Vietnamese Pho Recipe: Easy, Authentic, and Delicious

Pho (pronounced “fuh”) is more than a bowl of soup—it’s a story of ingenuity, resilience, and cultural fusion, steeped in centuries of Vietnamese culinary tradition. While the modern Pho recipe emerged in the early 20th century, its essence—a fragrant, simmering broth combined with rice noodles and fresh herbs—has been part of Vietnamese cooking for far longer.

Pho reflects the ingenuity of Vietnam’s people, who turned humble ingredients into something extraordinary. By understanding the history and learning how to make this authentic Pho recipe, you’ll experience its magic right in your kitchen.

Ancient Roots: A Simmering Tradition

Vietnamese cooks have perfected the art of creating flavorful broths over centuries, simmering bones with spices and herbs to feed families with simple, nourishing meals. Rice noodles, introduced through Chinese influence, became a staple in Vietnamese cuisine.

The arrival of French colonialism in the late 19th century introduced an abundance of beef bones—leftovers from French demand for premium beef cuts. Vietnamese cooks embraced these scraps, simmering them into rich, aromatic broths and combining them with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and spices. Thus, Pho as we know it was born.

Recipe: A Taste of Vietnam

Authentic Pho

Ingredients

For the Broth

• 3–4 lbs beef bones (marrow, knuckle, and oxtail for richness)
• 1 lb beef brisket (optional for tender slices)
• 2 large onions, halved and charred
• 1 large ginger root, split and charred
• 6–8 star anise
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 5–6 cloves
• 2 cardamom pods (optional)
• 2 tbsp coriander seeds
• 2 tbsp rock sugar (or 1.5 tbsp white sugar)
• 2 tbsp fish sauce (plus more to taste)
• 1 tbsp salt
• 5–6 quarts of water

For the Noodles and Toppings

• 1 lb dried flat rice noodles (Bánh Phở)
• Thinly sliced raw beef (sirloin or eye round)
• Cooked brisket (from the broth, sliced thinly)
• Fresh herbs: Thai basil, cilantro, and mint
• Bean sprouts
• Lime wedges
• Jalapeño slices or chili peppers
• Hoisin sauce and sriracha (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Bones and Broth

• Blanch the bones: Place beef bones and brisket in a large pot. Cover with water, bring to a boil, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
• Clean the bones: Drain, rinse the bones under cool water, and scrub away impurities. This step ensures a clear broth.
• Start fresh: Return the clean bones and brisket to a clean pot. Add 5–6 quarts of fresh water.

2. Char the Aromatics

• Char the onions and ginger over an open flame, grill, or dry skillet until blackened. This adds smoky depth to the broth.
• Add the charred aromatics to the pot.

3. Toast the Spices

• Toast star anise, cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom, and coriander seeds in a dry pan for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
• Add the toasted spices to the broth.

4. Simmer the Broth

• Add rock sugar, salt, and fish sauce to the pot. Bring the broth to a gentle boil, then lower to a simmer.
• Simmer uncovered for 4–6 hours, skimming off impurities occasionally for a clear broth.
• After 2–3 hours, remove the brisket, let it cool, and slice it thinly.

5. Prepare the Noodles

• Soak the rice noodles in warm water for 20 minutes.
• Boil the noodles briefly (30 seconds to 1 minute) until tender. Drain and portion into bowls.

6. Assemble Your Pho

1. Place a handful of noodles in a large bowl.
2. Top with sliced brisket and thinly sliced raw beef.
3. Ladle the hot broth over the beef—it will cook instantly.
4. Add sliced onions for crunch.

7. Garnish and Serve

Serve with a platter of fresh garnishes:

• Thai basil, cilantro, and mint
• Bean sprouts for crunch
• Lime wedges for brightness
• Jalapeños or chili for heat
• Hoisin sauce and sriracha (optional)

A Dish That Tells a Story 

Pho is a celebration of Vietnam’s history, culture, and resilience. Its journey from the humble kitchens of Northern Vietnam to the bustling streets of Saigon and the global stage is a testament to its timeless appeal.

The Timeline of Pho’s Evolution As you sip your homemade Pho, remember that this dish carries with it centuries of tradition and ingenuity. Each spoonful is a tribute to cooks who transformed humble ingredients—beef bones, rice noodles, and herbs—into something extraordinary.

“Pho is not just a meal; it’s a story simmered slowly, seasoned with history, and served with love.”

Ready to Taste the Tradition?

Follow this authentic Pho recipe and experience the magic of Vietnam’s most iconic dish in your kitchen. Share your Pho masterpiece with us on social media and inspire others to taste this timeless tradition!

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