Dive into the heart of Vietnamese cuisine with the iconic Phở, a traditional noodle soup that promises to tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul. This aromatic dish, brimming with rich flavors from simmered beef bones and fragrant spices, is not just a meal—it's an experience! Whether you're a seasoned chef or a curious beginner, our detailed recipe will guide you through every step to create a bowl of Phở that rivals your favorite restaurant. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this culinary masterpiece that’s perfect for any occasion!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Rice noodles
- Beef bones
- Star anise
- Cinnamon stick
- Cloves
- Onion
- Ginger
- Fish sauce
- Fresh herbs (basil, cilantro)
- Bean sprouts
- Lime
- Sliced beef
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the broth. Place the beef bones in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This will help to remove impurities from the bones.
- After 10 minutes, drain the bones and rinse them under cold water to remove any scum. Return the bones to the pot and add 4 quarts (approximately 4 liters) of fresh water.
- Add the star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, quartered onion, and sliced ginger to the pot. These spices will infuse the broth with aromatic flavors.
- Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about
- 5 to 2 hours. Skim off any foam or fat that rises to the surface during the cooking process.
- While the broth is simmering, prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves soaking them in hot water for about 10-15 minutes until they are soft. Drain and set aside.
- After the broth has simmered for the required time, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot to remove the solids (bones and spices). Return the strained broth to the stove and season it with fish sauce to taste.
- While the broth is being seasoned, prepare your fresh herbs and garnishes. Rinse the basil and cilantro under cold water, and set them aside. Cut the lime into wedges and rinse the bean sprouts.
- To serve, place a portion of the cooked rice noodles in a bowl. Top with thinly sliced raw beef, which will cook in the hot broth.
- Pour the hot broth over the noodles and beef, allowing the heat to cook the beef slightly. The broth should be steaming hot.
- Garnish the soup with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime wedges. Serve immediately, allowing each diner to customize their bowl with additional herbs and lime juice to taste.
Tips
- Quality Ingredients Matter: For the best flavor, use high-quality beef bones and fresh spices. Look for bones with a good amount of marrow to enrich the broth.
- Skimming is Key: Don’t skip the skimming process! Removing the foam and fat that rises to the surface during simmering will ensure a clear and clean broth.
- Customize Your Bowl: Encourage your diners to personalize their Phở with an array of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a vibrant touch to the dish.
- Prep Ahead: If you're short on time, prepare the broth a day in advance. The flavors deepen overnight, and you can simply reheat it when you're ready to serve.
- Serving Temperature: Make sure your broth is piping hot when serving, as this will cook the thinly sliced beef just enough to achieve that perfect tender texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
