Irresistible Beef Pho: A Classic Vietnamese Comfort Soup
Description:
Beef Pho is a quintessential Vietnamese dish, celebrated for its rich, aromatic broth and tender beef slices that create an inviting and comforting meal, particularly appealing to beef enthusiasts. This soup is not just food; it’s an experience, with each bowl offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures that can transport you straight to the streets of Vietnam. While the stock can be prepared a day in advance for convenience, the true essence of Pho lies in the meticulous preparation of the stock, which is a labor of love that cannot be substituted.
Cook Time: 4 hours
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Recipe Category: Stew
Recipe Servings: 6
Aggregated Rating: 5 stars (5 reviews)
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient Quantity | Ingredient Part |
|---|---|
| 2 | beef shank |
| 1 | beef brisket |
| 1 | onion |
| 2 | fresh ginger |
| 1 | star anise |
| 1 | cinnamon stick |
| 3 | fish sauce |
| 5 | stewing beef |
| 1 | filet of beef |
| 1 | bean sprouts |
| 2 | shallots |
| 1 | red chile |
| 1 | lime wedge |
| ½ | hot chili sauce |
| ½ | fresh mint leaves |
| ½ | fresh coriander leaves |
| 1 | fresh basil leaf |
Nutritional Information Table
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 931.4 |
| Total Fat | 49.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 20.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 201.8 mg |
| Sodium | 698.3 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 43.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 3.1 g |
| Protein | 72.8 g |
Instructions Table
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | Begin by tying up the stewing beef securely with kitchen twine to ensure it holds its shape during cooking. |
| 2 | In a large pan, combine all the meats designated for the stock, including the beef shank and brisket, along with the fat, sliced onion, star anise, cinnamon stick, and fresh ginger. |
| 3 | Preheat your oven to a high temperature and roast the mixture for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally until everything is beautifully browned, releasing a tantalizing aroma that will fill your kitchen. |
| 4 | Once roasted, transfer the contents to a large pot, allowing the rich flavors to meld together as they cook further. |
| 5 | Cover the meats with cold water, then bring the pot to a rolling boil, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface to ensure a clear broth. |
| 6 | Add the coriander seeds and white pepper to the pot, enhancing the complexity of the stock. |
| 7 | Let the broth simmer gently for at least three hours, allowing the flavors to deepen and develop, filling your home with a wonderful fragrance. |
| 8 | Once the simmering time is complete, remove the stewing beef from the pot and set it aside to cool before slicing it thinly. This allows the meat to retain its juiciness while being easier to handle. |
| 9 | Strain the stock through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any solids, leaving you with a clean, aromatic broth. |
| 10 | If you prepared the stock in advance, refrigerate it overnight, then skim off any solidified fat the next day for a lighter soup. |
| 11 | Prepare the garnish by slicing the raw filet of beef into thin pieces, resembling Carpaccio for an elegant touch. |
| 12 | Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions, ensuring they are al dente, then drain and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from clumping together. |
| 13 | On a large platter, arrange the garnish ingredients beautifully, keeping the noodles separate for serving. |
| 14 | Before serving, bring the stock back to a boil and add fish sauce to taste, enhancing the broth with its umami flavor. |
| 15 | When ready to serve, place the cooked noodles and sliced stewing beef either in a large serving bowl or divide them into individual soup bowls. |
| 16 | Ladle the hot stock over the noodles and beef, heating everything to a steaming temperature, which will partially cook the raw beef garnish, providing a delightful contrast of textures. |
| 17 | Serve immediately, allowing guests to customize their bowls with the arranged garnishes, including fresh herbs and a splash of hot chili sauce for added heat, inviting them to create their perfect bowl of Pho. |
This Beef Pho recipe is sure to impress your family and friends, inviting them to savor a warm bowl filled with vibrant flavors and fragrant herbs, making it a perfect dish for any occasion or simply to indulge in a comforting meal at home. Enjoy every slurp and relish the wonderful experience of making this delightful Vietnamese classic!
