Homemade Pho Recipe

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Homemade Pho Recipe

Warm your soul with this rich, aromatic Homemade Pho, crafted with a flavorful broth and an array of customizable toppings. Whether served traditionally or adjusted to suit your preferences, this dish is perfect for any pho enthusiast!

Ingredients

For the Broth

  • Beef bones (marrow or knuckle, 2–3 lbs)
  • Ox tail (optional, 1–2 lbs)
  • 1 large onion, halved
  • 1 large piece of ginger, halved lengthwise
  • 1 star anise (adjust based on preference)
  • 2–3 cardamom pods
  • 4–5 whole cloves
  • 1–2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tbsp coriander seeds
  • 1 tsp fennel seeds
  • 1–2 tbsp sugar (or monkfruit sweetener)
  • Salt or mushroom seasoning, to taste

Optional Fillings & Garnishes

  • Beef slices (e.g., brisket, ribeye, or flank, thinly sliced)
  • Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • Beef meatballs (store-bought or homemade)
  • Rice noodles (or bean sprouts for a low-carb option)
  • Thai basil leaves
  • Bean sprouts
  • Thinly sliced onions
  • Cilantro leaves
  • Chili peppers (sliced)
  • Lime wedges
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Sriracha
  • Chili oil
  • Fried minced garlic

Instructions

Step 1: Parboil the Beef Bones and Oxtail

  1. Add beef bones and oxtail to a large pot and cover with water.
  2. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for 5–10 minutes to release impurities (scum will rise to the surface).
  3. Drain and rinse the bones under cold water.

Step 2: Prepare the Broth Base

  1. Refill the pot with fresh water, return the bones and oxtail, and bring it to a high simmer.

Step 3: Char Aromatics

  1. On a stovetop or under a broiler, char the halved onion and ginger for 5–10 minutes until fragrant and slightly blackened. Add to the pot.

Step 4: Toast the Spices

  1. In a dry skillet, toast the star anise, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon sticks, coriander seeds, and fennel seeds for 1–2 minutes to release their aromas.
  2. Place the spices in a cheesecloth or spice bag, tie securely, and add to the pot.

Step 5: Simmer the Broth

  1. Once the broth boils, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 3+ hours. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor.
  2. Skim off scum and impurities occasionally using a spoon or ladle.

Step 6: Season the Broth

  1. Add sugar and salt incrementally to achieve the desired taste. Adjust after tasting near the end of cooking.

Step 7: Strain the Broth

  1. When the broth is done, strain it through a fine mesh strainer into a clean pot.
  2. Return the oxtail to the strained broth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Assembly and Serving

  1. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions, or prepare bean sprouts as a low-carb substitute.
  2. Arrange your desired fillings and garnishes in serving bowls: thinly sliced beef, shrimp, meatballs, Thai basil, bean sprouts, onions, cilantro, chili peppers, and lime wedges.
  3. Pour hot broth over the toppings in the bowl to cook the thinly sliced beef instantly.
  4. Serve with hoisin, Sriracha, or chili oil on the side for extra flavor customization.

Tips for Faster Cooking

  • Use a pressure cooker to cook the broth in 1–1.5 hours.
  • Prepare broth ahead of time and freeze portions for quick meals.

Enjoy this fragrant and hearty Homemade Pho, a dish that brings the comfort of a Vietnamese classic straight to your kitchen!

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