Pho-nomenal Beef Pho: A Symphony of Flavor in Every Bowl

Ingredients for the Perfect Beef Pho

For the Broth:

• 2 lbs beef bones (preferably marrow or knuckle bones)
• 1 lb beef brisket
• 1 large onion, halved
• 4 slices of ginger, roughly chopped
• 5 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 star anise
• 1 tsp coriander seeds
• 1 tsp fennel seeds
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 12 cups water

For the Soup:

• 12 oz rice noodles (bánh phở)
• 1 cup fresh bean sprouts
• 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
• 1 bunch basil leaves
• 1 bunch mint leaves
• 1-2 limes, cut into wedges
• 2-3 Thai bird chilies, sliced (optional, for heat)
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• Hoisin sauce (for serving)
• Sriracha (for serving)

Optional Garnishes:

• Thinly sliced jalapeños
• Fried shallots
• Extra herbs like Thai basil or culantro

Crafting the Aromatic Broth

Creating the perfect Pho broth is a labor of love and patience. Start by roasting the beef bones and brisket to enhance their flavors. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the bones and brisket on a baking sheet. Roast for about 30-40 minutes, turning once until they're nicely browned.

While the meat is roasting, prepare the spices. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the cloves, cinnamon stick, star anise, coriander seeds, and fennel seeds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them; it should only take a few minutes. Once toasted, place the spices in a spice bag or cheesecloth and tie it securely.

Remove the bones and brisket from the oven and transfer them to a large stockpot. Add the onion, ginger, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the spice bag, salt, and sugar. Simmer for at least 3-4 hours, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface. For a clearer broth, continue to simmer gently and avoid stirring too vigorously.

After simmering, remove the bones and brisket from the pot. Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into a clean pot. Return the pot to the stove and add the fish sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Keep the broth warm.

Preparing the Rice Noodles and Beef

While your broth is simmering, prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves soaking them in hot water until they’re soft. Drain and set aside.

For the beef, you can use the brisket that was simmered earlier. Slice it thinly against the grain. If you prefer, you can also use thinly sliced raw sirloin, which will cook in the hot broth.

Assembling the Pho

To assemble your Pho, place a handful of the cooked rice noodles into each bowl. Top with slices of the cooked beef brisket or raw sirloin. Carefully ladle the hot broth over the noodles and beef.

Garnish each bowl with fresh bean sprouts, cilantro, basil, and mint. Add a squeeze of lime juice, sliced Thai bird chilies, and red onion to taste. Serve with hoisin sauce and Sriracha on the side for additional flavor.

A Pho-tastic Experience

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of Beef Pho. The richness of the broth combined with the fresh herbs and the tender beef creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Each sip of the aromatic broth, each bite of the savory meat, and each crunch of the fresh sprouts contribute to an experience that’s both satisfying and memorable.

Whether you’re enjoying this meal with family or sharing it with friends, Beef Pho has a way of bringing people together. As you savor each bowl, you'll appreciate the effort and care that went into making this iconic Vietnamese dish. It’s more than just food—it’s a celebration of flavors and a testament to the art of cooking.

Disclaimer: The recipes shared on this blog are intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. We do our best to ensure accuracy, but ingredient and preparation variations can alter results. Please use caution and consult a medical professional if you have dietary restrictions or health concerns. The blog and its authors are not liable for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of the recipes provided. Always prioritize your health and safety when cooking.