Pho is a popular Vietnamese noodle soup known for its flavorful broth and tender slices of beef. A step-by-step guide on how to make a classic bowl of Vietnamese Pho:
Ingredients:
For the Broth:
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise pods
- 3-4 cloves
- 1 cardamom pod
- 1-2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
For the Soup:
- 8 oz dried rice noodles
- 1/2 pound thinly sliced beef (eye of round, sirloin, or similar)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- Bean sprouts
- Lime wedges
- Fresh basil leaves
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Jalapeño slices (optional)
Instructions:
1. Toast the Spices:
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and cardamom pod for a few minutes until fragrant.
- Place the toasted spices in a cheesecloth or spice bag.
2. Infuse the Broth:
- In a large pot, add the beef broth, onion, garlic, ginger, and the bag of toasted spices.
- Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes.
- Remove the spice bag and onion from the broth.
3. Season the Broth:
- Stir in the sugar and fish sauce. Adjust the sweetness and saltiness to your taste.
- Keep the broth warm while you prepare the other ingredients.
4. Prepare the Rice Noodles:
- Cook the dried rice noodles according to the package instructions.
- Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
5. Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide the cooked rice noodles among serving bowls.
- Add slices of raw beef on top of the noodles.
- Bring the broth to a simmer and ladle it into each bowl over the beef and noodles.
- The hot broth will cook the beef slices in the bowl.
6. Garnish:
- Top each bowl with slices of onion, fresh basil leaves, cilantro leaves, and optional jalapeño slices for a touch of heat.
- Serve with bean sprouts and lime wedges on the side.
7. Enjoy:
- Serve the Pho hot, allowing diners to add bean sprouts and a squeeze of lime to their liking.
Pho is a delightful and comforting soup, and it's often enjoyed with various condiments like hoisin sauce, Sriracha, and more. It's a fantastic blend of flavors and textures that make it a beloved Vietnamese dish.