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Beef Pho Noodle Soup with Fresh Herbs

Elina James
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Course Soups
Cuisine Vietnamese
Servings 6 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Broth:
  • 3 lbs beef bones (marrow bones, knuckle bones, or oxtail)
  • 1 lb beef brisket or chuck
  • 1 large onion, halved
  • 4-inch piece fresh ginger, halved lengthwise
  • 3 star anise pods
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4 cloves
  • 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
  • 1 tablespoon fennel seeds (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce (plus more to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon salt (adjust as needed)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or rock sugar
  • 5 quarts water
  • For the Soup:
  • 1 lb flat rice noodles (banh pho)
  • ½ lb beef sirloin or eye of round, thinly sliced
  • Cooked brisket (from broth), thinly sliced
  • Garnishes (served at the table):
  • Fresh Thai basil leaves
  • Bean sprouts
  • Lime wedges
  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • Thinly sliced green onions
  • Fresh red chilies or jalapeños
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Sriracha or chili paste

Instructions
 

  • Prepare Bones and Meat: Blanch beef bones and brisket in boiling water for 5 minutes. Drain, rinse well, and set aside.
  • Char Onion and Ginger: Place onion and ginger directly over an open flame or under a broiler until charred and fragrant.
  • Toast Spices: In a dry pan, toast star anise, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, and fennel seeds until aromatic.
  • Simmer Broth: In a large pot, add bones, brisket, charred onion, ginger, toasted spices, fish sauce, salt, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 2 ½–3 hours, skimming foam as needed.
  • Strain Broth: Remove bones, brisket, onion, ginger, and spices. Strain broth through a fine sieve. Slice cooked brisket for serving.
  • Cook Noodles: Cook rice noodles according to package instructions, rinse, and divide into bowls.
  • Assemble: Top noodles with sliced raw sirloin, cooked brisket, and ladle hot broth over. The hot broth will cook the thin raw beef instantly.
  • Serve with Garnishes: Place fresh herbs, sprouts, lime, and sauces on the table for each person to customize their bowl.