Vietnamese Pho (Phở Bò) | Authentic Beef Noodle Soup Recipe

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Vietnam's World-Famous Aromatic Noodle Soup

Pho (pronounced "fuh") is Vietnam's most iconic dish, celebrated for its deeply flavorful broth, silky rice noodles, tender slices of beef, and fresh herbs. Slowly simmered with aromatic spices like cinnamon, star anise, cloves, ginger, and onion, every bowl offers a comforting balance of savory richness and refreshing freshness.

Whether enjoyed for breakfast in Vietnam or dinner anywhere in the world, Pho is a timeless classic that's both nourishing and satisfying.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

✔ Authentic Vietnamese flavors

✔ Rich, slow-simmered broth

✔ Naturally gluten-free (with gluten-free fish sauce)

✔ Packed with fresh herbs

✔ Restaurant-quality at home

✔ Great for meal prep

✔ Comforting year-round

✔ Customizable toppings

About This Recipe

Pho originated in northern Vietnam in the early 20th century and has since become one of the country's most recognizable culinary treasures. Traditionally, beef bones are simmered for hours with charred onions, ginger, and warm spices to create a crystal-clear broth with incredible depth of flavor.

Served with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chili slices, every bowl can be customized to your taste.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes

Servings: 6

Cuisine: Vietnamese

Course: Main Course / Soup

Difficulty: Medium

Ingredients

Broth

  • 2 pounds beef bones
  • 1 pound beef brisket
  • 1 large onion, halved
  • 1 large piece fresh ginger, halved
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 star anise
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • Salt to taste
  • 12 cups water

Noodles & Beef

  • 14 ounces dried rice noodles
  • 8 ounces beef sirloin, very thinly sliced

Garnishes

  • Bean sprouts
  • Fresh Thai basil
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Green onions
  • Lime wedges
  • Jalapeño slices
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Sriracha (optional)

Equipment

  • Large stockpot
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Tongs
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Soup bowls

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Char the onion and ginger until lightly blackened.

Step 2

Toast the cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and coriander seeds until fragrant.

Step 3

Place the beef bones, brisket, onion, ginger, spices, water, fish sauce, sugar, and salt into a large stockpot.

Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

Cook for about 4 hours, skimming impurities as needed.

Step 4

Remove the brisket once tender and slice thinly.

Strain the broth.

Step 5

Cook the rice noodles according to the package directions.

Step 6

Divide the noodles among serving bowls.

Top with sliced brisket and raw thinly sliced sirloin.

Step 7

Ladle the piping hot broth over the beef to gently cook it.

Step 8

Serve with bean sprouts, basil, cilantro, green onions, lime wedges, jalapeños, hoisin sauce, and Sriracha.

Chef's Tips

  • Simmer the broth gently for a clear, flavorful result.
  • Freeze the sirloin briefly before slicing to make thin cuts easier.
  • Toasting the spices enhances the broth's aroma.
  • Let everyone customize their own bowl with fresh garnishes.

Variations

Chicken Pho (Phở Gà)

Replace the beef with chicken and use chicken broth.

Seafood Pho

Add shrimp and fish instead of beef.

Vegetarian Pho

Use vegetable broth with mushrooms and tofu.

Spicy Pho

Add extra fresh chilies or chili oil.

Storage

Store the broth separately in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Cook the noodles fresh when serving for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Pho mean?

Pho refers to Vietnam's famous noodle soup made with broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat.

Why is Pho broth so flavorful?

The broth is slowly simmered with beef bones and aromatic spices for several hours.

Can I make Pho ahead of time?

Yes. In fact, the broth often tastes even better the next day.

What noodles should I use?

Traditional flat Vietnamese rice noodles (bánh phở) are the best choice.

Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

  • Calories: 485
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

  • Vietnamese Spring Rolls
  • Bánh Mì
  • Fresh Summer Rolls
  • Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá)
  • Mango Sticky Rice (fusion dessert option)
  • Fresh tropical fruit

Final Thoughts

Vietnamese Pho is more than just a bowl of soup—it's a celebration of patience, tradition, and balance. With its aromatic broth, tender beef, silky noodles, and fresh herbs, this iconic dish delivers comfort and incredible flavor in every spoonful. Once you master homemade Pho, you'll understand why it has become one of the world's most beloved noodle soups.

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