Savory Beef Pho Recipe: A Speedy Bowl of Comfort

Steaming hot bowls of aromatic beef pho dance with vibrant flavors that transport you straight to the bustling street markets of Vietnam.

This quick beef pho recipe captures the essence of traditional Vietnamese cuisine in under an hour.

Tender slices of beef mingle with silky rice noodles, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Fresh herbs and zesty lime add bright, crisp notes that awaken every sense.

The rich, deeply flavored broth simmers with warming spices that tell a story of culinary heritage.

Each spoonful promises comfort and excitement, blending generations of cooking wisdom into one remarkable dish.

Dive into this soul-warming experience and let your taste buds embark on an unforgettable journey.

What Goes Into Quick Beef Pho

• Beef Broth: Rich foundation that builds deep, warming flavor with authentic Vietnamese essence.
• Filtered Water: Ensures clean, pure taste without mineral interference.
• Whole Spices: Aromatic blend that infuses complex, traditional Vietnamese warmth into the liquid.

• Rice Noodles: Silky, delicate strands that absorb broth beautifully and provide classic pho texture.

• Thinly Sliced Beef: Tender, quickly cooked meat that adds protein and melts softly in hot broth.
• Bean Sprouts: Crisp, fresh element that introduces delightful crunch and light, garden-fresh taste.
• Red Onion: Sharp, zesty addition that brings bright, sharp flavor contrast.
• Jalapeño: Spicy kick that elevates overall heat and provides vibrant green color.
• Basil Leaves: Aromatic herb that introduces refreshing, slightly peppery undertone.

• Lime Juice: Bright, tangy accent that balances and lifts entire dish.
• Sugar: Subtle sweetness that harmonizes complex flavor profile.
• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that rounds out taste.
• Hoisin Sauce: Sweet, rich condiment for depth.
• Sriracha: Fiery hot sauce for personalized heat level.

Utensils & Setup for Quick Beef Pho

• Stock pot: Large, deep cooking pot perfect for simmering rich broths and building layers of flavor.
• Cheesecloth: Thin, breathable fabric for securely wrapping whole spices during cooking.
• String: Used to tie spices tightly in cheesecloth for easy removal.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for slicing beef into thin, delicate pieces.
• Sharp knife: Essential for creating precise, uniform beef slices.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure water and broth quantities.
• Serving bowls: Ideal for presenting pho and arranging noodles and toppings.
• Tongs: Great for gently submerging beef into hot broth.
• Ladle: Perfect for spooning hot broth over noodles and meat.

How to Make Quick Beef Pho from Scratch

• Broth Foundation

Create a rich, aromatic liquid base by combining beef broth with water in a large pot. Infuse whole spices wrapped in cheesecloth to develop deep, complex flavors. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the spices to dance and release their essence.

• Noodle Preparation

Cook delicate rice noodles until they reach a perfect tender-yet-firm texture. Carefully separate and arrange the silky strands in waiting bowls, ensuring they remain loose and inviting.

• Flavor Balancing

Enhance the broth with a harmonious blend of lime juice, sugar, and a touch of salt. Taste and adjust until the liquid sings with a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory notes.

• Beef Transformation

Gently slip thin slices of beef into the bubbling broth, watching them transform from raw to tender in mere moments. The hot liquid will cook the meat to delicate perfection.

• Final Flourish

Lovingly ladle the steaming broth and cooked beef over the waiting noodles. Crown the dish with a vibrant garden of bean sprouts, fresh onions, spicy jalapeños, and fragrant basil leaves. Serve with hoisin and sriracha on the side, inviting diners to customize their culinary adventure.

Tips to Elevate Your Quick Beef Pho

• Swap beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a versatile meal that caters to different dietary needs and keeps the recipe exciting.
• Prepare broth and slice beef in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator to save time during busy weeknights and streamline your cooking process.
• Layer additional fresh herbs like cilantro or mint to enhance the fragrance and add a bright, crisp dimension to the traditional Vietnamese soup.
• Replace beef broth with vegetable stock and use plant-based protein alternatives to create a delicious meatless version without compromising on authentic pho flavors.

