Phở – Vietnam’s Beloved Noodle Soup

Phở – Vietnam’s Beloved Noodle Soup

Phở is one of Vietnam’s most iconic and beloved dishes, a fragrant noodle soup that embodies the essence of Vietnamese cuisine. This comforting bowl features silky rice noodles swimming in a clear, aromatic broth, typically made from simmered beef bones and infused with warm spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves. It’s traditionally served with thinly sliced beef or chicken, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and a dash of chili for those who like a spicy kick. Phở is more than just a meal—it’s a cultural symbol, often enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner across Vietnam and by Home Cook worldwide who love exploring foodrecipes from different cultures.

Thanks to platforms like Cookpad and the growing global community of Home Cook worldwide, Phở has become a favorite dish in kitchens around the world. The balance of light yet rich broth, tender meat, and fresh toppings makes Phở a dish that appeals to many. Whether you’re making it from scratch or following a simple shortcut recipe, Phở brings people together with its heartwarming flavors and a sense of tradition that dates back generations.

Authentic Vietnamese Phở Recipe

Ingredients:

For the broth:

• 1.5 kg beef bones (or chicken bones for Phở Gà)
• 500 g beef brisket (optional)
• 2 large onions, halved
• 1 large piece ginger, halved
• 3 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 5 whole cloves
• 1 tbsp coriander seeds
• 1 tbsp salt
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar

For the noodles and toppings:

• 400 g dried or fresh flat rice noodles
• 300 g thinly sliced beef (sirloin, brisket) or cooked chicken
• Fresh herbs: Thai basil, cilantro, and mint
• Bean sprouts
• Lime wedges
• Sliced chili (optional)
• Hoisin sauce and Sriracha (optional)

Method:

1. Char the aromatics:
   Place onions and ginger over an open flame or under a broiler until charred. Set aside.
2. Make the broth:
   In a large pot, cover beef bones with water, bring to a boil, and drain to remove impurities. Refill with fresh water, add brisket (if using), charred onions, ginger, star anise, cinnamon, cloves, coriander seeds, salt, fish sauce, and sugar. Simmer gently for 4–6 hours, skimming fat and foam occasionally. Strain the broth and discard solids. Slice brisket thinly if using.
3. Prepare noodles and toppings:
   Cook noodles according to package instructions. Divide into bowls. Top with sliced beef or chicken, then pour over hot broth to cook the beef slices. Garnish with herbs, bean sprouts, lime, and chili.
4. Serve:
   Let everyone customize their bowl with hoisin, Sriracha, and extra herbs as desired.

FAQs about Phở

1. Can I make Phở broth in a pressure cooker or slow cooker?
Yes! Many Home Cook worldwide on Cookpad use these methods for convenience. Pressure cookers reduce the cooking time significantly while still delivering rich flavor.

2. Can I make vegetarian Phở?
Absolutely! Substitute the bones with charred vegetables like carrots, onions, and mushrooms, and use soy sauce or tamari for depth. Food recipes for vegetarian Phở are popular among Home Cook worldwide on Cookpad.

3. What type of noodles should I use for Phở?
Flat rice noodles are traditional, but Home Cook worldwide sometimes use other rice noodles or even zucchini noodles for a twist.

4. How do I store and reheat Phở?
Store the broth and toppings separately in the fridge. Reheat the broth to boiling before assembling your bowl. Noodles should be reheated briefly or freshly cooked for the best texture.

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