Welcome to the flavorful world of Vietnamese cuisine!
Pho (pronounced ‘fuh’) is a beloved dish. It is a bowl of soup with noodles, meat, and herbs. We will show you how to make Pho at home!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredient | Amount |
Beef bones | 2 pounds |
Onion | 1 large, halved |
Ginger | 1 (4-inch) piece |
Star anise | 5 pods |
Cloves | 4 |
Cinnamon stick | 1 |
Cardamom pod | 1 |
Coriander seeds | 1 tablespoon |
Fish sauce | 2 tablespoons |
Rice noodles | 8 ounces |
Beef sirloin | ½ pound, thinly sliced |
Fresh cilantro | To taste |
Green onions | To taste |
Bean sprouts | To taste |
Lime wedges | For serving |
Fresh basil leaves | For serving |
Instructions to Make Perfect Pho
- Prepare the bones: Start by boiling beef bones. This cleans them.
- Char the aromatics: Char onion and ginger. This adds deep flavours.
- Toast the spices: Toast spices like star anise and cinnamon. They make the soup tasty.
- Simmer the broth: Put bones, charred aromatics, and spices in a pot. Add water and simmer for hours.
- Season the broth: Use fish sauce to add saltiness to the broth.
- Cook the noodles: Boil rice noodles until they’re soft.
- Slice the beef: Thinly slice beef sirloin. It cooks in the hot broth.
- Assemble the Pho: Put noodles and beef in bowls. Pour hot broth over them.
- Add herbs and sprouts: Top with cilantro, green onions, and bean sprouts.
- Serve with lime and basil: Serve Pho with lime wedges and fresh basil leaves.
Expert Tips for the Best Pho
- Quality bones: Use good beef bones for a rich broth.
- Skim the fat: Skim off any fat that rises to the top of your broth.
- Strain the broth: Strain your broth to make it clear.
- Thinly slice the beef: Freeze the beef for easier slicing.
- Customise toppings: Add toppings you like such as chili or hoisin sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Traditional Pho Made Of?
Traditional Pho is a Vietnamese soup consisting of broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat, typically beef or chicken.
How Long To Simmer Pho Broth?
For a rich and flavorful broth, Pho typically requires simmering for at least 3 hours.
Can Pho Be Made Vegetarian?
Yes, Pho can be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth and tofu instead of meat.
What Spices Are In Pho?
Pho spices generally include star anise, cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom, and coriander seeds.
Making Pho at home is fun and rewarding. With fresh ingredients and patience, you can create a delicious meal. Enjoy your homemade Pho with family and friends!