Serving Suggestions for Quick Beef Pho

• Fresh Family Feast: Create a vibrant pho experience by serving this dish with warm, crusty French baguette slices for dipping into the rich broth.
• Customizable Toppings Bar: Set out small bowls with extra herbs like cilantro, mint, and Thai basil, allowing each person to personalize their pho with fresh ingredients they love.
• Refreshing Side Companions: Pair the beef pho with a light cucumber salad or quick pickled vegetables to add a cool, crisp contrast to the warm, savory soup.
• Weekend Social Gathering: Transform this recipe into a fun interactive meal where friends and family can assemble their own bowls, making dinner a shared culinary adventure.

Quick Beef Pho: Storage and Prep Ahead Tips

• Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store leftover beef pho broth and noodles separately to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy noodles. Use airtight containers with tight-sealing lids for best results.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm broth gently on stovetop, adding fresh noodles just before serving to retain their springy consistency. Never microwave assembled pho, as it can make noodles mushy and destroy delicate flavors.
• Ingredient Shelf Life: Raw beef should be used within 1-2 days of purchase when refrigerated. Keep fresh herbs like basil and bean sprouts in sealed bags, consuming within 3-4 days for maximum crispness and nutrition.
• Freezer Friendly Option: Broth can be frozen flat in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat slowly. Avoid freezing noodles or garnishes, as they will lose texture and quality during freezing process.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

Aromatic Beef Pho

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory Vietnamese quick beef pho delivers complex flavors from tender meat and aromatic broth. Slurped noodles and fresh herbs create an authentic culinary experience you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ lb (0.23 kg) rib eye or flat iron steak, thinly sliced across the grain
• 4 cups (32 fl oz or 946 ml) beef broth
• 4 oz (113 g) rice stick noodles
• 1 tbsp lime juice (from ½ lime)
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 2 whole star anise
• 4 whole cloves or 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick, broken in two pieces, or 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp coriander seeds or 1/8 tsp ground coriander
• bean sprouts
• thinly sliced onion
• sliced jalapeno
• Thai basil
• hoisin sauce
• sriracha sauce

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Broth Preparation: In a large stock pot, merge beef stock and water over medium-high heat. Wrap whole spices in a cheesecloth bundle, securing with kitchen twine for effortless extraction and maximum flavor infusion.
2. Flavor Development: Bring liquid to a robust boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing spices to permeate the broth with rich, aromatic complexity.
3. Noodle Technique: Cook rice noodles to al-dente perfection, then rapidly rinse with cold water to halt cooking and prevent adhesion, creating a light, silky foundation.
4. Seasoning Enhancement: Elevate broth’s profile by introducing fresh lime juice, subtle sweetness, and precise salt balance. Adjust seasonings to create a harmonious flavor symphony.
5. Protein Integration: Gently cascade gossamer-thin beef slices into simmering liquid, allowing them to transform and cook within 10-20 seconds, maintaining tender texture.
6. Assembly and Garnish: Pour steaming broth over prepared noodles, then artfully layer with crisp bean sprouts, vibrant green onions, spicy jalapeño slices, and aromatic basil leaves.
7. Final Presentation: Serve immediately alongside traditional condiments like hoisin sauce and sriracha, empowering diners to customize their culinary journey.

Notes

• Spice Infusion Technique: Wrap whole spices in cheesecloth to create a concentrated flavor profile without loose spice fragments in the final broth.
• Noodle Preparation Tip: Rinse rice noodles immediately after cooking to prevent sticking and maintain a perfect al-dente texture.
• Beef Cooking Precision: Slice beef paper-thin and add to hot broth for just 10-20 seconds to achieve tender, delicately cooked meat without overcooking.
• Customization Option: Serve with additional condiments like hoisin and sriracha to let diners personalize their pho experience according to individual taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Vietnamese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg