Beef Pho Soup Recipe

Beef Pho Soup is made with beef bones, onion, fresh ginger, star anise, cloves, cinnamon stick, coriander seeds, fish sauce, rice noodles, beef sirloin or flank steak, Thai basil, cilantro, mint, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and jalapeños or Thai bird chilies. This traditional Beef Pho Soup recipe creates a hearty and aromatic dinner that takes about 4 to 8 hours to prepare (with active cooking time being about 30 minutes) and can serve up to 4-6 people.

Beef Pho Soup Ingredients

For the Broth:

• 4-5 lbs beef bones (oxtail, marrow bones, or a mix)
• 1 onion, halved
• 4-5 slices fresh ginger (about 2 inches long)
• 4-5 whole star anise
• 4-5 whole cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• Salt to taste
• 12 cups water

For the Soup:

• 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced (freeze for 30 minutes for easier slicing)
• 1 package (14 oz) rice noodles (bánh phở)
• Fresh herbs: Thai basil, cilantro, and mint
• Bean sprouts
• Lime wedges
• Sliced jalapeños or Thai bird chilies (optional)
• Hoisin sauce (for serving)
• Sriracha sauce (for serving)

Beef Pho Soup Instructions

1. Place the halved onion and ginger on a baking sheet and broil them in the oven for about 5-10 minutes until slightly charred.
2. In a large pot, add the beef bones and cover them with cold water. Bring to a boil and blanch for 5 minutes. Drain and rinse the bones under cold water.
3. In a large stockpot, combine the blanched bones, charred onion, ginger, star anise, cloves, cinnamon stick, coriander seeds, fish sauce, and 12 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
4. Simmer the broth for at least 4 hours (up to 8 hours for more flavor), skimming off any foam that rises to the surface.
5. While the broth is simmering, cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
6. Using a sharp knife, slice the beef sirloin or flank steak thinly against the grain.
7. Once the broth is ready, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve into another pot, discarding the solids. Return the clear broth to the stove and bring to a simmer. Season with salt to taste.
8. In a serving bowl, add a portion of the cooked rice noodles. Top with raw sliced beef, which will cook in the hot broth.
9. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and beef.
10. Garnish with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sliced chilies. Serve with hoisin and sriracha sauces on the side for added flavor.

Recipe Tips

• Char the Aromatics: Charring the onion and ginger before adding them to the broth intensifies their flavors. This simple step can significantly elevate the taste of your pho.
• Simmer Slowly: Allow the broth to simmer for a long time (4-8 hours) for maximum flavor extraction. The longer the bones simmer, the richer and more flavorful the broth will become.
• Add Fresh Herbs Just Before Serving: To keep the herbs vibrant and fresh, add Thai basil, cilantro, and mint just before serving. This will enhance the aroma and freshness of the dish.

How To Store Beef Pho Soup

Refrigerate: Cool the Beef Pho Soup completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freeze: For extended storage, freeze the soup. First, ladle the broth into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. You can also freeze the cooked noodles separately. The soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Reheat Leftover Beef Pho Soup

On the Stovetop: Pour the leftover Beef Pho Soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat for about 5-10 minutes or until the soup is hot throughout. If the broth has thickened, you can add a little water or broth to achieve the desired consistency.

In the Microwave: Place a portion of the soup in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

In the Instant Pot: Add the leftover soup to the Instant Pot. Set it to the “soup” setting for 2-3 minutes. Use the quick release method to let out steam when it’s done.

What To Serve Beef Pho Soup

Beef Pho Soup pairs well with fresh spring rolls, fried egg rolls, Asian salad, and crunchy cucumber salad. It can also be served alongside crispy tempura, grilled chicken skewers, steamed dumplings, and spicy pickled vegetables for better savoring of the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make the broth more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor of the broth, you can roast the bones for 30 minutes at 400°F (200°C) before simmering them. Additionally, adding more spices like cardamom or additional star anise can deepen the flavor.

Can I make the broth in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the broth a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving. It also freezes well for up to 2 months.

What if I don’t have all the spices?

While the spices are essential for authentic flavor, you can use pre-made pho spice blends found in stores if you’re missing some. Adjust the amounts according to your taste.

Try more recipes:

• Applebee’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
• Tyler Florence French Onion Soup Recipe
• Beefy Onion Soup Recipe