Tiếng ViệtDiscover the soul-warming essence of pork pho, Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup sensation.
This article unveils the rich flavors, cultural traditions, and crave-able customizations of this beloved global comfort food.
Get ready to savor the vibrant tastes of Vietnam in each aromatic, slurp-worthy spoonful.
What is pork pho?
Pho, Vietnam’s beloved aromatic noodle soup, finds its most iconic expression in the rich, meaty flavors of pork pho. This deeply satisfying dish features a long-simmered pork broth infused with warm spices like star anise and cinnamon.
Tender pork slices, fresh herbs, and crisp toppings complete each crave-able bowl. Explore the traditional techniques and customizable recipes that have made pork pho a globally celebrated taste of Vietnam’s vibrant cuisine.
Pork pho
The essential ingredients of pork pho
Here are the essential ingredients that go into a traditional pork pho:
- Broth
Pork bones (knuckles, leg bones, etc.) – Simmered for hours to create a rich, meaty broth
Pork meat (shoulder, leg, hock) – Adds body and flavor to the broth
- Spices
Star anise – Provides the signature licorice aroma and flavor
Cinnamon sticks
Whole cloves
Fennel seeds
Coriander seeds
Cardamom pods
(The whole spices are lightly toasted before simmering to intensify flavors)
Pho spices
- Aromatics
Yellow rock sugar or granulated sugar – For balancing flavors
Fish sauce – Adds umami depth
Ginger
Shallots or yellow onion
Green onions/scallions
- Noodles
Flat, thin dried or fresh banh pho rice noodles
Pho noodles (banh pho)
- Toppings
Cooked pork slices from the simmered meat
Fresh herbs including cilantro, Thai basil, mint, etc.
Bean sprouts
Lime wedges
Thinly sliced chili peppers
Green onions
- Extras
Hoisin sauce
Sriracha or chili sauce
Sauces allow diners to customize salt, sweet, sour, and spice levels
With a rich, meaty pork broth as the flavorful base and classic Vietnamese aromatics, the blend of warm spices gives pho its signature aroma and taste.
Ingredients of pork pho
More information: Pho Spices: The secret ingredients in Vietnamese pho broth
Quick homemade pork pho recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork leg/knuckle bones
- 1 lb pork shoulder or leg meat
- 8 cups low-sodium broth
- 5 whole star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 5 whole cloves
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- 4 cardamom pods
- 1-inch knob ginger, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, halved
- 2 Tbsp fish sauce
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 8 oz banh pho noodles
- Toppings: sliced cooked pork, bean sprouts, basil, lime wedges, sliced chilies
Introductions
In a capacious pot, submerge the pork bones completely in water. Apply high heat and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil. Boil for 5 minutes to release impurities and scum. Drain and rinse bones.
Return blanched bones to the pot. Add the pork meat and broth. Top with the star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, fennel, coriander, and cardamom pods.
Add the sliced ginger and halved onion to the pot.
After achieving a full boil, reduce the heat to maintain a low and steady simmer. Partially cover and gently simmer for 2 hours, skimming any foam or scum that rises to the top.
Pork pho broth
After 2 hours, remove the pork meat from the broth and set aside. Continue simmering just the bones for 1 more hour.
Remove bones/aromatics from broth using a mesh strainer. Carefully remove any excess fat from the surface of the broth.
After straining the broth, return it to the pot. Add the fish sauce and sugar. At this stage, taste the broth and adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
Seasoning pork pho
Reheat the broth until it reaches a gentle simmer. Add the banh pho noodles and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender.
While the noodles are cooked, slice or shred the cooked pork meat.
Divide the cooked noodles between bowls and ladle the hot broth over top.
Top each bowl with sliced pork, bean sprouts, basil leaves, a lime wedge and sliced chilies.
A bowl of pork pho
How to serve pork pho
- Assemble the bowl
Assemble the bowl
Start with a deep bowl and add the cooked banh pho noodles to the bottom.
Ladle the steaming hot pork broth over the noodles until the bowl is about 3/4 full.
Arrange slices of the cooked pork meat on top of the noodles and broth.
- Add the toppings and garnishes
Place a handful of fresh bean sprouts on one side of the bowl.
Add sprigs of fresh herbs like cilantro, Thai basil, mint, and cilantro on top.
Squeeze a wedge of lime over the pho for a bright citrus note.
Add thinly sliced chilies or a dollop of chili sauce if you want some heat.
Optionally top with crispy fried shallots or green onions.
- Customize at the table
Provide sauces like hoisin and sriracha on the side to adjust sweetness and heat.
Fish sauce and lime wedges allow diners to season the broth to taste.
Customize your own dish
- Enjoy immediately
Pork pho is best consumed fresh while the noodles are soft and the broth is steaming hot.
The herbs and toppings add contrasting temperatures, textures and flavors in each bite.
More information: Pho noodles package: Solution for a convenient Vietnamese pho
Some tips for making perfect pork pho
Here are some tips for making perfect, authentic pork pho:
- The broth
Use a combination of pork bones (knuckles, leg bones) and meat for maximum flavor depth.
Blanch the bones first to remove impurities before the long simmer.
Toast the spices briefly to release their aromas before adding them to the broth.
Core spices like star anise, cinnamon, fennel, and coriander create pho’s signature flavor.
Allow the broth to simmer slowly over low heat for an extended period of 6 to 8 hours. The longer, the better for extracting flavor.
Periodically skim any scum or fat that rises to the surface.
Pho broth
- The noodles
Use traditional banh pho noodles made of rice flour and water.
Look for noodles labeled “small” or around 1/8 inch wide.
Fresh noodles are best, but you can use dried and soak/cook per package.
Cook noodles separately from broth and only briefly to retain a chewy texture.
- The meat
Simmered pork shoulder or leg meat provides tender slices for topping.
Or quickly sear pork slices and add raw to cook gently in the hot broth.
- The toppings
Use a mix of fresh herbs like cilantro, Thai basil, mint, and cilantro.
Bean sprouts add essential crunch.
Lime juice, chili sauce, and fish sauce allow diners to customize.
Making perfect pork pho
Conclusion
BBQ Pork pho
Pork pho is an iconic Vietnamese culinary ambassador that has captured global acclaim. This aromatic noodle soup celebrates the rich flavors of long-simmered pork broth infused with warm spices like star anise and cinnamon.
With tender pork slices, fresh herbs, and bright customizable toppings, each steaming bowl delivers Vietnamese comfort in fragrant, slurp-worthy spoonfuls. Savor pork pho‘s soul-warming essence and delight in this beloved taste of Vietnam’s irresistible cuisine.
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: +84 28 3815 9696
Email: contact@akfood.com.vn
Address: Lot III – 1B, Street 1, Tan Binh Industrial Park, Tan Phu District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam