Craft authentic Pho with traditional ingredients and techniques

Discover the art of crafting Vietnam’s iconic dish, Pho, with our comprehensive recipe guide. Pho, a beloved Vietnamese noodle soup, boasts a delicate yet flavorful broth, rice noodles, fresh herbs, and tender beef or chicken. Follow these steps to create an authentic Beef Pho that captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine.

Pho Recipe Ingredients

For the Broth:

3 lbs beef bones (mix of marrow bones and knuckles)
1 lb beef brisket or chuck
1 onion, unpeeled and halved
1 piece of ginger (about 4 inches), unpeeled
5 star anise
3 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 black cardamom pod (optional)
1 tablespoon coriander seeds
1 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon sugar

For the Bowls:

400g flat rice noodles (banh pho)
300g beef sirloin or tenderloin, thinly sliced
Green onions, chopped
Cilantro, chopped
Onion, thinly sliced
Garnishes: Bean sprouts, Basil (preferably Thai basil), Lime wedges, Jalapeño or bird’s eye chili, sliced
Hoisin sauce
Sriracha sauce

Step By Step How to Make Pho

Step 1 – Prepare the Broth:

Char onion and ginger until blackened. Boil beef bones to clean, then drain and rinse.
Add bones, brisket, charred onion, ginger, and spices to a pot of water. Simmer for 3-4 hours, skimming scum.
Season with salt, fish sauce, and sugar. Strain broth, keeping clear liquid.

Step 2 – Prepare the Rice Noodles:

Cook rice noodles until soft, then briefly boil until tender. Drain and rinse.

Step 3 – Assemble the Bowls:

Place noodles in each bowl, add cooked brisket, and raw sirloin. Pour boiling broth over, cooking the raw beef.
Top with green onions, cilantro, and onion slices.

Step 4 – Serve with Garnishes:

Offer bean sprouts, basil leaves, lime wedges, sliced chilies, hoisin sauce, and Sriracha for customization.

Tips To Make Pho

Take time to develop rich flavors in the broth.
Use quality beef for the best texture.
Serve fresh for an optimal experience.

How Many Calories Has A Pho

Broth is light, with about 50-100 calories per serving.
Cooked rice noodles add around 200 calories per cup.
Beef slices contribute 150-250 calories per serving.
Herbs and vegetables add minimal calories.
Sauces like hoisin and Sriracha add 35-50 and 15-20 calories per tablespoon, respectively.
A standard bowl of beef pho ranges from 430 to 600 calories.

Crafting Pho offers not just a meal but an experience, representing Vietnamese culture and culinary tradition. Enjoy the journey of preparing and savoring this cherished dish, perfect for any occasion.

Repurposed article originally published in GAMINTRAVELER