If you’ve ever craved the soulful, aromatic goodness of Vietnamese pho but shied away from the time required to make it, you’re in for a treat. This Easy Version Beef Pho Recipe brings all that treasured comfort into your kitchen without the long simmering times. Picture a rich broth infused with warm spices, tender slices of beef that cook right in your bowl, and fresh herbs and garnishes to brighten every bite. It’s a simplified masterpiece that makes enjoying traditional pho at home both approachable and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients is the secret to this recipe’s ease and success. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that signature pho charm.
- 6 cups beef broth (low-sodium): The hearty base that gives pho its comforting depth without excess saltiness.
- 1 cup water: To balance and soften the broth, making it just right.
- 1 small onion (halved): Adds subtle sweetness and richness when simmered.
- 1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger (sliced): Offers fragrant warmth and a mild spice boost to the broth.
- 2 star anise: These beautiful pods imbue pho with its unforgettable licorice-like aroma.
- 3 whole cloves: Add a smoky, slightly sweet note essential to authentic pho flavor.
- 1 cinnamon stick: Brings a gentle warmth and woody sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce: Provides that savory umami punch only this Vietnamese classic ingredient can deliver.
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce: Contributes subtle complexity and balances the broth’s flavors.
- 8 oz rice noodles (pho noodles or flat rice noodles): Tender yet resilient, these noodles soak up broth beautifully.
- 8 oz thinly sliced beef sirloin or eye of round: Thin slices cook quickly in hot broth for tender, juicy bites.
- Fresh basil: Adds brightness and a fragrant herbal note.
- Bean sprouts: Provide vibrant crunch and freshness.
- Lime wedges: Offer a zesty splash of acidity to cut through richness.
- Sliced jalapeños: For those who enjoy an extra kick of heat.
- Hoisin sauce and sriracha (for serving): Classic condiments that let everyone tailor their bowl to their own flavor preference.
How to Make Easy Version Beef Pho Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
Start by combining beef broth, water, onion halves, sliced ginger, star anise, cloves, and cinnamon stick in a large pot. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes to let those bold flavors fully infuse. Once the broth is fragrant and flavorful, carefully skim out the onion, ginger, and spices using a slotted spoon. Finally, stir in the fish sauce and soy sauce which will round out the broth with essential savory notes.
Step 2: Cook the Rice Noodles
While the broth is simmering, prepare your rice noodles. Follow the package instructions to cook them just right — usually soaking in hot water or boiling briefly. After cooking, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop further cooking and keep them from sticking together. Set these aside until ready to assemble your pho bowls.
Step 3: Prepare the Beef
Take your thinly sliced beef sirloin or eye of round, and arrange it ready for serving. A handy tip is to freeze the beef briefly before slicing to ensure nice, paper-thin pieces that will gently cook in your hot broth.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Divide the drained rice noodles into serving bowls. Top with the raw beef slices — don’t worry, the steaming broth will cook them perfectly once poured over. Ladle the piping hot broth on top, allowing the meat to cook and the noodles to soak in all that delicious richness. Now it’s time for everyone to personalize their pho experience with fresh basil, crunchy bean sprouts, tangy lime, spicy jalapeños, hoisin, and sriracha.
How to Serve Easy Version Beef Pho Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes are what truly elevate this Easy Version Beef Pho Recipe from good to exceptional. Fresh basil brings an enticing herbal aroma; bean sprouts lend crispness that contrasts beautifully with the tender noodles and meat; lime wedges add that essential zing; jalapeños ramp up the heat; and the hoisin and sriracha provide sweet, tangy, or fiery notes that can be mixed and matched per personal taste. These finishing touches make every bowl vibrant and inviting.
