Crave-worthy beef pho: discover the secret recipe to make it at home

• 3-4 pounds beef bones (marrow bones preferred)
• 1 pound beef short ribs
• 1 pound beef flank steak
• 1 large yellow onion
• 6 cloves garlic
• 3-inch piece of ginger
• 1/2 cup fish sauce
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 cups water
• 1 package (8 ounces) wide rice noodles
• Bean sprouts
• Thai basil
• Cilantro
• Lime wedges

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Homemade Beef Pho

1. Preparing the Beef Bones and Meat

• Rinse the beef bones and meat thoroughly.
• In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, roast the bones and meat at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes, or until they are browned.
• Remove the bones and meat from the oven and set aside.

2. Creating the Aromatic Broth

• Chop the onion, garlic, and ginger into large pieces.
• In the same stockpot, add the roasted bones, meat, onion, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, sugar, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and water.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 6-8 hours, or until the broth is rich and flavorful.

3. Preparing the Noodles and Vegetables

• Soak the rice noodles in hot water for 10-15 minutes, or until they are softened.
• Drain the noodles and rinse with cold water.
• Trim and wash the bean sprouts.
• Pick the leaves from the Thai basil and cilantro.

4. Assembling the Pho

• Strain the broth into a clean stockpot or Dutch oven.
• Bring the broth back to a boil.
• Add the noodles and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they are al dente.
• Add the beef short ribs and flank steak and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through.

5. Serving the Pho

• Ladle the hot pho into bowls.
• Top with the cooked beef, bean sprouts, Thai basil, cilantro, and lime wedges.
• Serve with additional fish sauce, sugar, and Sriracha sauce to taste.

Customization and Variations

• Spicy Pho: Add sliced jalapeños or chili peppers to the broth for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Pho: Omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead. Add tofu, mushrooms, and other vegetables for a flavorful vegetarian option.
• Add-Ins: Experiment with different add-ins such as meatballs, wontons, or fried shallots to customize your pho.

Tips for a Perfect Pho

• Use high-quality beef bones and meat for a richer broth.
• Simmer the broth for as long as possible to extract the maximum flavor from the ingredients.
• Don’t overcook the noodles or the meat. They should be tender but still have a bite to them.
• Serve the pho hot with plenty of fresh herbs and vegetables for a truly authentic experience.

“Pho”nomenal Finishing Touches

• Sriracha Sauce: Add a dash of Sriracha sauce for a spicy and tangy flavor.
• Hoisin Sauce: Drizzle a bit of hoisin sauce over the pho for a sweet and savory touch.
• Lime Juice: Squeeze a lime wedge into the pho for a refreshing burst of citrus.

“Pho”lks Love Pho: The Health Benefits

• Pho is a nutritious and flavorful meal that is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• The broth is rich in collagen, which is beneficial for joint health.
• The rice noodles are a good source of carbohydrates and fiber.
• The vegetables and herbs provide essential vitamins and minerals.

Common Questions and Answers

1. How can I make my pho broth clearer?

• Skim off any excess fat from the broth as it simmers.
• Use a fine-mesh sieve to strain the broth before serving.

2. Can I freeze pho?

• Yes, you can freeze pho for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before freezing.

3. What are some other vegetables that I can add to pho?

• Green onions, carrots, bok choy, and mushrooms are all great additions to pho.