Teresa's Recipes
Authentic Beef Pho
Beef pho is a beloved Vietnamese dish that warms the soul with its aromatic broth and tender beef slices. This comforting noodle soup showcases the rich flavors of a simmered beef broth, infused with fragrant spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves. Traditionally enjoyed as a breakfast dish in Vietnam, pho has gained international acclaim for its harmony of textures and flavors. Each bowl is customizable with fresh herbs, crunchy bean sprouts, and zesty lime, making it a perfect meal any time of day.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds, preferably marrow bones Beef bones
- 1 pound, thinly sliced against the grain Beef sirloin
- 8 ounces, flat rice noodles Rice noodles (bánh phở)
- 1 large, halved Onion
- 1 piece (about 2 inches), sliced Ginger
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 2 Star anise
- 4 Cloves
- 3 Cardamom pods
- 2 tablespoons, for serving Hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon, for serving (adjust to taste) Sriracha sauce
- 1, cut into wedges Lime
- 1/2 cup, for garnish Fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup, for garnish Thai basil leaves
- 1 cup, for garnish Bean sprouts
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 6
- Dish Type: Soup
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 40g
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 5g
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the beef broth: In a large pot, combine the beef bones, halved onion, sliced ginger, cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves, and cardamom pods.
- Cover the ingredients with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 hours. Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface to maintain a clear broth.
- After simmering, strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into another pot, discarding the solids. Return the strained broth to the pot and keep warm over low heat.
- Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Blanch the bean sprouts for 1 minute, then drain and set aside.
- To serve, divide the cooked rice noodles among serving bowls. Layer the thinly sliced beef sirloin on top of the noodles.
- Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and beef, ensuring they are fully submerged and the beef cooks slightly from the heat.
- Garnish each bowl with fresh bean sprouts, Thai basil leaves, cilantro leaves, and lime wedges. Offer hoisin sauce and sriracha sauce on the side for individual flavor adjustments.
- Enjoy your steaming bowl of beef pho, savoring each aromatic spoonful!
Tips
- For an even richer broth, consider charring the onion and ginger under a broiler before adding them to the pot.
- Feel free to customize your pho with additional toppings such as jalapeños, mushrooms, or fried shallots for added texture and flavor.