Description
This easy and comforting Beef Pho recipe brings the rich flavors of traditional Vietnamese pho to your kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Made with slow-cooked beef neck bones and aromatic roasted ginger and onions, this dish creates a deeply flavorful broth served over tender rice noodles and fresh herbs for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Broth Ingredients
- 3 pounds beef neck bones or shank bones
- 2 turnips, sliced into large chunks
- 1 ginger root, roasted
- 1 large onion, roasted
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or fish sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound beef fillet or beef shave
- 1 package rice noodles, cooked and drained
Add-ins and Garnishes
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Green onions
- Sliced onions
- Bean sprouts
- Jalapeño, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the broth: Fill a large pot with water, about three-quarters or just above half full. Add the beef neck bones, roasted ginger, roasted onion, and turnips to the pot.
- Add seasoning: Stir in 3 tablespoons of soy sauce or fish sauce to the pot to imbue the broth with depth and umami flavor.
- Bring to a boil: Heat the mixture until it reaches a rolling boil, then carefully skim and remove any foam or impurities that rise to the surface to keep the broth clear.
- Slow-cook the broth: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook slowly for 1 to 2 hours, allowing the flavors to concentrate and develop a rich taste. Season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Prepare the noodles: While the broth is simmering, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them well and set aside.
- Assemble the bowl: In large serving bowls, add the cooked rice noodles, thinly sliced raw beef fillet or beef shave, green onions, sliced jalapeño, bean sprouts, sliced onions, cilantro, and basil.
- Pour hot broth over: Ladle the steaming hot broth directly over the beef and noodles, which will gently cook the thin beef slices.
- Serve and enjoy: Allow the flavors to meld briefly and serve your bowl of homemade beef pho immediately for a warm, nourishing meal.
Notes
- Roasting the ginger and onion before adding them to the pot enhances the broth’s aroma and flavor.
- You can substitute soy sauce for fish sauce if preferred, but fish sauce is more traditional for authentic pho.
- Adjust simmer time based on how concentrated you want the broth; longer simmer yields a richer flavor.
- Beef fillet or beef shave should be sliced very thinly to cook quickly in the hot broth.
- Get creative with garnishes such as lime wedges or hoisin sauce for additional flavor layers.
