Easy Beef Pho
This is the easiest and quickest recipe for making Beef Pho soup at home. You can make this delicious Vietnamese-style beef pho recipe in under 30 minutes - the secret is to use high quality beef broth, either homemade beef broth or a high-quality store bought bone broth will work.
After a long-weekend in Hanoi when I ate pho literally three times a day, I was determined to find a way to recreate this delicious pho soup of Vietnam in my kitchen without having to spend five hours slaving over a stove. So I created this kitchen hack - a quick and easy pho recipe that would be ready in no time. This is quick healthy low-calorie beef pho soup is comforting and nourishing after a busy long day.
Since I almost always have beef broth and chicken broth in my freezer, I decided to infuse regular beef broth with the flavours of pho rather than having to make a specially spiced bone broth every time I wanted to make beef pho soup. The result is this quick and easy beef pho soup that is nourishing and low calorie, not to mention a delicious way to eat bone broth in a meal.
The spices will keep for a long time in your store cupboard so you should be able to make this again and again. There is no hard and fast rule for which vegetables to use for pho; I have had various combinations of green vegetables in pho soups across Vietnam. There is almost always Asian celery which has thinner stalks and darker leaves than the celery commonly available in Western supermarkets so I would suggest just using the leaves from Western celery. Use your favourite green vegetables to make this pho soup recipe.
Easy Beef Pho
Ingredients
- 500ml of my beef bone broth or a high-quality store-bought broth
- 2 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 star anise
- 6 coriander seeds
- 4 slices of ginger
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons of lime juice + a wedge of lime to garnish
- 1 teaspoons of sugar
- Rice noodles (I use Shirataki or Zero Carb noodles if I am counting calories)
- 7 oz. sirloin steak, very thinly sliced
- Handful of beansprouts
- 2 scallions or spring onions, chopped
- 2/3 leaves of lettuce, torn
- A handful of Celery leaves, torn
- Handful of herbs such as coriander, mint and Thai basil
- Thinly sliced red chili, to you taste
Instructions
Assemble the pho ingredients in individual bowls before pouring in the hot infused beef broth
A Deep Dive into the World of Pho
What kind of meat is used for beef pho?
Typically, thinly sliced raw beef is used for beef pho. This meat, often eye round or flank steak, is quickly cooked in the hot broth, resulting in a tender and flavorful addition to the soup. The raw meat is preferred as it allows for a more authentic taste and texture.
What is the broth of pho made of?
Pho broth is the heart and soul of this Vietnamese dish. It's traditionally made by simmering beef bones, often oxtail or shank bones, with a variety of aromatic spices and herbs for many hours. This slow-cooking process extracts the rich flavors and collagen from the bones, resulting in a deeply flavorful and nourishing broth.
What gives pho broth its taste?
The unique flavor profile of pho broth comes from a combination of aromatic spices and herbs. Key ingredients include star anise, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, fennel seeds, and ginger. These spices are simmered with the beef bones to impart their distinct flavors into the broth. Additionally, fish sauce and a touch of sugar are often added to balance the flavors.
Do you put raw beef in pho?
Yes, raw beef is typically added to pho. The thinly sliced beef is quickly cooked in the hot broth, resulting in a tender and flavorful addition to the soup. This method of cooking allows the meat to retain its natural juices and develop a delicate texture.
What spices are used in pho?
A variety of spices are used to flavor pho broth. Key spices include star anise, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, fennel seeds, and ginger. These spices are simmered with the beef bones to create a complex and aromatic broth.
What sauce goes in pho?
While no specific sauce is added directly to the pho broth, there are several condiments that can be added to enhance the flavor. These include hoisin sauce, sriracha, and chili garlic sauce. These sauces can be added to taste, allowing you to customize the spiciness and flavor of your pho.
Is pho healthy for you?
Yes, pho can be a healthy meal. The broth is packed with nutrients from the beef bones, and the vegetables and herbs added to the soup provide essential vitamins and minerals. However, the healthiness of pho can vary depending on the ingredients and preparation methods. Opting for leaner cuts of beef and limiting the amount of added sugar and sodium can help make pho a healthier choice.
What's the difference between beef broth and pho broth?
While both beef broth and pho broth are made from beef bones, pho broth is more complex and flavorful. Pho broth is simmered for a longer period with a variety of aromatic spices and herbs, resulting in a deeper and more nuanced flavor. Beef broth, on the other hand, is often simpler and less flavorful.
How do you pronounce pho?
Pho is pronounced "fuh."
How to thinly slice beef for pho?
To thinly slice beef for pho, you can use a sharp knife or a meat slicer. It's important to freeze the meat slightly before slicing to make it easier to cut thin, even slices. You can also partially freeze the meat for a few hours, then slice it thinly using a sharp knife.
Are you supposed to finish the broth in pho?
Yes, it's customary to finish the broth in pho. The broth is a vital part of the dish and is packed with flavor and nutrients. Sipping the broth is a key part of the pho experience.
What are the secret ingredients for pho?
While there are no strict "secret" ingredients, the key to a great pho broth lies in the quality of the ingredients, the simmering time, and the balance of flavors. Using high-quality beef bones, fresh herbs, and spices, and simmering the broth for an extended period can significantly enhance the flavor.
Do you put cilantro or basil in pho?
Both cilantro and basil are commonly used in pho. Cilantro is a classic herb that adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the dish. Basil, especially Thai basil, can add a sweet and slightly spicy note. You can use either or both, depending on your preference.
What is the star ingredient in pho?
The star ingredient in pho is undoubtedly the broth. The rich, flavorful broth is the foundation of the dish and brings together all the other elements.