Perfect Homemade Pho – A Bowl of Vietnamese Comfort
Learn how to make authentic Vietnamese pho at home with this slow-simmered, flavorful broth recipe. Worth the wait with comfort in every slurp
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 8 hrs 10 mins
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
- Course: Dinner
- Servings: 6 servings
Pho (pronounced fuh, not foe) is Vietnam’s national treasure, a steaming bowl of fragrant broth, slippery rice noodles, tender slices of beef, and a garden of fresh herbs. It’s comfort food, hangover cure, and soul-warmer all in one.
When I first learned I’d been mispronouncing pho for years, I’ll admit it was so humbling. But the deeper I dug into this dish’s history and flavors, the more I fell in love. Pho isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience that ties together Vietnamese tradition, family gatherings, and centuries of culinary influence.
And yes, this recipe requires patience. The broth simmers for six glorious hours. But believe me, it’s worth every second. One sip of this deep, aromatic broth and you’ll understand why pho is beloved across the globe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Authentic Flavor – Simmered bones, roasted aromatics, and star anise create a broth with true depth.
Customizable – Choose beef, chicken, pork, seafood, or even go vegetarian.
Meal-Prep Friendly – The broth freezes beautifully for quick future dinners.
Showstopper – Serve pho at a gathering, and your guests will be talking about it for weeks.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs beef soup bones (shank and knee)
- 1 medium onion, halved (unpeeled)
- 5 slices fresh ginger
- 1 Tbsp salt
- 2 whole star anise pods
- 2 ½ Tbsp fish sauce (good quality is key)
- 4 quarts water
- 8 oz dried rice noodles
- 1 ½ lbs beef top sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 Tbsp green onion, finely minced
- ½ cup bean sprouts
- 2 bunches Thai basil
- 1 medium lime, cut into wedges
- ¼ cup chili-garlic sauce (like Sriracha®) – optional
Instructions
- Build the Broth
- In a large stockpot, combine roasted bones, onions, ginger, salt, star anise, fish sauce, and 4 quarts water.
- Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer gently for at least 6 hours.
- Strain and discard solids. Keep the broth warm.
- Prepare Noodles
- Soak rice noodles in room-temperature water for 1 hour. Drain.
- Boil noodles for 1 minute, then drain again.
- Assemble Bowls
- Divide noodles among bowls.
- Add thinly sliced sirloin, cilantro, and green onion on top.
- Pour hot broth over everything—the beef will cook perfectly in the steaming liquid.
- Serve & Customize
- Add bean sprouts, Thai basil, lime wedges, hoisin sauce, chili-garlic sauce, or any of your favorite toppings.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Make Ahead: Broth can be prepared days in advance and refrigerated, or frozen for up to 3–4 months.
- Meat Alternatives: Use rotisserie chicken, shredded pork, or leftover beef. Simply ladle hot broth over the cooked meat.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Pho: Skip fish sauce, use mushrooms for depth, and add bok choy or tofu.
- Instant Pot Hack: Pressure-cook broth ingredients for 10 minutes, then sauté with your choice of meat or veggies.
- Slow Cooker Method: Simmer bones, onion, ginger, and spices for 6–8 hours on low. Perfect for hands-off cooking.
Fun Fact About Pho
Pho originated in Northern Vietnam in the late 1800s, influenced by both French and Chinese cuisine. The French popularized beef (a rarity in Vietnam at the time), while the Chinese introduced rice noodles and spices. Many even believe the name “pho” comes from the French dish pot-au-feu (beef stew).
What Makes Pho Unique?
What makes pho different from ramen? Unlike ramen, which uses wheat-based noodles, pho noodles are made from rice flour, giving them a light, slippery texture. The magic lies in the balance, deeply savory broth, refreshing herbs, and chewy noodles that leave you grounded yet uplifted.
Why Is Pho So Popular
Pho isn’t just a meal. It’s medicine. With its aromatic spices, restorative broth, and fresh herbs, it’s the go-to comfort dish in Vietnam for when people feel sick, tired, or hungover. That first slurp is grounding and healing, both physically and emotionally.
Final Word
Homemade pho takes time, but the reward is extraordinary. Each steaming bowl brings warmth, history, and a taste of Vietnam straight to your table.
If you try this recipe, leave a comment and a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating. I’d love to hear your thoughts. oh! and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @emmahskitchen so I can see your pho creations.
Stay tuned– more delicious recipes are on the way.
