If you’re a fan of Vietnamese cuisine, you’ve likely heard of beef pho soup (phở bò). This iconic noodle soup dish has gained worldwide popularity for its delightful flavors and nutritional benefits.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making an authentic pho soup at home, exploring its origins, and providing tips to customize it to your liking.

What is beef pho soup?

Beef pho soup, or “phở bò,” is a beloved Vietnamese noodle soup that originated in the early 20th century in northern Vietnam. It features tender beef, aromatic spices, and flat rice noodles (bánh phở) immersed in a rich, flavorful broth.

The pho broth is the soul of this dish, simmered for hours with beef bones, charred aromatics, and a blend of spices to create a complex and satisfying flavor profile.

More information: Special pho revealed: The ultimate bowl to warm your soul

Ingredients of beef pho soup

Some of the ingredients needed to make a bowl of beef pho soup

To make an authentic beef pho soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the broth

Beef bones (knuckle and marrow bones)
Charred onion and ginger
Spices (star anise, cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, coriander seeds)
Fish sauce
Rock sugar
Salt and pepper

For the soup

Flat rice noodles (bánh phở)
Thinly sliced beef (sirloin, brisket, or flank steak)
Fresh herbs (Thai basil, cilantro, mint)
Bean sprouts
Lime wedges
Chili sauce or sriracha (optional)

Preparing the beef pho broth

Making the pho broth

The pho broth is the backbone of this dish, and its preparation is crucial for achieving an authentic flavor. Here’s how to make the pho beef broth:

Char the onion and ginger over an open flame or in the oven to add depth of flavor.
Briefly toast the spices in a dry pan to release their aromas.
Parboil the beef bones to remove any impurities.
In a large pot, combine the parboiled bones, charred aromatics, toasted spices, and enough water to cover the ingredients.
Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for at least 6 hours, skimming off any foam or fat that rises to the surface.
Add fish sauce, rock sugar, salt, and pepper to taste.
Strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer to remove the solids.

Steps to make beef pho soup

With the rich, flavored pho broth as your foundation, it’s time to bring all the components together to create the iconic Vietnamese noodle soup. Follow these steps to ensure a restaurant-quality bowl of steaming hot beef pho:

Step 1: Prepare the broth

Prepare pho bone broth

Transfer the strained pho beef broth to a large pot and cook on medium heat. Adjust the heat to maintain a steady simmer without letting the broth boil vigorously.
Taste the broth and make any final seasoning adjustments if needed, adding more fish sauce, sugar, salt, or pepper to achieve your desired flavor balance.

Step 2: Cook the noodles

In a separate pot or large bowl, cover the dried flat rice noodles with hot water and let them soak for 15-20 minutes, until they are pliable but still firm to the bite.
Drain the noodles thoroughly once they’ve softened.

Step 3: Prepare the beef

Thinly slice the beef sirloin or eye of round across the grain into strips or sheets, about 1/4 inch thick. You can also use pre-sliced beef for pho, which is available at many Asian markets.
If using tougher cuts like brisket or chuck, it’s best to blanch or quickly sear the sliced beef before adding it to the broth.

Step 4: Assemble the soup

Putting the pho soup together

Divide the soaked and drained rice noodles evenly among individual serving bowls.
Carefully add the thinly sliced raw beef to the gently simmering broth and let it cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until it reaches your desired doneness (rare to medium-rare is recommended for the best texture).
Using a ladle, portion the hot broth and cooked beef over the noodles in each bowl.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Arrange a medley of fresh herbs like Thai basil, cilantro, and culantro (or mint) Add a handful of crisp bean sprouts, thinly sliced onions, and a wedge of lime
Serve the steaming hot beef pho immediately, encouraging your guests to squeeze the lime juice over the soup and mix it with the fresh herbs and bean sprouts to their liking.

Optional additions

Add a dollop of chile-garlic sauce or sriracha for a spicy kick.
Garnish with thinly sliced jalapeños or bird’s eye chilies for extra heat.
Include a small plate of fresh herbs like Thai basil, cilantro, mint, lime wedges, bean sprouts, and sliced chilies for guests to customize their bowls.

More information: Pho consomme: The clear, flavorful soul of Vietnamese cuisine

Customizing your beef pho soup

Customize the pho beautifully and eye-catchy

One of the beauties of beef pho soup is its versatility. You can customize your bowl to suit your taste preferences by adding various garnishes and making dietary adjustments.

Add-ons

Chili sauce or sriracha for a spicy kick
Hoisin sauce or chili oil for added flavor depth
Sliced jalapeños for extra heat

Garnishes

Fresh herbs (Thai basil, cilantro, mint)
Bean sprouts
Thinly sliced onions
Lime wedges
Chili sauce or sriracha

Dietary adjustments

Making the Pho Suitable for Vegetarians

For a gluten-free option, use rice noodles labeled as such.
To make it vegetarian/vegan, substitute the beef broth with a vegetable or mushroom broth, and use plant-based protein sources like tofu or seitan.

Serving and enjoying beef pho soup

Beef pho soup is best enjoyed piping hot, with the aromatic broth enveloping the tender beef and slurpy noodles. Customize your bowl with your favorite garnishes and condiments, and remember to provide chopsticks, soup spoons, and plenty of napkins for an authentic Vietnamese dining experience.

More information: Homemade pork pho: How to create Vietnamese dish

Conclusion

Beef pho soup is a true culinary gem that captures the essence of Vietnamese flavors. With this authentic recipe, you can recreate the comforting and nourishing experience of slurping up a steaming bowl of pho bò at home. Embrace the art of customization, and savor each flavorful spoonful of this beloved noodle soup dish.

At AK FOOD, we understand the importance of quality ingredients and traditional methods in creating delicious and nutritious meals. Explore our range of carefully curated products to elevate your culinary experiences and bring the vibrant flavors of Vietnam into your kitchen.

For any inquiries, please feel free to reach out to us through the following channels:

Anh Kim Food Production Joint Stock Company (AK FOOD)

Phone number: 028 3815 9696

Email: contact@akfood.com.vn

Address: Lot III – 1B, Street 1, Tan Binh Industrial Park, Tan Phu District, Ho Chi Minh City

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