Vietnamese Beef Phở

Introduction to Beef Phở – The Soul of Vietnamese Cuisin

Phở is one of the most famous and beloved dishes in Vietnam. It is more than just a meal—it is a cultural symbol, enjoyed by people in Vietnam and around the world.

What is Phở?

Phở is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup made with a rich, flavorful broth, soft rice noodles, and tender meat (usually beef or chicken). It is often served with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime, and chili.

Phở is usually eaten for breakfast, but people enjoy it at any time of the day.

The History of Phở

Phở started in northern Vietnam in the early 1900s. At first, it was sold by street vendors. Later, it became popular all over the country.

When Phở came to southern Vietnam, people added more spices, herbs, and sweet flavors to the broth. Today, Phở is well-known worldwide, with many restaurants serving it in countries like the USA, France, Australia, and Canada.

What Makes Beef Phở Special?

🥣 The Delicious Broth

• The broth is made by slow-cooking beef bones for many hours, creating a rich and deep flavor.
• It is seasoned with spices like star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and coriander seeds.

🍖 The Tender Meat

• Phở can be made with beef (Phở Bò) or chicken (Phở Gà).
• Popular beef cuts include rare beef slices (tái), brisket (nạm), tendon (gân), and beef balls (bò viên).

🍜 Soft Rice Noodles

• Phở noodles are made from rice and have a soft but chewy texture.

🌿 Fresh Herbs and Toppings

• Common toppings include green onions, cilantro, Thai basil, bean sprouts, and lime.
• People often add hoisin sauce, chili sauce, or fish sauce to adjust the flavor.

Types of Phở

There are different versions of Phở:

• Phở Bò (Beef Phở) – The most common type, served with different cuts of beef.
• Phở Gà (Chicken Phở) – Made with tender chicken and a lighter broth.
• Phở Sốt Vang – A special version with beef cooked in red wine.
• Phở Cuốn (Phở Rolls) – Soft rice noodles rolled with beef and fresh herbs, served with dipping sauce.

Phở Around the World

Today, Phở is loved by people all over the world. It is served in many Vietnamese restaurants worldwide. Some places even create new versions, adding local ingredients.

The word “Phở” is so famous that it has been added to the Oxford English Dictionary!

Why Do People Love Phở?

✅ It is delicious and full of flavor.
✅ It is healthy, with fresh herbs and a light broth.
✅ It brings comfort and warmth, especially on cold days.
✅ It represents Vietnamese culture and tradition.

If you haven’t tried Phở yet, now is the perfect time! A hot bowl of Phở will surely warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. 😋🍜

Would you like a simple Phở recipe to try at home? 😊

Estimated Calories per Serving

• Broth (with bones and seasonings) – ~80 kcal
• Rice noodles (100g cooked) – ~110-150 kcal
• Beef (100g, lean cuts like sirloin) – ~200 kcal
• Toppings (herbs, bean sprouts, lime, onions, etc.) – ~20 kcal
• Condiments (hoisin, sriracha, fish sauce, optional) – ~50 kcal

Total Calories per Bowl: ~450-500 kcal

• If using fattier cuts of beef (like brisket or short rib), the total can go up to 600-700 kcal.
• A larger portion with extra noodles or beef can be 700-900 kcal.

Preparing Ingredients for Phở

To make a delicious bowl of Vietnamese Phở, you need to prepare fresh and high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients for the Broth 🥣

Main Ingredients:

• 2 kg beef bones (marrow bones or oxtail) – for a rich and flavorful broth.
• 500g beef brisket or flank – simmered in the broth for extra taste.
• 1 large onion – charred for aroma and sweetness.
• 1 big piece of ginger – charred and smashed for extra depth.
• 5 liters of water – for simmering the broth.

Spices for Flavor: 🌿

• 3 star anise – adds a warm, sweet aroma.
• 1 cinnamon stick – gives a hint of spice.
• 3-4 cloves – enhances the depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds – adds fragrance.
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce – for umami taste.
• 1 teaspoon salt – balances the flavors.
• 1 tablespoon rock sugar – gives natural sweetness.

👉 Tip: Toast the spices in a dry pan before adding them to the broth for a stronger aroma.

