Vietnamese Beef Pho

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Nothing warms the soul quite like a fragrant bowl of Vietnamese Beef Pho. This iconic noodle soup is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, celebrated for its richly spiced broth, delicate rice noodles, and paper-thin slices of beef that cook to perfection right in the steaming bowl. It’s comforting, aromatic, and deeply satisfying—a meal that feels like a hug from the inside out.

Pho is more than just a soup; it’s a culinary experience. The combination of star anise, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves creates a depth of flavor that builds slowly as the broth simmers for hours. The result is a clear but deeply complex broth that forms the heart of the dish. Whether you top it with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, chili slices, or a squeeze of lime, each bowl can be customized exactly the way you like it.

Why You’ll Love This Vietnamese Beef Pho

If you’re craving something wholesome yet vibrant, this pho hits every note. It’s not only nourishing but also surprisingly light, making it perfect for lunch or dinner. The slow-simmered broth develops rich, deep flavors without being heavy, and the fresh toppings bring brightness and crunch. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down and savor every spoonful.

You’ll also appreciate how flexible this recipe is. Whether you prefer rare beef slices or well-cooked brisket, you can adjust the protein and toppings to suit your mood or dietary needs. It’s one of those dishes that feels both special and doable in your own kitchen.

What Kind of Beef Should I Use?

The beauty of pho lies in its versatility. Traditionally, a combination of beef bones and various cuts like brisket, flank, or oxtail are simmered to build the broth. For the beef slices added at the end, eye of round or sirloin are most popular due to their tenderness and thinness. The key is slicing the beef ultra-thin—partially freezing the meat beforehand makes this easier. If you’re in a rush, you can also use store-bought beef broth and a high-quality steak, though homemade will always offer the most depth.

Ingredients for the Vietnamese Beef Pho

A great pho begins with quality ingredients and patience. The ingredient list may seem long, but each item plays a vital role in layering the flavor and creating that signature Vietnamese comfort bowl.

• Beef bones
• Beef brisket
• Star anise
• Cinnamon stick
• Cloves
• Coriander seeds
• Ginger
• Onion
• Fish sauce
• Rock sugar
• Salt
• Flat rice noodles
• Thinly sliced beef (sirloin or eye of round)
• Bean sprouts
• Fresh herbs (cilantro, basil, mint)
• Lime wedges
• Chili slices
• Hoisin and sriracha sauce (optional)

These ingredients build the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy. The bones and brisket create a hearty broth while the spices infuse it with warmth. The noodles provide texture, and the toppings add fresh brightness.

How To Make the Vietnamese Beef Pho

Step 1: Blanch the Bones

Start by boiling the beef bones and brisket in a large pot for 10 minutes. This step removes impurities and ensures a clear broth. Drain and rinse the bones and meat under cold water.

Step 2: Toast the Aromatics

Char the ginger and onion over an open flame or in a dry pan until blackened. Toast the star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and coriander seeds in a dry skillet until fragrant.

Step 3: Simmer the Broth

Fill a large stockpot with fresh water. Add the cleaned bones, brisket, charred aromatics, toasted spices, fish sauce, rock sugar, and salt. Simmer uncovered for 3-4 hours, skimming off any scum that rises to the surface.

Step 4: Prepare the Noodles

Soak or cook the rice noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Slice the Beef

Slice your chosen beef very thinly. It helps to freeze it for 15-20 minutes beforehand to make slicing easier.

Step 6: Assemble the Bowls

Place a portion of noodles in each bowl. Add a few slices of raw beef on top. Pour over the boiling hot broth to cook the beef instantly. Add bean sprouts, herbs, lime, chili, and sauces to your liking.

How to Serve and Store Vietnamese Beef Pho

Vietnamese Beef Pho is best served piping hot, with all the fresh toppings laid out on the table so everyone can customize their own bowl. This recipe feeds around 6 people generously, making it great for family dinners or small gatherings.

Leftover broth can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for longer. Just store the noodles and toppings separately to keep them fresh. When reheating, bring the broth to a full boil before pouring over the noodles and meat to ensure everything heats properly.

What to Serve With Vietnamese Beef Pho?

Spring Rolls

Fresh or fried spring rolls pair beautifully with pho, adding a fun appetizer with contrasting textures.

Vietnamese Iced Coffee

Strong, sweet, and creamy—it’s a perfect balance to the savory soup.

Pickled Vegetables

A small side of pickled daikon and carrots cuts through the richness of the broth.

Thai Basil Chicken

Want to turn dinner into a full Southeast Asian spread? Add a spicy chicken stir-fry.

Sesame Cucumber Salad

Cool, crunchy cucumber salad with sesame dressing brings freshness to your bowl.

Steamed Dumplings

Light and juicy dumplings with a dipping sauce are an excellent small plate on the side.

Banh Mi

A small Vietnamese sandwich, stuffed with pork or tofu, complements pho with a bit of crunch.

Mango Sticky Rice

If you’re feeling indulgent, this sweet dessert is the perfect tropical finish.

Want More Soup Ideas?

If you love this Vietnamese Beef Pho, you’ll enjoy diving into these cozy and flavorful bowls too:

• Creamy Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup
• Thai Curry Chicken Noodle Soup
• Zesty Tuscan Artichoke Soup
• Hawaiian-Style Chicken Long Rice Soup
• Hearty Vegetarian Tortellini Soup

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how your pho turned out. Did you go traditional or give it a twist? Did you use hoisin, extra lime, or maybe load it with herbs?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Don’t be shy with questions or tips—we’re all here to slurp smarter.

Explore more warming, health-boosting bowls and creative meals on Luna Meals on Pinterest and find your next obsession!

Conclusion

Vietnamese Beef Pho is the kind of dish that turns a regular evening into something memorable. From the deeply aromatic broth to the crisp freshness of toppings, each spoonful delivers both comfort and flavor. Whether you’re making it for the first time or perfecting your own signature version, pho is a meal worth every simmered minute.

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