Phở Bò is a classic Vietnamese noodle soup known for its aromatic and flavorful broth. It typically features beef, rice noodles, and fresh herbs. Here’s a recipe to make it at home:
Ingredients:
For the Broth:
- 2-3 lbs beef bones (preferably with some meat on them)
- 1 onion, halved
- 1 piece of ginger (about 3 inches), sliced
- 4-5 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise
- 1 cardamom pod (optional)
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1-2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- 4-6 cups water (or as needed)
For the Soup:
- 1 lb beef sirloin or brisket, thinly sliced
- 200g rice noodles (bánh phở)
- Fresh herbs: cilantro, Thai basil, mint (for garnish)
- Bean sprouts
- Lime wedges
- Sliced jalapeños or Thai bird chilies
- Hoisin sauce (optional)
- Sriracha or other chili sauce (optional)
- Thinly sliced onions (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Broth:
- Blanch the Bones: Place the beef bones in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then discard the water and rinse the bones. This step helps to remove impurities.
- Roast Aromatics: In the same pot, add the cleaned bones, onion, and ginger. Roast over medium heat until fragrant and slightly charred, about 5-10 minutes.
- Add Spices and Water: Add cloves, cinnamon stick, star anise, cardamom pod, and coriander seeds. Pour in enough water to cover the bones (about 4-6 cups). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 2-3 hours. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
- Season the Broth: After simmering, strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve to remove solids. Return the broth to the pot, and season with fish sauce, sugar, and salt to taste.
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Prepare the Soup:
- Cook the Noodles: Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Beef: For a more traditional texture, partially freeze the beef sirloin or brisket to make slicing easier. Thinly slice against the grain.
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Assemble the Soup:
- Serve: In serving bowls, place a portion of the cooked rice noodles. Top with raw beef slices (the hot broth will cook the beef slices). Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and beef.
- Garnish: Add fresh herbs, bean sprouts, thinly sliced onions, and lime wedges to the bowls. Serve with additional condiments like hoisin sauce and sriracha on the side.
Phở Bò is a versatile and customizable soup. Adjust the seasonings and garnishes according to your taste. Enjoy your homemade Vietnamese soup!
