 300 g beef sirloin thinly sliced
- 4 whole star anise
- 1 whole onion halved and charred
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the Broth
Blanch the beef bones in boiling water for 10 minutes, drain, and rinse. Place the cleaned bones in a large pot with 3 liters of fresh water. Add the charred onion, star anise, and fish sauce. Simmer uncovered for at least 3 hours, skimming any foam regularly.
Step 2: Soak the Noodles
Place the dried rice noodles in a large bowl and cover with room temperature water. Soak for 30 minutes until pliable and softened. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Blanch the soaked noodles in boiling water for 30 to 60 seconds just until tender. Divide them among serving bowls immediately.
Step 4: Assemble the Pho
Strain the finished broth through a fine mesh sieve and season with additional fish sauce and salt to taste. Bring to a rolling boil. Lay the raw sirloin slices over the noodles in each bowl and ladle the boiling broth directly over the meat to cook it instantly. Serve with fresh herbs and bean sprouts.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- beef sirloin → pre cooked brisket or beef meatballs
- fish sauce → soy sauce for a less pungent flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not simmering the broth long enough which results in a thin and flavorless soup base
- Skipping the initial blanching of bones which leaves the broth murky and bitter
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 480 calories, 35g protein, 55g carbs, 12g fat, 3g fiber.
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