Name: Vietnamese Beef Pho
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef bones; 1 pound beef brisket or chuck roast; 2 onions; 1 piece fresh ginger (about 3 inches); 3 star anise; 1 cinnamon stick; 4 cloves; 1 tablespoon coriander seeds; 3 tablespoons fish sauce; 1 tablespoon rock sugar; 14 ounces rice noodles (banh pho); 1/2 pound thinly sliced raw beef (sirloin or eye of round); 2 green onions; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 2 cups bean sprouts; 1 bunch Thai basil; 2 limes, cut into wedges; 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced

There’s nothing like a steaming bowl of Vietnamese Beef Pho to comfort the soul and awaken your taste buds. This aromatic soup is built around a savory, spiced broth that’s been simmered to perfection, poured over tender rice noodles, and topped with slices of beef that cook gently in the hot broth. It’s a meal that warms you from the inside out and leaves you craving more.

Pho isn’t just a soup—it’s an experience. With every spoonful, you taste the depth of flavor created from charred onions and ginger, warm spices like star anise and cinnamon, and the umami-rich notes of fish sauce. Topped with fresh herbs, crunchy bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime, this bowl becomes a blend of textures and flavors that is both hearty and fresh.

Why You’ll Love This Vietnamese Beef Pho

This recipe brings restaurant-quality pho right into your kitchen without requiring you to spend hours tracking down hard-to-find ingredients. It’s deeply comforting and highly customizable. Whether you prefer it loaded with herbs and chili slices or kept mild and minimal, pho adapts to your personal taste.

Not only is it delicious, but making pho at home allows you to control the richness of the broth and the balance of seasonings. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen as it simmers is nothing short of magical.

What Kind of Beef Should I Use?

Traditionally, pho is made with beef bones to create the broth and thin slices of raw beef that cook in the bowl. You can use a mix of beef bones (like marrow or knuckle bones) for the broth and thinly sliced sirloin or eye of round for serving. If you want a shortcut, using store-bought beef broth with some added aromatics can still yield a satisfying result. The key is to slice the beef as thinly as possible so it cooks instantly when the broth is poured over.

Ingredients for the Vietnamese Beef Pho

A great pho starts with quality ingredients. The broth is the heart of the dish, and layering in spices and aromatics brings it to life.

Beef bones – Essential for a deep, rich broth.
Beef brisket or chuck roast – Adds meaty flavor to the broth.
Onions – Charring them adds sweetness and depth.
Fresh ginger – Adds warmth and fragrance.
Star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, coriander seeds – These spices give pho its signature aroma.
Fish sauce – Brings that umami and salty balance.
Rock sugar – A touch of sweetness to round out the flavors.
Rice noodles (banh pho) – Flat rice noodles are traditional and soak up the broth beautifully.
Thinly sliced raw beef (sirloin, eye of round) – Cooks directly in the hot broth.
Green onions and cilantro – Fresh and bright toppings.
Bean sprouts, Thai basil, lime wedges, jalapeño slices – For serving and customizing.

How To Make the Vietnamese Beef Pho

Step 1: Roast the Aromatics

Slice the onions and ginger in half. Place them under the broiler or over an open flame until they’re charred. This step adds a smoky depth to your broth.

Step 2: Parboil the Bones

Place beef bones in a large pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. After a few minutes, drain and rinse the bones. This cleans out impurities for a clear broth.

Step 3: Simmer the Broth

Add the cleaned bones back to the pot along with the brisket or chuck roast, charred onion and ginger, spices, fish sauce, rock sugar, and water. Simmer uncovered for at least 3 hours, skimming any foam. Remove the brisket after 2 hours, let it cool, then slice thinly.

Step 4: Strain and Season

Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve. Taste and adjust seasoning with more fish sauce or a pinch of salt as needed.

Step 5: Prepare the Noodles and Toppings

Soak or cook the rice noodles according to package directions. Arrange the thinly sliced raw beef, cooked brisket, green onions, and cilantro in serving bowls.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Ladle the hot broth over the beef and noodles to cook the raw slices instantly. Serve with bean sprouts, Thai basil, lime wedges, and jalapeño on the side for customization.

Serving and Storing Vietnamese Beef Pho

This recipe serves 4 generous bowls of pho. Serve it piping hot with a platter of fresh toppings on the side so everyone can personalize their bowl. Leftover broth can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for longer. Just reheat, prepare fresh noodles, and add your toppings.

What to Serve With Vietnamese Beef Pho?

Fresh Spring Rolls

These light rice paper rolls filled with shrimp, herbs, and vermicelli are a classic starter.

Pickled Vegetables

Crunchy, tangy pickles like daikon and carrot add contrast and brightness to your bowl.

Vietnamese Iced Coffee

The strong brew sweetened with condensed milk pairs beautifully with the rich broth.

Steamed Buns

Soft, fluffy bao filled with pork or vegetables offer a satisfying bite alongside your soup.

Mango Salad

A crisp and refreshing mango salad with herbs and peanuts is a lovely, palate-cleansing side.

Fried Shallots

Sprinkle some over your pho for an extra crunchy, savory topping.

Chili Garlic Sauce

For those who like it hot, a dab of chili garlic sauce or sriracha does the trick.

Want More Soup Ideas?

If you love Vietnamese Beef Pho, you’ll want to try these flavorful soup recipes:

Cajun Potato Soup for creamy comfort with a kick.
Crockpot Thai Coconut Chicken Soup for a cozy blend of coconut and spice.
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli if you crave something hearty yet healthy.
Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas as a fun twist when you want something meaty and saucy.

Save This Recipe For Later

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Let me know how your pho turns out! Did you go traditional with the toppings or add your own spin? I love hearing your twists and tweaks.

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Conclusion

Vietnamese Beef Pho is more than a soup—it’s an aromatic, nourishing ritual. With a little love and patience, you can bring this Vietnamese staple into your own kitchen and savor a dish that comforts as much as it impresses. Whether you’re feeding the family or treating yourself, this pho recipe delivers every time.