Vietnamese pho is a delicious and popular dish, known for its flavorful broth and tender beef slices. This beef noodle soup is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine and is enjoyed all around the world. Making your own pho at home may seem intimidating, but with this recipe from Steamy Kitchen, you'll be able to create a professional and well-organized bowl of pho in no time. The key to a perfect pho lies in the broth, which is the foundation of the dish. With a few simple tips and techniques, you'll be able to create a rich and complex broth that will make your pho stand out from the rest.
Main Ingredients: Shallots, Ginger, Beef Short Ribs, Beef Broth, Black
One of the most iconic and beloved dishes in Vietnamese cuisine is Pho Bo, or Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup. This hearty and comforting soup is made with a flavorful broth, tender slices of beef, and thin rice noodles. It is often topped with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime for added freshness and flavor. If you're a fan of Pho Bo, or just looking to expand your cooking repertoire, here are 20 delicious and unique recipes to try.
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Pho Bo - Beef Noodle Soup
Main Ingredients: Bones, Shank, Yellow Onions, Leeks, Ginger, Rock Sugar
This classic Pho Bo recipe stays true to the traditional flavors and ingredients of Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup. The broth is made with a combination of beef bones, spices, and aromatics, and cooked for hours to achieve a rich and flavorful base. Thinly sliced beef is then added to the broth along with rice noodles, and topped with a variety of fresh herbs and condiments. This is a must-try recipe for any Pho lover.
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Vietnamese Pho (Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup)
Main Ingredients: Onions, Ginger, Beef Shin, Beef Brisket, Star Anise
If you're short on time but still craving the flavors of Pho Bo, this recipe is for you. Using a pressure cooker, you can have a steaming bowl of Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup in less than an hour. The pressure cooker allows the broth to develop deep and rich flavors quickly, while still maintaining the tenderness of the beef. This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
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Vietnamese Pho Pressure Cooker (Noodle Soup)
Main Ingredients: Star Anise, Coriander Seeds, Cinnamon Stick, Cloves
For an even quicker version of Pho Bo, try this recipe that uses an Instant Pot or other pressure cooker. The broth is made with beef broth and a mix of spices and aromatics, and the beef is cooked separately before being added to the soup. This method allows for a quicker cooking time, but still results in a flavorful and satisfying bowl of Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup.
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Pho
Main Ingredients: Ginger, Onions, Beef Marrow, Beef Chuck, Scallions
This recipe takes a unique approach to Pho Bo by incorporating a variety of different meats into the soup. Along with the traditional beef, this recipe also includes pork, chicken, and shrimp, creating a rich and complex flavor profile. The broth is made with beef and chicken bones, along with a variety of spices and herbs, resulting in a deeply satisfying and flavorful soup.
This recipe puts a spin on the traditional Pho Bo by incorporating a variety of different vegetables into the soup. Along with the usual bean sprouts and herbs, this recipe also includes carrots, mushrooms, and bok choy, adding extra nutrients and flavors to the dish. This is a great option for vegetarians or anyone looking to add more vegetables to their diet.
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Crock Pot Pho
Main Ingredients: Beef Bones, Onion, Ginger, Spices, Water, Fish Sauce
For a hands-off approach to making Pho Bo, try this recipe that utilizes a slow cooker. The broth is made with beef broth, spices, and aromatics, and cooked for several hours to allow the flavors to develop. This method is perfect for anyone who wants to come home to a delicious and comforting bowl of Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup without having to spend hours in the kitchen.
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Authentic Vietnamese Beef Pho (Pho Bo)
Main Ingredients: Beef, Oxtail, Water, Yellow Onions, Fresh Ginger Root
This recipe stays true to the authentic flavors of Pho Bo, using traditional ingredients and methods to create a rich and flavorful soup. The broth is made with a combination of beef bones, spices, and aromatics, and cooked for hours to achieve a deep and complex flavor. The beef is cooked separately and added to the soup along with rice noodles, resulting in a truly satisfying bowl of Pho Bo.
This recipe puts a spin on Pho Bo by incorporating a variety of different spices and herbs into the broth. Along with the traditional star anise and cinnamon, this recipe also includes ginger, lemongrass, and coriander, resulting in a fragrant and aromatic soup. The broth is then combined with thinly sliced beef and rice noodles, creating a delicious and unique flavor profile.
If you're a fan of spicy foods, this recipe is for you. This Pho Bo recipe incorporates chili peppers into the broth, adding a spicy kick to the traditional dish. Along with the heat, this soup also has a depth of flavor from the beef bones, spices, and aromatics that are cooked for hours to create a rich and satisfying broth.
For a unique and flavorful twist on Pho Bo, try this recipe that incorporates Thai basil and lime leaves into the broth. These herbs add a refreshing and citrusy flavor to the soup, making it stand out from traditional versions. The broth is also made with ginger, cinnamon, and star anise, creating a complex and delicious base for the soup.
