What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade pho recipe is perfect for anyone craving a comforting, flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients, and the aroma alone will transport you to a cozy Vietnamese kitchen. You’ll love how customizable it is—add your favorite toppings like fresh herbs, bean sprouts, or spicy chili sauce. Plus, the broth is rich, savory, and packed with layers of flavor, making it worth every minute of simmering. Best of all, it’s a fun cooking adventure that brings family and friends together around the table.
Recipe
Pho is a traditional Vietnamese soup known for its aromatic broth, tender meat, and fresh herbs. This recipe guides you through making authentic homemade pho from scratch.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef bones (oxtail, marrow, or knuckle)
- 1 lb beef brisket or flank steak
- 1 onion, halved
- 1 piece of ginger (3 inches), halved
- 2 star anise
- 3 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 cardamom pod
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- 8 cups water
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt to taste
- 8 oz rice noodles
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, Thai basil)
- Bean sprouts
- Lime wedges
- Sliced chili peppers (optional)
Instructions:
- Roast the beef bones in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes.
- In a large pot, char the onion and ginger over an open flame or in a skillet until blackened.
- Add the roasted bones, charred onion, ginger, star anise, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and coriander seeds to the pot. Pour in 8 cups of water.
- Simmer for 4-6 hours, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface.
- Add the brisket or flank steak in the last hour of cooking.
- Strain the broth and season with fish sauce, sugar, and salt. Slice the cooked meat thinly.
- Cook rice noodles according to package instructions and divide them into bowls.
- Top with sliced meat, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime wedges. Pour hot broth over the top.
Notes:
- For a clearer broth, rinse the bones after roasting.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Strainer
- Knife and cutting board
Time:
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 5-6 hours
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serving: 4
Nutrition
Pho is a flavorful Vietnamese noodle soup that combines rich broth, rice noodles, and fresh herbs. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 1200 mg |
What To Serve With It
Fresh herbs and veggies like Thai basil, bean sprouts, and lime wedges add brightness to your pho, balancing the rich broth perfectly. For extra crunch, try serving it with crispy spring rolls or a side of pickled vegetables—they’re simple but make every bite more satisfying. Trust me, these pairings turn a great bowl of pho into an unforgettable meal.
Fresh Herbs & Veggies
When I’m putting together a bowl of pho, I love how the fresh herbs and veggies can totally transform the dish, adding a burst of flavor and a little crunch. A handful of Thai basil, cilantro, and mint brightens every bite, while thinly sliced jalapeños bring just the right heat. Bean sprouts add crispness, and lime wedges squeeze in tangy freshness. I always pile them high on a side plate so everyone can customize their bowl. The mix of textures and flavors makes each spoonful exciting—earthy, spicy, citrusy, all at once. It’s the little things that turn good pho into something unforgettable.
Crunchy Side Dishes
While I’m all about the noodles and broth, I can’t resist adding some crunchy side dishes to make the meal even better. Crispy spring rolls, fried to golden perfection, are my go-to—they’re light but pack a satisfying crunch. Bean sprouts and sliced jalapeños add fresh texture, while fried shallots or garlic chips sprinkle extra flavor on top. Don’t forget a handful of roasted peanuts for a nutty bite! These sides balance the soft noodles and rich broth, making every bite more exciting. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll never have pho without a little crunch again.