Side Dishes
To complement this warming soup, consider light and fresh side dishes like a simple Vietnamese-style cucumber salad or pickled carrots and daikon. These add a crisp acid contrast to the warming, savory pho. A small plate of crispy spring rolls or fresh rice paper rolls can also make a delicious pairing to round out your meal with some satisfying texture variety.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the components family-style: place cooked noodles, thinly sliced beef, simmered broth, and all garnishes in separate bowls so everyone can build their perfect pho bowl. Or for a fun twist, add a poached egg on top for extra creamy richness. Bright bowls, fresh herbs scattered around, and colorful garnishes make serving this Easy Version Beef Pho Recipe a feast for both eyes and appetite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover broth can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the garnishes fresh separately to maintain their crispness. Store cooked noodles and raw beef separately to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
The broth freezes beautifully if you want to save time for next time. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the noodles or raw beef; fresh preparation of these components is best for texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat the broth gently on the stovetop until steaming hot, but not boiling aggressively as this can evaporate too much liquid. Add fresh noodles and beef at serving time so the beef cooks briefly in the hot broth, keeping it tender and juicy rather than overcooked.
FAQs
Can I use another cut of beef?
Absolutely! While sirloin or eye of round are traditional for their tenderness and quick cooking, you can also use flank steak or ribeye. Just be sure to slice it very thinly for the best texture.
Is it necessary to use star anise and cloves?
These spices are key to achieving pho’s signature flavor profile, but if you’re short on time, you can reduce the quantity or substitute with a premixed “pho spice blend” available at many markets.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
You can adapt it by using vegetable broth and omitting the beef. Consider adding tofu or mushrooms for protein and maintain the herbs and spices for that classic pho essence.
How thin should the beef slices be?
Super thin, about 1/8 inch thick or less. Freezing the beef for 20 minutes before slicing helps achieve these fine slices that cook quickly in the broth.
How spicy is this pho?
The broth itself is mild and aromatic, but spice level is up to you. Sliced jalapeños and sriracha let you dial up the heat to your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Version Beef Pho Recipe is truly a delicious shortcut to a beloved classic. It strikes the perfect balance between authenticity and convenience, inviting you to enjoy a bowlful of comfort anytime. Next time you want something warm, flavorful, and just a little special, dive into this recipe and savor the rich, fragrant world of pho without the fuss.
Print
Easy Version Beef Pho Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Easy Version Beef Pho delivers the rich, aromatic flavor of traditional Vietnamese pho in a simplified, time-saving version. Featuring a quick broth infused with spices, tender thinly sliced beef, and fresh toppings, this recipe offers a satisfying homemade meal that captures the essence of classic pho without hours of simmering.
Ingredients
Broth Ingredients
- 6 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
- 1 cup water
- 1 small onion, halved
- 1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, sliced
- 2 star anise
- 3 whole cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
Noodle and Beef
- 8 oz rice noodles (pho noodles or flat rice noodles)
- 8 oz thinly sliced beef sirloin or eye of round
Toppings and Condiments
- Fresh basil
- Bean sprouts
- Lime wedges
- Sliced jalapeños
- Hoisin sauce
- Sriracha
Instructions
- Prepare the broth: In a large pot, combine the beef broth, water, halved onion, sliced ginger, star anise, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Strain the broth: Remove the onion, ginger slices, and spices using a slotted spoon to clear the broth. Stir in the fish sauce and soy sauce to season the broth fully.
- Cook the noodles: Meanwhile, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions until just tender. Drain them well and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
- Prepare the beef and assemble bowls: Divide the cooked noodles evenly among soup bowls. Top each serving with thinly sliced raw beef; the hot broth will cook the beef when ladled over.
- Serve and customize: Ladle the steaming hot broth over the noodles and beef. Serve with fresh basil, bean sprouts, lime wedges, sliced jalapeños, hoisin sauce, and sriracha on the side to allow customization of each bowl to taste.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, toast the star anise, cloves, and cinnamon stick in a dry pan for 1–2 minutes before adding them to the broth.
- Freeze the beef for about 20 minutes before slicing to make cutting thin slices easier and more precise.