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Traditional Vietnamese Chicken Pho (Pho Ga)
Main Ingredients: Yellow Onion, Ginger, Coriander Seeds, Fennel Seeds
If you prefer chicken over beef, this recipe is for you. Pho Ga, or Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup, is made with a flavorful broth that is simmered with chicken bones, spices, and aromatics. Thinly sliced chicken is then added to the soup along with rice noodles and topped with fresh herbs and condiments. This is a lighter and equally delicious version of Pho Bo.
This recipe takes a traditional approach to Pho Bo, using beef bones, spices, and aromatics to create a rich and flavorful broth. The beef is cooked separately and added to the soup along with rice noodles and a variety of fresh herbs and condiments. This is a great recipe for anyone looking to try Pho Bo for the first time.
For a simplified version of Pho Bo, try this recipe that uses a combination of beef broth and beef base to create the broth. The beef is then cooked in the broth along with the spices and aromatics, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying soup. This is a great option for anyone who wants to make Pho Bo without having to source all the traditional ingredients.
This recipe puts a unique twist on Pho Bo by incorporating a variety of different seafood into the soup. Along with the traditional beef, this recipe also includes shrimp, squid, and clams, creating a rich and flavorful seafood broth. The soup is then topped with fresh herbs and condiments, making for a delicious and unique bowl of Pho Bo.
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Lao-Style Beef Noodle Soup
Main Ingredients: Onion, Garlic, Celery, Beef Bones, Beef Bouillon Cubes
This recipe takes inspiration from Laos cuisine and puts a spin on Pho Bo by adding a variety of different flavors and ingredients to the soup. Along with the traditional beef and rice noodles, this recipe also includes fish sauce, garlic, and chili flakes, creating a bold and flavorful broth. This is a great option for anyone looking for a new and unique way to enjoy Pho Bo.
If you're a fan of making things from scratch, this recipe is for you. This recipe takes the time to make the broth completely from scratch, using beef bones, spices, and aromatics to create a rich and flavorful base. The beef is then cooked separately and added to the soup, along with rice noodles and a variety of fresh herbs and condiments. The end result is a truly authentic and delicious bowl of Pho Bo.
Main Ingredients: Water, Bones Marrow, Bones, Medium Yellow Onion, Whole
This recipe puts a twist on traditional Pho Bo by incorporating a variety of different vegetables into the soup. Along with the usual bean sprouts and herbs, this recipe also includes bell peppers, onions, and carrots, adding extra crunch and flavor to the dish. The broth is made with beef broth and spices, resulting in a hearty and satisfying bowl of Pho Bo.
If you're a fan of making things from scratch, this recipe is for you. This recipe takes the time to make the broth completely from scratch, using beef bones, spices, and aromatics to create a rich and flavorful base. The beef is then cooked separately and added to the soup, along with rice noodles and a variety of fresh herbs and condiments. The end result is a truly authentic and delicious bowl of Pho Bo.
If you're a seafood lover, this recipe is for you. This Pho Bo recipe uses a combination of shrimp and beef to create a unique and delicious broth. The broth is made with a combination of beef and shrimp stock, along with spices and aromatics. The result is a rich and flavorful soup that is perfect for any seafood lover.
Preparing the Broth
Gathering Ingredients
Before you start making your pho broth, it's important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Beef bones are the base of the broth and provide a rich and meaty flavor. Onions, ginger, and spices like cinnamon, star anise, and cloves are essential for adding depth and complexity to the broth. It's also important to use high-quality beef for the best results.
Roasting the Bones
To enhance the flavor of the broth, it's crucial to roast the beef bones before cooking them. This step helps to caramelize the bones and brings out their natural sweetness. Simply place the bones on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven until they turn golden brown. This will take around 30 minutes at 400°F.
Skimming the Broth
Once you've added all the ingredients to the pot, it's important to skim off any impurities that rise to the surface. This will ensure a clear and clean broth. You can use a mesh skimmer or a fine-mesh strainer to remove any foam or impurities.
Simmering for Hours
The longer you simmer the broth, the richer and more flavorful it will become. It's recommended to simmer the broth for at least 6 hours, but for the best results, let it simmer for 8-10 hours. This will allow all the flavors to fully develop and create a broth that is truly authentic.
Assembling the Pho
Preparing the Beef
While the broth is simmering, you can prepare the beef slices that will be added to the pho. It's important to use high-quality beef and slice it as thin as possible. This will ensure that the beef cooks quickly in the hot broth and remains tender and flavorful.
Blanching the Noodles
Before assembling your pho, you'll need to blanch the noodles in boiling water. This will soften the noodles and make them easier to eat. It's important to not overcook the noodles, as they will continue to cook in the hot broth when serving.
Adding Toppings
One of the best things about pho is the variety of toppings that can be added to the dish. Some popular toppings include bean sprouts, fresh herbs, and lime wedges. You can also add hoisin sauce, Sriracha, or chili oil for extra flavor and spice.
Serving and Enjoying
Once the broth is ready and all the toppings are prepared, it's time to assemble and enjoy your homemade pho. Simply add the noodles and beef slices to a bowl, pour the hot broth over them, and top with your desired toppings. The result will be a delicious and authentic bowl of Vietnamese pho that you can proudly say you made from scratch.