Authentic Vietnamese Beef Phở

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900g) beef bones 2 lbs (900g) beef bones
• 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin, thinly sliced 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 8 cups (1.9 liters) water 8 cups (1.9 liters) water
• 1 large onion, charred 1 large onion, charred
• 2-inch (5cm) piece of ginger, charred 2-inch (5cm) piece of ginger, charred
• 3 star anise 3 star anise
• 2 cinnamon sticks 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3 cloves 3 cloves
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar
• 8 oz (225g) rice noodles 8 oz (225g) rice noodles
• Fresh herbs (Thai basil, cilantro) Fresh herbs (Thai basil, cilantro)
• Bean sprouts Bean sprouts
• Lime wedges Lime wedges
• Chili peppers (optional) Chili peppers (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, add the beef bones and cover with water. Bring to a boil and let it cook for 5 minutes. Drain and rinse the bones to remove any impurities.
2. 2.
   Char the onion and ginger over an open flame or under the broiler until slightly blackened. Add them to the pot along with the beef bones, star anise, cinnamon sticks, cloves, fish sauce, and sugar.
3. 3.
   Pour in 8 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 1 hour, skimming off any impurities that rise to the surface.
4. 4.
   While the broth simmers, soak the rice noodles in hot water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. 5.
   Once the broth is ready, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the solids. Return the broth to the pot and keep it warm.
6. 6.
   Prepare the garnishes by washing and chopping the fresh herbs. Slice the lime into wedges and set aside.
7. 7.
   To serve, divide the cooked rice noodles among bowls. Top with the thinly sliced beef. Ladle the hot broth over the beef and noodles.
8. 8.
   Serve the Beef Phở with a plate of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chili peppers on the side. Let each person garnish their bowl according to their taste.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef bones — Choose bones with some meat attached to enhance the flavor of the broth.
• Rice noodles — Follow the package instructions for soaking time to achieve the desired texture. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer broth, you can simmer the beef bones for a longer time, up to 3 hours.
• If you prefer a spicier Phở, add sliced chili peppers to your bowl.
• Customize your toppings by adding thinly sliced onions or cooked beef meatballs.
• To save time, you can prepare the broth in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat it before serving and cook the noodles fresh.

Serving advice

Serve the Beef Phở piping hot in individual bowls. Encourage your guests to garnish their bowls with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chili peppers according to their taste preferences. Squeeze lime juice into the soup just before eating to add a tangy kick.

Presentation advice

Present the Beef Phở in beautiful ceramic bowls, showcasing the vibrant colors of the garnishes. Arrange the fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime wedges neatly on a platter for guests to help themselves. Serve with chopsticks and soup spoons for an authentic dining experience.