Beef Pho

Dive into the rich, aromatic world of Vietnamese cuisine with this traditional Beef Pho recipe, a soul-warming noodle soup that's as comforting as it is flavorful. This recipe showcases a deeply savory broth, slowly simmered with beef bones, oxtail, and an aromatic blend of spices like star anise, cinnamon, and black cardamom for six hours, creating layers of complex flavors. Charred onion and ginger provide a smoky depth, while delicate rice noodles and tender, thinly sliced beef flank or sirloin complete the experience. Top each steaming bowl with fresh garnishes like Thai basil, cilantro, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime for a burst of brightness. Perfect for a cozy dinner or to impress guests with its authentic taste, this Beef Pho recipe encapsulates the essence of Vietnamese comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:360 mins

Total Time:390 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 pounds beef bones
• 1 pound oxtail
• 1 large onion
• 1 piece (about 3 inches) ginger
• 6 pieces star anise
• 2 pieces cinnamon sticks
• 5 pieces cloves
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
• 2 pods black cardamom pods
• 0.25 cup fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 0.25 cup rock sugar
• 14 ounces rice noodles
• 1 pound beef flank or sirloin
• 4 scallions
• 1 bunch cilantro
• 1 bunch Thai basil
• 2 cups bean sprouts
• 2 limes
• 1 jalapeño
• 0.25 cup hoisin sauce
• 0.25 cup sriracha
• 6 quarts water

Directions

Step 1

Place beef bones and oxtail in a large stockpot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat and boil for 10 minutes to release impurities.

Step 2

Drain and rinse the bones and meat under cold water.

Step 3

Clean the pot, return bones and meat, and add 6 quarts of fresh water.

Step 4

Char the onion and ginger over an open flame or in a broiler until blackened. Peel the onion and slice the ginger in half. Add to the pot.

Step 5

Toast the star anise, cinnamon sticks, cloves, coriander seeds, and black cardamom pods in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant. Add to the pot.

Step 6

Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for about 5 hours, skimming any foam or fat that rises to the surface.

Step 7

Add fish sauce, salt, and rock sugar to the broth in the last hour of cooking to season.

Step 8

Strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean pot, discarding solids.

Step 9

Meanwhile, soak rice noodles in hot water for 15-30 minutes until soft. Drain and set aside.

Step 10

Slice the beef flank or sirloin against the grain into thin slices. Set aside.

Step 11

Prepare garnishes: thinly slice scallions and jalapeño, chop cilantro, and quarter limes.

Step 12

To serve, divide the rice noodles among bowls. Top with raw beef slices.

Step 13

Ladle hot broth over the beef, which will cook the meat instantly.

Step 14

Garnish each bowl with scallions, cilantro, Thai basil, bean sprouts, jalapeño slices, and lime wedges.

Step 15

Serve hot with hoisin sauce and sriracha on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	9429.3 grams (9429.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6310

Total Fat 331.60g	425%
Saturated Fat 134.40g	672%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.60g
Cholesterol 1594mg	531%
Sodium 18686mg	812%
Total Carbohydrate 296.40g	108%
Dietary Fiber 40.10g	143%
Total Sugars 114.40g
Protein 529.00g	1058%

Vitamin D 36IU	182%
Calcium 1277mg	98%
Iron 82mg	454%
Potassium 9222mg	196%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.5%

Protein: 33.7%

Carbs: 18.9%