Vietnamese Beef Pho is an iconic dish that has been popularized around the world due to its rich, fragrant and comforting flavour.

With a history that dates back to the early 20th century, this delectable soup has become a symbol of Vietnamese cuisine, and is enjoyed by millions of people worldwide.

The origins of Pho can be traced back to North Vietnam, where the dish was first created in Hanoi. It was initially served mainly to the working class, but eventually became a staple dish in Vietnamese cuisine.

Today, Pho can be found in Vietnamese restaurants all over the world and has gained a reputation as one of the most beloved and delicious dishes in the world.

The dish features thin slices of beef cooked in a carefully prepared broth that is infused with spices such as cinnamon, star anise, ginger and coriander.

It is then served with rice noodles, fresh herbs and bean sprouts, making it a healthy and nutritious option for any mealtime.

With its wholesome and satisfying taste, it is no wonder that Pho has become a beloved favourite around the globe.

Here is why you will love this recipe:

1. It is a traditional Vietnamese dish that is loved by many for its rich and flavorful broth made with beef bones, spices, and aromatics, creating a warm and comforting meal.
2. It includes thin slices of tender beef, rice noodles, and fresh herbs such as cilantro and scallions, making it a healthy and nourishing option that is also delicious and filling.
3. It is a versatile dish that can be customized to personal taste preferences by adjusting the ingredients and toppings, allowing for a unique and satisfying experience each time it is prepared.

Ingredients Explained

– Beef: usually a mix of beef bones, beef tendon, beef brisket, and/or beef chuck. This provides the meaty and savory flavor of the broth.
– Spices: star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom pods are the most common spices used to flavor the broth. These spices give the broth a warm and aromatic flavor.
– Onions and ginger: these are usually charred in the oven or over an open flame before being added to the broth. This gives the broth a deep, smoky flavor.
– Fish sauce: a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, fish sauce adds a salty and umami flavor to the broth.
– Rice noodles: the noodles used in pho are typically thin and flat, made from rice flour. They have a delicate and slightly chewy texture.
– Herbs and vegetables: bean sprouts, Thai basil, cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced jalapeño are commonly served with pho. These add freshness and brightness to the dish.

What to do with leftover Cooked Brisket

Due to the nature of this recipe, you will be left with around 500 grams of cooked brisket which you can use for another recipe, or keep stored for another day.

Method	Duration
Fridge	3 to 4 days (airtight container)
Freezer	2 to 3 months (airtight container)

How long does Pho Broth last?

Vietnamese Beef Pho typically lasts in the fridge for 3-4 days and in the freezer for up to 2 months. To store, let the soup cool down first and then transfer it into an airtight container. Place the container in the fridge/freezer immediately.

To freeze, make sure the soup has fully cooled down before transferring it into airtight freezer-safe bags or containers with lids. Leave some space at the top of the container/bag for the soup to expand. Label the container/bag with the name and date before placing it in the freezer.

To defrost, remove the frozen soup from the freezer and transfer it to the fridge overnight to thaw slowly. Alternatively, you can place the container/bag in a bowl of warm water to speed up the process.

To reheat, heat the soup in a pot over medium heat until it comes to a boil. Alternatively, you can microwave the soup in a microwave-safe container until it is warmed through. Be sure to stir the soup occasionally as you heat it to prevent it from sticking to the bottom and becoming too hot in one spot.

Recipe Variations

1. Chicken Pho – substitute the beef with chicken which could be simpler, but still flavorful. Chicken Pho will require a bit less cooking time than beef pho, so watch it closely while cooking.

2. Seafood Pho – If you love seafood, try making pho with shrimp or mixed seafood (shrimp, squid, and clams). It will give you an amazing flavor and texture.

3. Vegetarian Pho – Swap the beef with tofu, vegetable broth and mixed vegetables, and herbs to make a vegetarian version.

4. Spicy Pho – if you love spicy food, add a few chopped Thai chilies, Sriracha sauce, or any chili sauce to the broth while it boils or on top of the pho after you serve it.

5. Meatball Pho – Adding beef, chicken, or pork meatballs to pho is an excellent way to elevate the flavor level. Meatballs can be made up of any meat you prefer or whatever meat you have on hand.

6. Imperial Hue-style Pho – In this unique version, the beef broth is mixed with pig’s blood, lemongrass, garlic, chili oil, and shrimp paste. It is served with sliced beef, crab cakes, and pig’s knuckles.

7. Fusion Pho – You can try a fusion version by mixing pho with different cuisines. For instance, top your pho with Mexican guacamole, cheese or adding Vietnamese cilantro, basil, and mint to Thai tom yum soup.

8. Ramen Pho – Combine two popular Asian noodle soups to make Ramen Pho. Prepare Ramen Soup using packaged Ramen noodles and add vegetables, beef, seafood, or chicken to it.

9. Brisket Pho – Brisket Pho is made by braising a beef brisket in pho broth along with spices, herbs, and veggies for hours.

10. Instant Pot Pho- Put all your ingredients in an instant pot, and let it cook for an hour. You will have your Pho out in no time!

What To Serve With

1. Bean sprouts
2. Jalapeño peppers
3. Lime wedges
4. Thai basil
5. Cilantro
6. Hoisin sauce
7. Sriracha sauce
8. Thinly sliced onions
9. Thinly sliced scallions
10. Fish sauce
11. Beef brisket or flank steak
12. Freshly chopped chili peppers.