Authentic Vietnamese Pho Bo (Beef Noodle Soup)
Dive into the rich and aromatic flavors of Vietnam with this Authentic Pho Bo recipe, inspired by a hidden gem restaurant in bustling Ho Chi Minh City. Known for its fragrant broth and tender beef, this traditional Vietnamese beef noodle soup is simmered overnight to develop a depth of flavor that is both soothing and satisfying. Serve it hot with a vibrant array of fresh herbs and condiments for a dining experience that transports you straight to the streets of Saigon. Perfect for gatherings, this dish brings warmth and comfort, making it an ideal one-dish meal for any occasion.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
20
Ingredients
Ingredients
Gingerroot
1/2 cup (thinly sliced)
Shallot
1 cup (thinly sliced)
Anise Seed
1 teaspoon (or 3 whole star anise)
Cinnamon Stick
1 (whole)
Beef Chuck
1 1/2 lbs (boned, rinsed, and fat trimmed)
Beef Broth
2 1/4 quarts (fat skimmed if homemade)
Southeast Asian Fish Sauce (Nouc Mam Sauce)
1/4 cup (plus 2 tablespoons for seasoning)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (to taste)
Salt
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
Bean Sprouts
2 cups (rinsed (optional))
Jalapeno Chile
1/4 cup (thinly sliced (optional))
Thai Basil
1/2 cup (rinsed (optional))
Fresh Cilantro
1/2 cup (rinsed (optional))
Limes
3 (rinsed and cut into wedges (optional))
Sirloin Steaks
8 ounces (fat trimmed and very thinly sliced)
Cooked Rice Vermicelli
6 cups (cooked according to package instructions)
Yellow Onion
1/2 cup (thinly sliced)
Green Onion
3/4 cup (thinly sliced (including tops))
Hoisin Sauce
to taste (optional)
Chili Paste
to taste (optional)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing a spice bundle: wrap the ginger, shallots, star anise (or anise seeds), and cinnamon stick in two layers of cheesecloth and tie securely with heavy cotton string.
2
In a large 10-quart pot, add the beef chuck, beef broth, 2 1/2 quarts of water, 1/4 cup of fish sauce, sugar, and the prepared spice bundle. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat.
3
Once boiling, uncover the pot, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for 1.5 to 1.75 hours until the beef is tender.
4
Using a slotted spoon, remove the beef and transfer it to a freezer-safe container, then freeze overnight. Allow the soup to cool before refrigerating it overnight to let the flavors meld.
5
The next day, thinly slice the frozen beef chuck against the grain into 2 to 3-inch pieces.
6
Skim the solidified fat off the top of the broth and discard. Stir in the 1/8 tsp salt and the additional 2 tablespoons of fish sauce. Bring the broth back to a boil.
7
Prepare a platter with the optional toppings: bean sprouts, sliced jalapenos, Thai basil, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.
8
Reduce the broth to a simmer. Using a wire strainer or skimmer, immerse the sliced sirloin in the simmering broth, cooking it just until browned on the outside but still pink in the center (approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute). Remove and set aside.
9
To serve, place an equal mound of hot, cooked rice vermicelli in deep bowls (with at least a 3-cup capacity). Top each bowl with the sliced beef chuck, cooked sirloin, yellow onion, and green onions.
10
Generously ladle the hot broth over the noodles and ingredients to cover them.
11
Serve the Pho Bo immediately, accompanied by the platter of fresh condiments, hoisin sauce, and chili paste, allowing guests to customize their bowls.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this Vietnamese dish?
The dish is Authentic Vietnamese Pho Bo, which is a traditional Beef Noodle Soup.
How many servings does this Pho Bo recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide 6 servings.
What inspired this specific Pho Bo recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a hidden gem restaurant located in the bustling Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
How is the spice bundle prepared?
The spice bundle is prepared by wrapping ginger, shallots, star anise (or anise seeds), and a cinnamon stick in two layers of cheesecloth and tying it securely with heavy cotton string.
What ingredients are inside the spice bundle?
The spice bundle includes gingerroot, shallots, anise seed or whole star anise, and a cinnamon stick.
What size pot is required for this recipe?
A large 10-quart pot is recommended for preparing the broth.
How long should the beef chuck be simmered initially?
The beef chuck should be simmered for 1.5 to 1.75 hours until it becomes tender.
Why is the beef chuck frozen overnight?
Freezing the beef chuck overnight makes it easier to thinly slice against the grain into 2 to 3-inch pieces the following day.
Why should the soup be refrigerated overnight?
Refrigerating the soup overnight allows the flavors to meld and makes it easy to skim off the solidified fat the next day.
How is the sirloin steak prepared and cooked?
The sirloin steak is fat-trimmed, very thinly sliced, and then immersed in simmering broth for 30 seconds to 1 minute until browned on the outside but still pink in the center.
What type of noodles are used in this Pho Bo?
The recipe uses cooked rice vermicelli noodles.
How much water is added to the broth base?
2 1/2 quarts of water are added to the pot along with the beef broth.
What type of fish sauce is recommended?
The recipe calls for Southeast Asian Fish Sauce, also known as Nouc Mam Sauce.
What should you do with the fat on the broth?
The solidified fat should be skimmed off the top of the broth and discarded after refrigeration.
What herbs are suggested as optional toppings?
The suggested herbs include Thai basil and fresh cilantro.
Which fresh vegetables can be added as condiments?
Optional condiments include bean sprouts, sliced jalapenos, yellow onion, green onion, and lime wedges.
Is sugar used in the Pho broth?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of sugar is added to the broth to taste.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
The recipe includes 20 different ingredients.
How is the bowl assembled before adding the broth?
Place an equal mound of hot rice vermicelli in a bowl, then top it with the sliced beef chuck, cooked sirloin, yellow onion, and green onions.
What capacity should the serving bowls have?
The serving bowls should have at least a 3-cup capacity.
What sauces are served on the side for customization?
Hoisin sauce and chili paste are served on the side so guests can customize their bowls.
How should the ginger and shallots be prepared?
Both the gingerroot and shallots should be thinly sliced before being placed in the spice bundle.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is preparing a spice bundle with ginger, shallots, star anise, and cinnamon wrapped in cheesecloth.
How should the Pho Bo be served?
It should be served immediately while hot, accompanied by a platter of fresh condiments and sauces.
What is the recommended cut of beef for simmering?
Beef chuck is the recommended cut for simmering to achieve tenderness.
What is the recommended cut of beef for quick cooking?
Sirloin steak is used for the quick-cook method just before serving.
Is salt added to the recipe?
Yes, 1/8 teaspoon of salt is added to the broth on the second day of preparation.
What are some of the tags associated with this dish?
Common tags include Vietnamese, comfort food, beef noodle soup, and one dish meal.
Does this recipe include jalapenos?
Yes, 1/4 cup of thinly sliced jalapeno chiles is suggested as an optional topping.
How much lime is needed?
The recipe suggests 3 limes, rinsed and cut into wedges, as an optional condiment.