How to Make Pho at Home

Pho is a fragrant and flavorful Vietnamese noodle soup that has gained popularity worldwide for its aromatic broth, tender meat, and fresh herbs. Making pho at home may seem daunting, but with the right ingredients and steps, you can enjoy this delicious dish in your kitchen. Here’s how to create a comforting bowl of pho from scratch.

Ingredients

For the Broth:

• 4 pounds beef bones (preferably a mix of marrow and knuckle bones)
• 1 onion, halved
• 4-6 slices of ginger
• 4-5 star anise
• 3-4 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 14 cups water

For the Soup:

• 1 pound rice noodles (bánh phở)
• 1 pound thinly sliced beef (such as sirloin, brisket, or flank)
• Fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, mint)
• Bean sprouts
• Lime wedges
• Sliced jalapeños or Thai chili peppers
• Hoisin sauce (for serving)
• Sriracha (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

1. Roast the Bones: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the beef bones on a baking sheet and roast for about 30-45 minutes, or until they are well browned. This step enhances the flavor of the broth.
2. Char the Onion and Ginger: While the bones are roasting, char the onion and ginger. You can do this by placing them under a broiler or directly over a flame until they are slightly burnt.
3. Simmer the Broth: In a large stockpot, combine the roasted bones, charred onion and ginger, star anise, cloves, cinnamon stick, coriander seeds, salt, and sugar. Pour in 14 cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for at least 6 hours (or up to 12 hours for deeper flavor). Skim off any scum that rises to the surface.

Step 2: Prepare the Noodles and Toppings

1. Cook the Rice Noodles: About 30 minutes before you are ready to serve, cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. Slice the Beef: If using a beef cut that is not pre-sliced, freeze it for about 30 minutes for easier slicing. Cut the beef thinly against the grain.
3. Prepare Fresh Herbs and Toppings: Rinse and dry the fresh herbs, and arrange the bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sliced peppers on a platter for serving.

Step 3: Assemble the Pho

1. Strain the Broth: Once the broth is done simmering, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean pot, discarding the solids. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with more salt or sugar if needed.
2. Serve: To assemble, place a portion of cooked noodles in a bowl, top with raw sliced beef, and ladle hot broth over the noodles and beef. The heat from the broth will cook the beef slightly.
3. Garnish: Add fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve with hoisin sauce and Sriracha on the side for extra flavor.

Now that you have made pho at home, take a moment to enjoy the rich flavors and warm broth. This dish is perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying on a cozy night in. Customize it to your liking with different meats, toppings, or spice levels, and you’ll find it’s a delightful addition to your cooking repertoire. Happy slurping!