simplykitchen

Tag: easy dinner

  • Authentic Vietnamese Pho Noodle Soup Recipe: A Warm and Inviting Delight

    Authentic Vietnamese Pho Noodle Soup Recipe: A Warm and Inviting Delight

    A warm, fragrant bowl of comfort made right at home.

    🕒 Recipe Overview

    • Prep Time: 25 minutes

    • Cook Time: 2 hours (traditional method) or 45 minutes (with pressure cooker)

    • Total Time: 2 hrs 25 mins

    • Servings: 4 bowls

    • Difficulty: Moderate

    🧄 Ingredients

    For the Broth

    • 1 kg beef bones (or chicken carcass for chicken pho)

    • 1 large onion, halved

    • 1 piece fresh ginger (about 5 cm), sliced in half

    • 2 cinnamon sticks

    • 4 whole star anise

    • 4 whole cloves

    • 1 tbsp coriander seeds

    • 1 tbsp fish sauce

    • 2 tsp salt

    • 1 tsp sugar

    • 1 tsp beef stock

    • 3 litres water

    For the Noodles & Protein

    • 400 g flat rice noodles

    • 300 g thinly sliced beef sirloin or cooked chicken breast

    For Garnish & Serving

    • Thinly sliced red chilli Spring onions, finely chopped

    • Thinly sliced onion

    • Hoisin sauce and Sriracha (optional)

    • Fresh coriander leaves

    • Fresh Thai basil leaves

    • Bean sprouts
    • 1 lime, cut into wedges

    🔪 Directions

    1. Char the aromatics — Place onion and ginger directly over an open flame or under the oven grill until lightly charred. This adds smoky depth to your broth.

    2. Toast the spices — In a dry pan, gently toast cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and coriander seeds for about 2 minutes until fragrant.

    3. Simmer the broth — Add bones (or chicken carcass), toasted spices, charred aromatics, fish sauce, salt, sugar, beef stock and water to a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for at least 2 hours (or 45 minutes in a pressure cooker).

    4. Skim the surface — Occasionally skim off foam and impurities for a clear, golden broth.

    5. Strain and taste — Strain the broth, discard solids, and taste. Adjust seasoning with more fish sauce or salt if needed.

    6. Prepare the noodles — Cook rice noodles according to package instructions, rinse with cold water, and set aside.

    7. Assemble your pho — Divide noodles into bowls, top with slices of beef or chicken, pour hot broth over the top to gently cook the meat.

    8. Garnish and serve — Add bean sprouts, chili, lime juice, and herbs. Serve immediately with hoisin and Sriracha on the side.

    🍽️ Serving Suggestions

    This comforting soup is perfect for family dinners, cozy winter nights, or recovery meals when someone needs a nourishing boost.
    Serve alongside fresh Vietnamese spring rolls, pickled vegetables, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
    Pair it with iced jasmine tea or Vietnamese iced coffee for an authentic touch.

    💡 Tips for Best Results

    • For clear broth, avoid rapid boiling — let it gently simmer.

    • For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and tofu instead of meat.

    • Make broth ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days (it actually tastes better the next day).

    🧘‍♀️ Nutrition (Per Serving)

    • Calories: ~420 kcal

    • Protein: 35 g

    • Fat: 12 g

    • Carbohydrates: 40 g

    • Fiber: 2 g

    • Sodium: 780 mg