Ingredients for the Noodles and Meat 🍜

• 500g fresh or dried rice noodles – soft and chewy when cooked.
• 300g raw beef (sirloin or ribeye, thinly sliced) – added raw and cooked in hot broth.
• Green onions and cilantro – for extra freshness.

👉 Tip: Freeze the raw beef for 15 minutes before slicing to get thin, even pieces.

Fresh Herbs and Garnishes 🌿

• Thai basil – adds freshness.
• Bean sprouts – crunchy texture.
• Lime wedges – for a hint of sourness.
• Fresh chili slices – for extra heat.
• Sawtooth herb (if available) – a traditional herb for Phở.

Condiments (Optional, for Extra Flavor) 🥢

• Hoisin sauce – sweet and thick, pairs well with beef.
• Sriracha or chili sauce – adds a spicy kick.
• Fish sauce – enhances the umami taste.

Print Recipe

Vietnamese Beef Phở (Phở Bò)

Vietnamese beef phở is a famous dish known for its flavorful broth, tender beef, and fresh herbs. Follow this step-by-step guide to make an authentic bowl of phở at home!

Prep Time30 minutes mins

Cook Time4 hours hrs

20 minutes mins

Total Time5 hours hrs

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: vietnamese

Keyword: Vietnamese Beef Phở

Servings: 4

Calories: 450kcal

Ingredients

Broth Ingredients

• 2 kg beef bones marrow bones or oxtail for a rich broth
• 500 g beef brisket, flank, or shank, for simmering
• 1 onion halved
• 1 large piece of ginger charred and smashed
• 3 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3-4 cloves
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon rock sugar
• 5 liters of water

Soup Ingredients

• 500 g fresh rice noodles or dried noodles soaked in water
• 300 g raw beef slices sirloin or ribeye, thinly sliced
• Green onions cilantro, Thai basil, sawtooth herb
• Bean sprouts
• Lime fresh chili
• Fish sauce hoisin sauce, sriracha

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Instructions

Preparing the Bones and Meat

• ❖ Blanch the beef bones:
• Boil a large pot of water and blanch the beef bones for 10 minutes to remove impurities.
• Drain and rinse the bones thoroughly under cold water.
• ❖ Blanch the beef (brisket, flank, or shank):
• Place the beef in boiling water for 5 minutes, then remove, rinse, and set aside.

Making the Broth

• 🔥 Char the Onion and Ginger:
• Roast the onion and ginger over an open flame or dry pan until charred.
• Peel off the burnt skin, then smash the ginger slightly.
• 🍲 Simmer the bones for a flavorful broth:
• In a large pot, add the bones, beef, onion, and ginger. Pour in 5 liters of water.
• Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Skim off any foam regularly to keep the broth clear.
• Simmer for 3-4 hours for the best flavor.
• 🌿 Enhancing the broth with spices:
• Toast the star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and coriander seeds in a dry pan until fragrant.
• Place them in a spice bag (or add directly to the pot).
• Add fish sauce, salt, and rock sugar to season the broth.
• Continue simmering for 1-2 more hours to allow the flavors to blend.
• 💡 Tips for the best broth:
• For a clearer broth: Keep the pot uncovered and skim impurities frequently.
• For a sweeter broth: Add a peeled white radish or apple while simmering.

Preparing the Noodles and Beef

• ✔ Cooking the Rice Noodles:
• For fresh rice noodles: Blanch in boiling water for 10 seconds, then rinse with cold water.
• For dried rice noodles: Soak in warm water for 30 minutes, then cook in boiling water for 2-3 minutes.
• ✔ Slicing the Beef:
• Use a sharp knife to slice the beef as thin as possible.
• Tip: Freeze the beef for 15 minutes before slicing to make it easier.

Assembling and Serving

• 🍜 Prepare the Phở Bowl:
• Place cooked rice noodles in a bowl.
• Arrange thinly sliced raw beef on top.
• Add green onions, cilantro, and bean sprouts.
• 🔥 Pour hot broth over the bowl:
• Ladle boiling hot broth over the raw beef to cook it instantly.
• 🍋 Customize with condiments:
• Serve with lime wedges, fresh chili, hoisin sauce, and sriracha.
• Adjust with fish sauce for more umami flavor.
• ✨ Enjoy your homemade phở while it's hot!