Pho Bo (Beef Pho)

Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup

Pho Bo or Beef Pho is a beloved Vietnamese dish renowned for its aromatic broth, tender beef, and vibrant fresh herbs. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to crafting a flavorful beef broth from scratch, served over rice noodles and topped with a variety of garnishes. Perfect for warming your soul, this traditional soup is sure to impress your family and friends!

Ingredients

For the Broth:

• 5-6 pounds beef bones (marrow and knuckle bones)
• 1 ½ pounds beef chuck (cut into large pieces)
• 2 medium yellow onions, halved
• 4-inch piece of ginger, halved lengthwise
• 5 star anise
• 6 whole cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tablespoon fine sea salt
• 4 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 ounce yellow rock sugar (or granulated sugar)
• 5 quarts water

For the Noodles and Toppings:

• 1 pound dried rice noodles (banh pho)
• ½ pound raw beef (eye of round or sirloin), thinly sliced
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced and soaked in cold water
• 3 scallions (green parts only), cut into thin rings
• ⅓ cup chopped cilantro
• Ground black pepper (to taste)

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh bean sprouts
• Thai basil leaves
• Fresh mint leaves
• Lime wedges
• Sliced red chili peppers

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

Blanch the Bones:

In a large pot, add the beef bones and cover them with cold water. Bring to a boil for about 5 minutes to remove impurities. Drain and rinse the bones under cold water.

Simmer the Broth:

Return the cleaned bones to the pot and add the beef chuck. Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients (approximately 5 quarts). Add the halved onions and ginger directly to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Skim off any scum that rises to the surface.

Add Spices:

After simmering for about 1 hour, add the star anise, cloves, cinnamon stick, salt, fish sauce, and yellow rock sugar. Continue simmering for at least 3 hours. The longer you simmer, the richer the flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Noodles

Cook Rice Noodles:

While the broth simmers, soak the dried rice noodles in warm water for about 30 minutes or until softened. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble Pho Bowls

Slice Raw Beef:

Thinly slice your choice of raw beef against the grain. For easier slicing, freeze the beef for about 15 minutes beforehand.

Prepare Serving Bowls:

In each serving bowl, place a portion of soaked rice noodles.

Ladle Broth:

Once the broth is ready, strain it to remove solids and return it to the pot. Bring it back to a rolling boil. Ladle hot broth over the noodles in each bowl. The heat will cook the raw beef slices placed on top.

Add Toppings:

Top each bowl with soaked onion slices, scallions, cilantro, and ground black pepper.

Step 4: Serve

Garnish and Enjoy:

Serve with optional garnishes like bean sprouts, Thai basil, mint leaves, lime wedges, and sliced chilies on the side. Enjoy your homemade Pho Bo hot!

 

Tips for the Perfect Pho Bo

• Broth Depth: For a richer flavor, consider adding additional spices like cardamom or coriander.
• Meat Choice: Experiment with different cuts of beef for varied textures.
• Serving Style: Customize your garnishes to suit your taste preferences.

This authentic Pho Bo recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Vietnam to your home kitchen, making it a delightful dish for any occasion. Enjoy a comforting bowl of this iconic noodle soup that’s sure to become a family favorite!

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