Print

Quick & Easy Authentic Vietnamese Pho Broth: An Incredible 7-Step Recipe

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef bones (oxtail or marrow bones)
  • 1 onion, halved
  • 1 ginger root (about 3 inches), halved
  • 5 star anise
  • 4 cloves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (or rock sugar)
  • 12 cups water
  • Fresh herbs (e.g., cilantro, basil) for serving
  • Green onions, finely chopped, for garnish
  • Rice noodles (pho noodles), cooked according to package instructions

Instructions

Making Quick & Easy Authentic Vietnamese Pho Broth is a breeze when you follow these straightforward steps:

  1. Char the Onion and Ginger: Begin by placing the halved onion and ginger on a baking sheet. Broil in the oven until charred on the outside (about 5-7 minutes). This step enhances the broth’s flavor.
  1. Prepare the Spices: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the star anise, cloves, cinnamon stick, and coriander seeds for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
  1. Boil the Bones: In a large pot, bring 12 cups of water to a vigorous boil. Add the beef bones and boil for about 10 minutes. This process helps remove impurities from the bones.
  1. Rinse the Bones: After boiling, discard the water and rinse the bones under cold water until they’re clean.
  1. Combine Ingredients: Return the cleaned bones to the pot along with the charred onion and ginger, toasted spices, salt, and sugar. Add 12 cups of fresh water.
  1. Simmer the Broth: Bring the mixture to a rapid boil again. After boiling, reduce to low heat and let it simmer for about 1.5 hours, skimming any foam that rises to the surface.
  1. Strain the Broth: Once simmered, strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into another pot. Discard the solids. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.

Nutrition