Homemade pho

Homemade Pho Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Broth:

• 2 lbs beef bones (marrow or knuckle bones)
• 1 lb beef brisket (or beef chuck)
• 1 large onion, halved
• 1 large piece of ginger (about 3-4 inches), halved lengthwise
• 4-5 star anise
• 3-4 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tbsp coriander seeds
• 1 tbsp fennel seeds
• 1 tbsp rock sugar (or regular sugar)
• 1 tbsp salt (or to taste)
• 3 tbsp fish sauce (or to taste)
• 8 cups water

For the Soup:

• 8 oz dried flat rice noodles (banh pho)
• Thinly sliced raw beef (such as eye of round, sirloin, or filet mignon)
• Fresh herbs: Thai basil, cilantro, mint
• 1-2 cups bean sprouts
• 1-2 limes, cut into wedges
• 1-2 fresh red or green chilies, thinly sliced (optional)
• Hoisin sauce and sriracha (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bones and Meat:
   • Place the beef bones and brisket in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and blanch for 5 minutes to remove impurities.
   • Drain and rinse the bones and meat under cold water to clean them. Set aside.
2. Char the Onion and Ginger:
   • On an open flame (or in a dry skillet), char the onion and ginger until they are lightly blackened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This adds a deep, smoky flavor to the broth.
   • Rinse them under water to remove any excess charred bits.
3. Toast the Spices:
   • In a dry skillet, toast the star anise, cloves, cinnamon stick, coriander seeds, and fennel seeds over medium heat until fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.
4. Make the Broth:
   • In a large pot, add the cleaned bones, brisket, charred onion, ginger, toasted spices, rock sugar, and salt. Add 8 cups of water.
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 4-6 hours. Skim off any scum that rises to the surface.
   • After 1 hour, remove the brisket, set it aside to cool, and then slice it thinly for serving.
5. Strain the Broth:
   • After simmering, strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into another pot to remove the solids.
   • Add fish sauce and adjust seasoning with salt or sugar if needed.
6. Prepare the Noodles:
   • Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
7. Assemble the Pho:
   • Divide the cooked noodles into bowls. Top with sliced brisket, raw sliced beef, and any other optional toppings.
   • Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and beef, cooking the raw beef slices in the hot broth.
   • Garnish with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chilies. Serve with hoisin sauce and sriracha on the side.

Cooking Time:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours (for the broth)
• Total Time: 4.5 – 6.5 hours

Nutritional Information (per serving, about 6 servings):

• Calories: ~400 kcal
• Protein: ~30g
• Fat: ~12g
• Carbohydrates: ~45g
• Fiber: ~2g
• Sugars: ~3g

This Homemade Pho is a flavorful and aromatic dish that captures the essence of traditional Vietnamese cuisine. The long-simmered broth, tender beef, and fresh herbs make it an incredibly satisfying meal. Enjoy it with your favorite toppings and condiments!