There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of aromatic beef pho, especially when it’s homemade. This traditional Vietnamese dish has been a favorite of mine since first tasting it at a small family-run restaurant on a rainy day. The complexity of its flavors, combined with the simplicity of its preparation, makes it perfect for anyone seeking a delicious, warming meal.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new in the kitchen, this beef pho recipe is designed to delight your senses and transport you to the bustling streets of Hanoi.
- 1 lb beef bones
- 1 lb beef brisket
- 1 onion, halved and unpeeled
- 4-inch piece of ginger, halved lengthwise
- 5 star anise
- 4 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 cardamom pod
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 4 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 8 cups water
- Rice noodles
- Thinly sliced onions
- Cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Hoisin sauce
- Sriracha sauce
Char the onion and ginger under the broiler for about 5 minutes, until they start to blacken.
In a large pot, add the beef bones, brisket, charred onion, ginger, star anise, cloves, cinnamon stick, cardamom pod, salt, fish sauce, and sugar with 8 cups of water. Bring to a boil and then lower the heat to simmer. Cover and cook for at least 1.5 hours.
While the broth cooks, prepare rice noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
Strain the broth and return it to the pot. Slice the brisket thinly. In serving bowls, layer noodles, brisket slices, and thinly sliced onions. Pour hot broth over the top and garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.
Offer hoisin sauce and sriracha sauce on the side so each person can adjust the flavor to their liking.
Final words
Thank you for joining me in creating this savory beef pho. It’s a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, and I hope it finds one in yours too. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to explore other recipes on my site. Good luck!
Tags
beef pho recipe, traditional Vietnamese dish, homemade pho, comforting soup recipe
