Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Vietnamese Pho (Traditional or Vegan) Recipe

Vietnamese Pho (Traditional or Vegan) Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 13 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (or 1 hour 20 minutes vegan)
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

Learn how to make Vietnamese Pho soup, either in the traditional beef version or a delicious vegan alternative. This fragrant and flavorful noodle soup is a comforting dish perfect for any time of the year.


Ingredients

Scale

For Traditional Broth:

  • 1 pound beef bones (marrow or knuckle)
  • 1/2 pound beef brisket or chuck
  • 1 onion (halved and charred)
  • 1 3-inch piece ginger (sliced and charred)
  • 2 star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 8 cups water

For Vegan Broth:

  • 1 onion (halved and charred)
  • 1 3-inch piece ginger (sliced and charred)
  • 2 carrots (chopped)
  • 1 parsnip (optional)
  • 4 shiitake mushrooms (dried or fresh)
  • 2 star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 8 cups water

For the Bowl:

  • 8 oz flat rice noodles
  • 1/2 pound thinly sliced beef (eye of round or sirloin) or tofu (pan-seared or baked)
  • 1 cup bean sprouts
  • 1/4 cup fresh Thai basil
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
  • 1 lime (cut into wedges)
  • 1 jalapeño or Thai chili (sliced)
  • hoisin sauce and sriracha for serving

Instructions

  1. For traditional broth: Parboil beef bones and brisket for 5 minutes, then drain and rinse. Add to a clean pot with charred onion, ginger, spices, salt, and water. Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, skimming foam occasionally. Remove brisket after 1.5 hours to slice for serving. Strain the broth and season with fish sauce.
  2. For vegan broth: Combine all vegan broth ingredients in a large pot. Simmer for 45–60 minutes, then strain and season with soy sauce and rice vinegar to taste.
  3. Cook the rice noodles according to package directions. To assemble, divide noodles among bowls. Top with beef or tofu, ladle in hot broth to cook the beef if raw. Add bean sprouts, herbs, lime wedges, and sliced chili. Serve with hoisin and sriracha on the side.

Notes

  • Char the onion and ginger over an open flame or in a dry skillet to deepen the flavor.
  • For quicker prep, use store-bought pho spice bags or paste.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours (or 1 hour for vegan)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Vietnamese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 350 (vegan) to 480 (beef)
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 25g (beef) / 12g (vegan)
  • Cholesterol: 45mg (beef) / 0mg (vegan)