The soup Pho is one of the most iconic dishes of Vietnamese cuisine, famous for its aromatic and deep broth achieved by charring onion and ginger, then infusing it with spices like cinnamon, star anise, and cloves. This homemade recipe lets you enjoy a comforting and flavorful soup, ideal for cold days or when you crave a soul-warming dish.
You can adapt this soup to your taste: use chicken instead of beef, add more or less chili depending on your spice tolerance, or even incorporate other vegetables like mushrooms. Pho is versatile and lends itself to creativity.
Ideal for those seeking a complete and nutritious meal, this soup combines protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables in one bowl. Perfect for sharing with family or impressing guests with authentic flavor.
Prep
120 min
Servings
4
In a large pot, char the onion and ginger until they are slightly blackened. This adds depth to the broth.
Add the beef or chicken broth to the pot along with cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and cardamom. Simmer for 30-45 minutes to infuse the flavors.
While the broth simmers, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Rinse with cold water and set aside.
In a separate pan, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, then add the thinly sliced beef (or chicken) and cook until it's no longer pink. Season with fish sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Strain the broth to remove all the spices and aromatics. Return the clear broth to the pot and bring it to a boil. Adjust the seasoning with fish sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper to your taste.
To assemble each bowl, place a portion of cooked rice noodles in the bottom, then top with the cooked beef (or chicken) and the charred onions and ginger from the broth.
Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and meat.
Serve the Pho with bean sprouts, Thai basil, lime wedges, and sliced chili on the side. Diners can garnish their bowls with these fresh ingredients to taste.
Enjoy your homemade Pho, a delicious and comforting Vietnamese noodle soup!
