Authentic Vietnamese Pho Recipe Made Simple

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Aromatic and Flavorful: This broth is infused with warm spices like cinnamon and star anise, making it truly irresistible.
• Customizable: Whether you love it with thinly sliced beef, chicken, or want to keep it vegan, pho works for everyone!
• Perfect Comfort Food: Want something warm that feels like a hug in a bowl? Pho is calling your name.
• Great for Meal Prep: The broth gets better over time, so make a big batch and enjoy it for days.

Ingredients Breakdown

Essentials

• Beef Bones or Chicken Carcass: These provide the base of a rich, hearty broth.
  
  Substitution: For a vegetarian option, use a mix of vegetable scraps like carrots, mushrooms, and onions.
• Rice Noodles: Choose medium-flat rice noodles for that authentic texture!
• Aromatics: Onion and ginger are charred for depth, giving the broth its signature taste.
• Spices: Star anise, cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom create the magical aroma.
• Fish Sauce: Adds a salty umami kick. Vegan? Use soy sauce or tamari instead.
• Toppings: Fresh herbs (basil, cilantro), lime wedges, bean sprouts, chili slices, and thinly sliced beef or tofu.

Pro Tips

Toast your spices lightly in a dry pan before adding them to the broth—it amplifies their flavor! And don’t skip charring the onion and ginger for that classic smoky note.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

In a large pot, add your beef bones or chicken carcass. Cover with water, bring to a boil, and skim off impurities. Drain and rinse the bones, then return them to the pot with fresh water. This ensures your broth is clean and clear.

Char the onion and ginger directly over an open flame or in a dry skillet until blackened, then add them to the pot along with your toasted spices.

Simmer gently for at least 4-6 hours—or longer if you have the time! The slow cooking coaxes all the goodness out of the bones and spices.

Step 2: Prepare the Noodles

Cook your rice noodles according to the package instructions. Be careful not to overcook; they should be tender but still a bit chewy. Drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 3: Assemble the Bowls

Divide the cooked noodles among bowls. If using raw beef, slice it paper-thin (freezing the meat for an hour makes this easier!) and arrange slices over the noodles.

Ladle the hot broth over the beef to cook it, or add pre-cooked chicken, tofu, or your choice of protein. Top with bean sprouts, fresh herbs, chili, and a squeeze of lime.

Chef’s Tips and Tricks

• Freeze Your Broth: Got leftovers? Freeze broth in small portions for a quick pho fix anytime.
• Don’t Skimp on Herbs: Fresh basil (preferably Thai basil), cilantro, and mint are what give pho its iconic fresh flavor.
• Balance the Flavors: Taste your broth before serving. Add fish sauce for saltiness, sugar for sweetness, or lime to brighten things up.

Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions

• Vegan Pho: Use vegetable broth, add tofu or seared mushrooms, and swap fish sauce for soy or mushroom sauce.
• Chicken Pho (Pho Ga): Substitute chicken bones for beef, and top with shredded chicken breast.
• Serving Idea: Pair your pho with Vietnamese spring rolls or a refreshing iced Vietnamese coffee for a complete meal.

FAQs

• Can I make the broth ahead of time? Absolutely! The broth can be made 2-3 days in advance and kept in the fridge. Reheat before serving.
• Can I freeze pho? While the broth freezes beautifully, store noodles and toppings separately for the best texture.
• How do I reheat pho? Heat the broth on the stove until hot and pour it over freshly cooked noodles and your chosen toppings.

Recipe Card

Have you tried making this pho recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Snap a picture and share it on Instagram with #TheKitchensAid or leave a comment below. Your kitchen adventures make my day!