Authentic Vietnamese Pho Recipe Inspired by This Video
If you’ve ever craved a warm, aromatic bowl of Vietnamese pho, then you’re in for a treat! This iconic dish combines rich, flavorful broth with tender slices of beef, fresh herbs, and delicate rice noodles. Inspired by teh detailed and authentic process demonstrated in this YouTube video,I’m excited to share a step-by-step recipe that brings the customary taste of Vietnam right to your kitchen. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re simply longing for comfort food with a twist, homemade pho hits the spot with its unique blend of spices and taste.
Ingredients for Vietnamese Beef Pho
Broth:
- 4 lbs beef bones (marrow and knuckle bones)
- 1 lb beef brisket or chuck roast
- 1 large onion, halved
- 4-inch piece of ginger, halved lengthwise
- 5 star anise pods
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tbsp coriander seeds
- 1 cardamom pod (optional)
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar (preferably rock sugar)
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 12 cups water
Pho Assembly:
- 14 oz dried flat rice noodles (banh pho)
- 1/2 lb thinly sliced raw beef sirloin or round (freeze slightly to slice thinly)
- 2 cups bean sprouts
- 1 bunch fresh Thai basil
- 1 bunch cilantro
- 2-3 green onions, sliced
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
- 2-3 fresh red chili peppers or jalapeños, sliced
- Hoisin sauce (optional)
- Sriracha sauce (optional)
Readiness Steps: How to Make Authentic Vietnamese Pho
- Prepare the Bones and Meat:
- Rinse beef bones and brisket under cold water. In a large stockpot, add bones, brisket, and 12 cups water.
- Bring to a boil and blanch for 10 minutes to remove impurities. Drain and rinse bones, brisket, and the pot to get clear broth.
- Char Onion and Ginger:
- Using an open flame or broiler, char the onion halves and ginger until blackened. This brings out smoky depth to the broth.
- Toast Spices:
- In a dry pan over medium heat, toast star anise, cloves, cinnamon sticks, coriander seeds, and cardamom for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Simmer the Broth:
- Return cleaned bones and brisket to the pot with charred onion, ginger, toasted spices, salt, sugar, and fish sauce.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.Simmer uncovered for 6-8 hours, occasionally skimming foam and fat from the top for a clear broth.
- Strain the Broth:
- Remove bones, brisket, onion, ginger, and spices using a slotted spoon.
- Slice brisket thinly once cooled.
- Strain the broth through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to ensure clarity.
- Prepare Noodles:
- Soak dried rice noodles in warm water for 30 minutes or according to package instructions.
- Blanch noodles in boiling water for 10-20 seconds until just tender, then drain.
- Assemble Your Pho Bowl:
- Place cooked noodles in a bowl.
- Top with raw thinly sliced sirloin and slices of cooked brisket.
- Pour hot broth over the beef - the heat will cook the raw beef slices perfectly.
- Garnish with bean sprouts, Thai basil, cilantro, green onions, lime wedges, and fresh chili.
- Serve with Condiments:
- Offer hoisin sauce and sriracha for dipping or drizzling, according to taste.
Cooking Time & Servings
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus overnight soaking if you prefer)
- Simmering Time: 6-8 hours
- Total time: Approximately 7-8.5 hours
- Servings: 6-8 bowls
Nutritional Data (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| sodium | 900 mg |
| Sugar | 5 g |
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Pho Every Time
- Clear Broth: Skimming fat and scum throughout the simmering process is essential for a crystal-clear broth.
- Make Ahead: The broth tastes even better the day after cooking as flavors deepen; reheat gently.
- Vegetarian Version: Use mushroom broth with charred onion and ginger and substitute tofu for beef.
- Noodle Tip: Don’t overcook rice noodles; they should be tender but still have some bite.
- Slice Beef Thinly: Slightly freezing the raw beef makes it easier to slice thinly, ensuring it cooks quickly in hot broth.
- Customizable Garnishes: Feel free to add sliced onions, cilantro stems, or crushed black pepper for extra aroma.
Conclusion
now that you have this full guide to making authentic Vietnamese pho inspired by this video, you’re ready to impress family and friends with a hearty bowl of Vietnamese comfort food! Don’t be shy-snap a pic of your pho creation and share it on social media tagging your favorite foodie friends. Have questions or want to share your variations? Drop a comment below-I’d love to hear your pho stories!
Happy cooking and chúc ngon miệng! (enjoy your meal!)