Description
Warm, deeply aromatic, and layered with authentic flavor, this Vietnamese Beef Pho is a comforting classic perfect for cold nights or soothing lunches. It features tender beef chuck roast, rich homemade broth infused with traditional spices, and slurp-worthy rice noodles—making it one of the best easy dinner ideas, a cozy food idea for weeknights, and a great choice for healthy homemade soup lovers. Whether you’re after a quick breakfast with leftovers or a make-ahead dinner, this easy recipe brings the magic of Vietnamese pho right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
2 pounds beef chuck roast
12 oz dried flat rice noodles
1 large onion
4-inch piece of ginger
2 cinnamon sticks
4 star anise pods
4 whole cloves
1 tablespoon coriander seeds
10 cups water
1/4 cup fish sauce
1 tablespoon rock sugar or brown sugar
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (optional)
1 lime, cut into wedges
1 cup bean sprouts (optional)
1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
Instructions
1. Slice the onion in half and cut the ginger into large chunks. Char both in a dry hot skillet, cut-side down, until blackened and fragrant (about 4–5 minutes).
2. In a large stockpot, combine beef chuck roast, charred onion, ginger, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and coriander seeds. Pour in 10 cups of water.
3. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and skim off any foam.
4. Add fish sauce and rock sugar. Simmer uncovered for 2.5 to 3 hours until beef is fork-tender and broth is flavorful.
5. Meanwhile, soak rice noodles in warm water for 30 minutes. Then cook according to package instructions.
6. Remove beef from broth. Slice or shred to preference. Strain broth into a clean pot.
7. Divide cooked noodles into serving bowls. Top with sliced beef.
8. Ladle hot broth over noodles and beef.
9. Garnish with green onions, cilantro, basil, lime wedges, bean sprouts, and jalapeño as desired.
Notes
For a richer broth, add beef bones or oxtail along with the chuck roast.
Don’t skip charring the onion and ginger—it builds the broth’s essential flavor.
Keep broth and noodles separate when storing to avoid mushy leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: vietnamese pho, beef pho, easy dinner, healthy soup, comfort food