Authentic Vietnamese Pho with Beef and Fresh Herbs
Experience the warm and soothing flavors of the traditional Vietnamese Pho with this delightful recipe. This aromatic rice noodle soup combines tender slices of beef with fragrant herbs, spices, and a flavorful broth, making it a perfect comfort food. With fresh ingredients and layers of flavor, this soup is not only satisfying but also a beautiful representation of Vietnamese cuisine. Gather your loved ones and serve this heartwarming dish, topped with an array of crunchy bean sprouts, zesty lime, and fragrant herbs for a delightful culinary experience.
2
Servings
400
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
white onion
1 medium onion (sliced thin)
garlic cloves
4 (sliced thin)
ginger
1 tablespoon (fresh, about a 2-3 inch piece, peeled and thin sliced)
whole cloves
6
star anise
1 (bruised (or 1/2 teaspoon anise seeds))
fresh ground black pepper
to taste
chicken broth
56 ounces
sugar
2 tablespoons
asian fish sauce
2 teaspoons ((nam pla or nuoc nam))
linguine-style rice noodles
6 - 8 ounces
top round steaks
6 - 8 ounces (sliced extremely thin (chicken breast can be substituted))
fresh coriander
10 sprigs
Thai basil
6 - 8 sprigs ((or other fresh basil))
serrano chilies
2 (thin sliced (or jalapenos))
bean sprouts
1 cup ((generous handful))
lime
1 (cut into wedges)
hoisin sauce
to taste
hot sauce
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven by positioning a rack 4 to 6 inches from the broiler. Prepare heavy-duty foil and double it up to create a sturdy layer.
2
Spread the sliced onion, garlic, ginger, cloves, star anise, and freshly ground black pepper across the foil. Broil for about 5 minutes, turning the mixture once halfway through. You want the onion to caramelize slightly and the spices to become fragrant.
3
Transfer the broiled ingredients into a 6-quart pot, making sure to collect all the anise seeds if using those.
4
Pour in the chicken broth, add the sugar and fish sauce, and stir well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover tightly, and let it simmer for 20 minutes to develop depth of flavor.
5
While the broth is simmering, prepare the rice noodles. Place them in a large bowl and cover with very hot tap water. To keep the noodles warm, cover the bowl with a plate. Soak for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are tender but slightly firm. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once ready, drain and rinse the noodles thoroughly with cold water, then divide them among two large soup bowls.
6
Arrange the fresh herbs, bean sprouts, chilies, and lime wedges on a platter to create a vibrant table salad.
7
When ready to serve, divide the thinly sliced beef across the noodle bowls. Ladle the hot bubbling broth into each bowl, ensuring the beef cooks slightly from the heat of the broth. Top each serving with an assortment of table salad ingredients and serve with hoisin and hot sauce on the side for extra flavor.
Nutrition Information
10
Fat
45
Carbs
22.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Vietnamese Pho?
Authentic Vietnamese Pho is a traditional rice noodle soup known for its aromatic broth, tender beef, and fresh herbal garnishes.
What are the main ingredients in this beef Pho recipe?
The main ingredients include white onion, garlic, ginger, star anise, chicken broth, rice noodles, and thinly sliced top round steaks.
How many calories are in a serving of this Pho?
Each serving of this Vietnamese Pho contains approximately 400 calories.
Is this Pho recipe gluten-free?
Yes, rice noodles are naturally gluten-free; however, check your fish sauce and hoisin sauce labels to ensure they are also gluten-free.
Can I use a different protein instead of beef?
Yes, chicken breast can be used as a substitute for top round steaks in this recipe.
How do I get the beef slices thin enough for the soup?
Slicing the beef while it is slightly frozen makes it much easier to achieve the extremely thin slices required for Pho.
Why must I broil the onion and ginger?
Broiling caramelizes the onions and releases the essential oils in the ginger and spices, creating a more fragrant and deep broth.
What type of noodles are used in Pho?
Linguine-style rice noodles are the standard choice for an authentic Pho experience.
How long should the rice noodles soak?
The rice noodles should soak in hot tap water for 10 to 15 minutes until they are tender but still slightly firm.
What spices give Pho its unique aroma?
The combination of star anise, whole cloves, and ginger provides the signature aromatic profile of Vietnamese Pho.
Can I use beef broth instead of chicken broth?
While this recipe calls for chicken broth, you can certainly use beef broth for a more intense meat flavor.
What is the purpose of fish sauce in Pho?
Fish sauce, such as nam pla or nuoc nam, adds an essential savory umami depth to the broth.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This specific recipe is portioned to serve 2 people.
What herbs are included in the 'table salad'?
The table salad traditionally includes fresh coriander (cilantro), Thai basil, bean sprouts, and sliced chilies.
How do I prevent the rice noodles from sticking together?
After soaking, drain the noodles and rinse them thoroughly with cold water to remove excess starch.
Is it possible to make the broth in advance?
Yes, the broth can be prepared ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator; simply bring it to a rolling boil before serving.
How spicy is this Pho recipe?
The spice level is customizable; the heat comes from the added serrano or jalapeno chilies and hot sauce served on the side.
What can I use if I cannot find Thai basil?
If Thai basil is unavailable, you can substitute it with any other variety of fresh basil.
How long does the broth need to simmer?
The broth should simmer tightly covered for 20 minutes to allow the spices and aromatics to fully infuse.
How is the beef cooked in this recipe?
The thinly sliced raw beef is placed in the bowl and cooked instantly by the heat of the boiling broth ladled over it.
What kind of chilies are best for Pho?
Serrano chilies or jalapenos are recommended for providing a fresh, crisp heat to the soup.
Can I freeze the leftover Pho broth?
Yes, the strained broth can be frozen for later use, making it a convenient base for future meals.
How much protein is in one serving of this soup?
Each serving contains 22.5 grams of protein.
Why is sugar added to the broth?
A small amount of sugar helps to balance the salty and savory flavors of the fish sauce and spices.
Should I use fresh or ground ginger?
Fresh ginger is highly recommended as it is sliced and broiled to create the authentic aromatic base.
What role does lime play in the dish?
Lime wedges are squeezed into the broth at the table to add a bright, zesty acidity that cuts through the richness.
Do I need to peel the ginger?
Yes, the recipe suggests using a 2-3 inch piece of fresh ginger that has been peeled and thinly sliced.
What is the best way to serve Pho to guests?
Serve the hot noodle and beef bowls alongside a vibrant platter of fresh herbs, sprouts, and lime for guests to garnish themselves.
How much fat is in this recipe?
This Pho recipe contains approximately 10 grams of fat per serving.
Is hoisin sauce required?
Hoisin sauce is optional but recommended as a side condiment for dipping the beef or adding sweetness to the broth.