Ycaroh's Kitchen blog

Authentic Vietnamese Pho Bo: Exotic Flavor at Home

Prep Time

30 minutes

Cook Time

6 hours

Total Time

6 hours 30 minutes

Servings

6

Yield

6 servings

Calories

Approximately 350 calories
Authentic Vietnamese Pho Bo is a culinary masterpiece, a harmonious blend of rich beef broth, tender slices of beef, and silky rice noodles, all infused with the aromatic essence of spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves. This traditional Vietnamese beef noodle soup captures the essence of Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage, offering a warm, comforting bowl that’s both nourishing and invigorating. Each sip brings a burst of flavors, from the umami depth of the broth to the fresh zing of herbs like cilantro and basil. Making Pho Bo at home allows you to experience the authentic taste of Vietnam, inviting you on a sensory journey through its vibrant streets and bustling markets, all from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients

  • For the Broth:
    • 2 lbs of beef bones
    • 1 onion, halved and charred
    • 4-inch piece of ginger, halved lengthwise and charred
    • 5 star anise
    • 3 cloves
    • 1 cinnamon stick
    • 1 cardamom pod
    • 6 quarts of water
    • 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
    • Salt, to taste
    • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • For the Bowls:
    • 1 lb of rice noodles, cooked according to package instructions
    • 1/2 lb of thinly sliced beef sirloin
    • 1 onion, thinly sliced
    • Fresh herbs (cilantro, basil, mint)
    • Bean sprouts
    • Lime wedges
    • Sliced chili peppers
    • Hoisin sauce and Sriracha, for serving

Instructions

  • Broth Preparation:
    • Place beef bones in a large stockpot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes. Drain and rinse the bones with warm water to remove any impurities.
    • Return the bones to the pot along with 6 quarts of fresh water. Add the charred onion, ginger, star anise, cloves, cinnamon stick, and cardamom pod. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for about 6 hours. Skim off any foam or fat that rises to the surface.
    • Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve. Stir in fish sauce, salt, and sugar. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  • Assembling the Bowls:
    • Place a portion of cooked rice noodles in each bowl. Arrange thinly sliced beef sirloin and onion slices on top.
    • Bring the broth to a boil and then ladle it over the noodles and beef. The heat of the broth will cook the raw beef.
    • Serve with plates of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sliced chili peppers, allowing each person to customize their bowl. Offer hoisin sauce and Sriracha on the side.

Tips & Tricks

  • Charring the onion and ginger before adding them to the broth will add depth and complexity to the flavor.
  • To achieve clear broth, it’s crucial to skim off the impurities and fat during the initial boiling of the bones and throughout the simmering process.
  • For the best texture, the beef sirloin should be as thinly sliced as possible. Freezing the beef for about 30 minutes before slicing can make this easier.
  • Fresh herbs are essential for the authentic Pho experience. Don’t be shy with the herbs and greens; they add freshness and balance to the rich broth.

Mise en Place

Ingredients

Utensils

  • Beef bones
  • Onion
  • Ginger
  • Star anise
  • Cloves
  • Cinnamon stick
  • Cardamom pod
  • Water
  • Fish sauce
  • Salt
  • Sugar
  • Rice noodles
  • Beef sirloin
  • Fresh herbs (cilantro, basil, mint)
  • Bean sprouts
  • Lime wedges
  • Chili peppers
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Sriracha
  • Large stockpot
  • Fine mesh sieve
  • Bowls
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

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