Authentic Vietnamese Beef Pho: A Soul-Warming Noodle Soup
A Taste of Vietnamese Beef Pho at Home
After returning from my unforgettable trip to Vietnam, I couldn’t resist stopping by Springvale—the heart of Vietnamese culture in Australia. Walking through the bustling markets, surrounded by fragrant herbs and authentic ingredients, instantly transported me back. The rich broths, vibrant flavors, and aromatic spices deepened my appreciation for Vietnamese cuisine.
Love Pho but feel intimidated by making it at home? Here’s a simple trick: Prepare the stock in advance and freeze it. That way, you can enjoy this comforting dish anytime without spending hours in the kitchen!
Beef Pho Recipe (Serves 6)
Beef Stock (Homemade Preferred)
- 1kg beef bones
- 3L cold water
Pho Broth
- 2L beef stock (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 brown onions, finely sliced
- 5cm piece ginger, peeled & sliced
- 5 whole star anise
- 1 tsp whole peppercorns
- 5 whole cloves
- 1 tbsp coriander seeds
- 4 tbsp fish sauce (Tip: If it’s black and opaque, it’s oxidized—throw it out and get a fresh bottle!)
- 2 tbsp lime juice
Soup
- 100g thick rice noodles (fresh preferred)
- 200g beef fillet steak, thinly sliced
- 2 cups (110g) bean sprouts
- 1 bunch Asian greens, sliced (Remove thick stems if needed)
- 2 red bird’s eye chilies, thinly sliced (For milder heat, leave them in briefly, then remove)
Fresh Garnishes
- 1 bunch mint
- 1 bunch coriander
- 1 bunch basil
- Lime wedges (to serve)
How to Make Vietnamese Beef Pho
Prepare the Beef Stock (If Homemade)
- Place beef bones, cold water, onion, ginger, star anise, cinnamon, peppercorns, cloves, and coriander seeds into a large pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 3 hours.
- Allow to cool, then strain the broth into a clean pot.
Make the Pho Broth
- Bring the strained beef stock to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in fish sauce and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Cook the Noodles
- If using dried noodles, cook according to package instructions.
- For fresh noodles, soak in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain.
Assemble the Pho
- Divide noodles and raw beef slices into bowls.
- Pour the hot broth directly over the beef—it will cook instantly.
- Add bean sprouts, Asian greens, sliced chili, and fresh herbs.
- Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Why You’ll Love This Pho Recipe
- Authentic and rich – Just like the best Vietnamese Pho!
- Great for meal prep – Make and freeze the stock for easy meals.
- Customizable – Adjust spice, add veggies, or swap proteins to your liking.
Pro Tip: Serve with hoisin sauce, sriracha, or extra lime juice for added depth of flavor!
What’s Your Favorite Vietnamese Dish?
If you enjoyed this recipe, share it with friends and family! Have a favorite Vietnamese dish? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear your recommendations!
