Authentic Vietnamese Beef Pho with Fresh Herbs and Rice Noodles

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef bones , knuckle or marrow bones
• 1 pound beef chuck , for broth
• 1 pound sirloin steak , thinly sliced for serving
• 1 large onion , halved
• 3 inch fresh ginger , sliced
• 3 whole star anise
• 1 stick cinnamon
• 3 whole cloves
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 16 ounces rice noodles , bánh phở, medium width
• 2 cups bean sprouts
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves , Thai basil preferred
• 1 cup fresh cilantro
• 4 whole lime , cut into wedges
• 2 whole jalapeños , sliced
• to taste hoisin sauce
• to taste sriracha

Nutrition Facts

Instructions

1. 1

   Char onion and ginger: Place halved onion and ginger slices directly over a gas flame or under the broiler until blackened in spots, about 5 minutes. This adds depth to the broth.

2. 2

   Parboil bones: Place beef bones in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes, then drain and rinse bones thoroughly. This removes impurities for a clearer broth.

3. 3

   Make the broth: Return cleaned bones to the pot along with beef chuck, charred onion and ginger. Add 12 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

   💡 Pro Tip: Skim any foam that rises to the surface during the first 30 minutes for the clearest broth.
4. 4

   Toast spices in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant: star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, and coriander seeds. Add to the simmering broth.

5. 5

   Simmer broth for 2-3 hours, adding water as needed to maintain level. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes.

6. 6

   Remove beef chuck after 2 hours (it should be tender), let cool slightly, then slice against the grain. Set aside.

7. 7

   Strain broth through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding solids. Return clear broth to pot and season with fish sauce, sugar, and salt. Taste and adjust - it should be savory, slightly sweet, and well-seasoned.

8. 8

   Cook rice noodles according to package directions (usually 5-7 minutes in boiling water). Drain and rinse with cold water.

9. 9

   To serve: Divide noodles among bowls. Top with sliced cooked beef and raw sirloin slices. Ladle boiling hot broth over everything - the hot broth will cook the raw beef.

   💡 Pro Tip: Slice raw beef paper-thin and semi-frozen for easiest slicing.
10. 10

    Serve immediately with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, jalapeños, hoisin sauce, and sriracha on the side. Each person customizes their bowl.