Vietnamese Pho Express (Printable)

A fast, flavorful dish featuring aromatic broth, tender meat, rice noodles, and fresh herbs.

# What You Need:

→ Broth

01 - 8 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
02 - 1 small onion, peeled and halved
03 - 2-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
04 - 3 whole star anise pods
05 - 1 cinnamon stick
06 - 3 whole cloves
07 - 1 tablespoon fish sauce
08 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
09 - 1 teaspoon sugar
10 - Salt to taste

→ Noodles & Meat

11 - 10 ounces dried or fresh flat rice noodles (bánh phở)
12 - 10 ounces beef sirloin or eye round, thinly sliced (or chicken breast as alternative)

→ Garnishes

13 - 1 cup bean sprouts
14 - 1 small bunch fresh Thai basil
15 - 1 small bunch fresh cilantro
16 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced
17 - 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
18 - 1 lime, cut into wedges
19 - Hoisin sauce and Sriracha for serving

# Directions:

01 - Combine broth, onion, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, and cloves in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
02 - Add fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and salt to the broth. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Strain to remove solids and return the clear broth to the pot, keeping it hot over low heat.
03 - Prepare rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and divide evenly among four large serving bowls.
04 - Place thin slices of beef or chicken atop the noodles in each bowl.
05 - Ladle hot broth directly over the meat and noodles to cook the meat instantly.
06 - Top each bowl with bean sprouts, basil, cilantro, scallions, and chili slices. Serve with lime wedges, hoisin sauce, and Sriracha on the side.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It delivers the soul of pho without tying you to the stove for hours.
  • The broth stays clear and fragrant, with every spice pulling its weight.
  • You can tweak the toppings and heat level however you like, making it yours every time.
02 -
  • If you skip straining the broth, you'll end up fishing out whole spices with every spoonful—it's worth the extra step.
  • Slicing the beef while it's slightly frozen makes it much easier to get those paper-thin pieces that cook perfectly in the broth.
03 -
  • Use kitchen scissors to cut the noodles in the bowl if they're too long—it makes eating easier and less messy.
  • Taste the broth before serving and adjust the fish sauce or sugar; every brand is a little different, and your taste might be too.
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