Today, I want to share a recipe that warms the soul and excites the taste buds: Classic Vietnamese Beef Pho. This delightful dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that transports you to the streets of Vietnam with every slurp. Let’s dive in!
Classic Vietnamese Beef Pho
Pho is a beloved Vietnamese noodle soup, packed with flavor and fragrant herbs. The heart of this dish is a rich and aromatic broth, complemented by fresh ingredients and tender beef. Prepare to delight your senses!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef bones (preferably marrow bones)
- 1 onion, halved
- 1 piece of ginger, about 3 inches, halved
- 4 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 cloves
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- Salt, to taste
- 1 pound rice noodles (bánh phở)
- 1 pound beef sirloin or ribeye, thinly sliced
- Fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, mint)
- Lime wedges
- Sliced jalapeños (optional)
- Bean sprouts
- Soy sauce (for serving)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the broth. In a large pot, place the beef bones and fill it with enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil and then simmer for about 10 minutes. This will help to remove impurities. Discard the water and rinse the bones.
- In the same pot, add the cleaned bones, onion, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, and coriander seeds. Fill with fresh water, enough to cover the ingredients. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for at least 6 hours. The longer you simmer, the richer the flavor.
- After simmering, strain the broth into another pot. Add salt to taste and let it simmer gently while you prepare the noodles and beef.
- Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and divide them among serving bowls.
- Top the noodles with the raw, thinly sliced beef. The hot broth will cook the meat when poured over.
- Pour the hot broth over the noodles and beef, ensuring everything is submerged in the delicious liquid.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sliced jalapeños if you like some heat.
- Serve with soy sauce on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Enjoy your homemade Classic Vietnamese Beef Pho, and let the flavors take you on a delicious journey!