Craving a warm, comforting bowl of authentic Vietnamese pho? Look no further! This simple beef pho recipe delivers all the rich, savory flavors you love without the complicated techniques. We'll guide you through creating a perfectly clear, sweet broth, bursting with the aromatic spices of star anise, cinnamon, and cloves. Forget spending hours in the kitchen; this recipe prioritizes ease and deliciousness, ensuring a flavorful pho experience even on a busy weeknight. The key is a few simple techniques to achieve a deep, complex broth without sacrificing time.
Forget takeout! This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to making your own restaurant-quality pho at home. We’ll walk you through each element, from preparing the fragrant broth to perfectly cooking the noodles and tender beef, ensuring a delicious and authentic result every time. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of homemade happiness – let's get cooking!
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Grill pan (or charcoal stove)
- Freezer
- Knife
Ingredients
- Rare beef (beef fillet)
- Boiled beef (beef shank or brisket)
- Beef balls
- Onions
- Shallots
- Ginger
- Pho seasoning packet: 1
- Pho noodles
- Bean sprouts
- Salt
- Sugar
- MSG
- Pepper
- Coriander
- Cinnamon
- Lemon
- Red and black sauce (optional)
- Spicy satay (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Broth and Ingredients
- Rare beef, boiled beef, beef balls, onions, shallots, ginger, pho seasoning packet, pho noodles, bean sprouts, salt, sugar, MSG, pepper, coriander, cinnamon, lemon, and optional sauces.
- Boil the beef shank (or brisket) with a little seasoning, onion, and ginger for about 40 minutes. Then, turn off the heat and let it sit for another 30 minutes. (Adjust boiling time depending on the type of beef used)
- Blanch the chicken bones in boiling water, then transfer to a pot of cold water.
- Lightly grill onions and ginger to enhance aroma.
- Roast the pho seasoning packet over low heat for about 15 minutes.
- Simmer the grilled onions, ginger, and roasted pho seasoning in boiling water for about 1-2 hours.
- Prepare the beef ball broth (or make your own).
- Blanch the beef balls in boiling water.
- Combine the beef shank broth, beef ball broth, and spice water in a pot. Skim off any foam.
- Season the broth with salt, sugar, seasoning powder, and MSG to taste.
Step 2. Prepare the Beef
- Marinate the rare beef briefly with salt, sugar (optional), and pepper.
- When ready to serve, blanch the rare beef in the hot broth.
- Slice the chilled rare beef thinly.
Step 3. Cook the Noodles and Assemble the Pho
- Cook the pho noodles according to package instructions.
- Add noodles, rare beef, beef balls, broth, and toppings (coriander, cinnamon, onion, bean sprouts, lemon, sauces).
Read more: Vietnamese Sweet & Sour Fish Soup: A Delicious Comfort Food Recipe
Tips
- For a richer broth, simmer beef bones for a longer period (about 25 hours).
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Rock sugar provides a sweeter broth than white sugar.
- Grilling the onions and ginger on a charcoal stove is recommended for the best flavor.
Nutrition
- Calories: 600-700
- Fat: 20-30g
- Carbs: 70-80g
- Protein: 40-50g
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-made beef broth instead of making my own?
While you can, making your own broth from scratch gives the pho its authentic depth of flavor. Pre-made broth can be used in a pinch, but be mindful of added sodium and adjust seasonings accordingly.
2. How do I get the broth perfectly clear?
Slow simmering is key! Avoid boiling, and skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during the simmering process. Using a cheesecloth to strain the broth at the end also helps achieve clarity.
So there you have it – a simple yet incredibly flavorful bowl of beef pho, perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion. Enjoy the delicious aromas and satisfying taste of this homemade masterpiece. Now go forth and impress your friends and family with your newfound pho-making skills!