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Vietnamese Beef Phở (Phở Bò)

Vietnamese beef phở is a famous dish known for its flavorful broth, tender beef, and fresh herbs. Follow this step-by-step guide to make an authentic bowl of phở at home!
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time4 hours
20 minutes
Total Time5 hours
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: vietnamese
Keyword: Vietnamese Beef Phở
Servings: 4
Calories: 450kcal

Ingredients

Broth Ingredients

  • 2 kg beef bones marrow bones or oxtail for a rich broth
  • 500 g beef brisket, flank, or shank, for simmering
  • 1 onion halved
  • 1 large piece of ginger charred and smashed
  • 3 star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 3-4 cloves
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon rock sugar
  • 5 liters of water

Soup Ingredients

  • 500 g fresh rice noodles or dried noodles soaked in water
  • 300 g raw beef slices sirloin or ribeye, thinly sliced
  • Green onions cilantro, Thai basil, sawtooth herb
  • Bean sprouts
  • Lime fresh chili
  • Fish sauce hoisin sauce, sriracha

Instructions

Preparing the Bones and Meat

  • ❖ Blanch the beef bones:
  • Boil a large pot of water and blanch the beef bones for 10 minutes to remove impurities.
  • Drain and rinse the bones thoroughly under cold water.
  • ❖ Blanch the beef (brisket, flank, or shank):
  • Place the beef in boiling water for 5 minutes, then remove, rinse, and set aside.

Making the Broth

  • 🔥 Char the Onion and Ginger:
  • Roast the onion and ginger over an open flame or dry pan until charred.
  • Peel off the burnt skin, then smash the ginger slightly.
  • 🍲 Simmer the bones for a flavorful broth:
  • In a large pot, add the bones, beef, onion, and ginger. Pour in 5 liters of water.
  • Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Skim off any foam regularly to keep the broth clear.
  • Simmer for 3-4 hours for the best flavor.
  • 🌿 Enhancing the broth with spices:
  • Toast the star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and coriander seeds in a dry pan until fragrant.
  • Place them in a spice bag (or add directly to the pot).
  • Add fish sauce, salt, and rock sugar to season the broth.
  • Continue simmering for 1-2 more hours to allow the flavors to blend.
  • 💡 Tips for the best broth:
  • For a clearer broth: Keep the pot uncovered and skim impurities frequently.
  • For a sweeter broth: Add a peeled white radish or apple while simmering.

Preparing the Noodles and Beef

  • ✔ Cooking the Rice Noodles:
  • For fresh rice noodles: Blanch in boiling water for 10 seconds, then rinse with cold water.
  • For dried rice noodles: Soak in warm water for 30 minutes, then cook in boiling water for 2-3 minutes.
  • ✔ Slicing the Beef:
  • Use a sharp knife to slice the beef as thin as possible.
  • Tip: Freeze the beef for 15 minutes before slicing to make it easier.

Assembling and Serving

  • 🍜 Prepare the Phở Bowl:
  • Place cooked rice noodles in a bowl.
  • Arrange thinly sliced raw beef on top.
  • Add green onions, cilantro, and bean sprouts.
  • 🔥 Pour hot broth over the bowl:
  • Ladle boiling hot broth over the raw beef to cook it instantly.
  • 🍋 Customize with condiments:
  • Serve with lime wedges, fresh chili, hoisin sauce, and sriracha.
  • Adjust with fish sauce for more umami flavor.
  • ✨ Enjoy your homemade phở while it's hot!