If you love deeply comforting meals that warm your soul and brighten your day, you’re going to adore this Easy Beef Pho Recipe. This classic Vietnamese noodle soup is a vibrant harmony of rich, aromatic broth, silky rice noodles, and tender slices of beef that cook perfectly right in your bowl. Every spoonful delivers fragrant spices and fresh herbs that elevate simple ingredients into an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you’re new to pho or craving a quick yet authentic home-cooked version, this recipe will become your go-to for satisfying and soul-soothing meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Beef Pho Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients—each plays a crucial role in building a broth that’s both robust and fragrant, while the fresh toppings bring bright bursts of flavor and texture.
- Beef broth (8 cups, low-sodium): The rich and savory base that carries all the flavors and makes the soup so comforting.
- Cinnamon stick (1): Adds a warm, sweet spice note that defines the classic pho aroma.
- Whole cloves (3): Tiny but impactful—they provide depth and hint of floral intensity.
- Star anise (2): Infuses the broth with a subtle licorice-like sweetness crucial to pho.
- Fresh ginger (1-inch piece, sliced): Gives a sharp, refreshing kick that brightens the broth.
- Fish sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds essential umami and saltiness with authentic Vietnamese flair.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Balances the broth with a touch of savory richness.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Brings a gentle sweetness that rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.
- Rice noodles (8 ounces, pho-style or flat): Silky, delicate noodles that soak up the broth’s goodness.
- Thinly sliced beef (½ pound, sirloin or flank steak): Tender, quick-cooking protein that cooks just right when the hot broth is poured over it.
- Onion (1 small, thinly sliced): Adds a crisp, mild bite that complements the warm broth.
- Green onions (2, sliced): Impart freshness and subtle crunch.
- Bean sprouts (1 cup): Provide a lively crunch and brightness in every spoonful.
- Fresh basil, cilantro: Essential herbs that bring aromatic freshness and color.
- Lime wedges: A tangy burst that anyone can customize to taste.
- Sliced jalapeños: For those who crave a bit of heat to elevate the flavor even more.
How to Make Easy Beef Pho Recipe
Step 1: Build the Flavorful Broth
Start by combining your beef broth, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, sliced ginger, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar in a large pot. Bring everything to a boil to release those beautiful spices, then reduce the heat and let it gently simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. This slow simmer lets the flavors meld and develop a deeply spiced, savory backbone that breathes life into your pho.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice Noodles
While the broth is simmering, cook your rice noodles according to the package instructions. This usually involves soaking or boiling for just a few minutes until tender but still with a nice bite. Drain the noodles well and set them aside, ready to catch that hot, flavorful broth later.
Step 3: Slice the Beef Thinly
For those perfect, tender slices of beef, cut your sirloin or flank steak very thinly against the grain. If slicing thin isn’t easy, pop the beef in the freezer for 15 minutes first—it firms up the meat slightly, making it easier to shave into delicate slices that will cook quickly in the broth.
Step 4: Strain the Broth and Keep Warm
Once your broth has simmered long enough, strain it carefully to remove the whole spices and ginger slices. Return the broth to the pot over low heat so it stays steaming hot. This step ensures a silky, clear broth that highlights those aromatic flavors without any grit or chunks.
Step 5: Assemble Your Pho Bowls
Divide your cooked noodles among your serving bowls. Lay the raw beef slices on top and pour the hot, flavorful broth directly over the beef. The residual heat cooks the beef to tender perfection right in the bowl! Now, your soup is ready for some serious garnishing magic.
How to Serve Easy Beef Pho Recipe
Garnishes
Personalize your pho experience with fresh and vibrant garnishes. Scatter thinly sliced onions and green onions, add a handful of crisp bean sprouts, and tuck in fragrant sprigs of fresh basil and cilantro. Don’t forget lime wedges to squeeze over for a tangy brightness, and sliced jalapeños if you want a spicy kick. These toppings add incredible texture and balance, making each bite fresh and exciting.
Side Dishes
Pho shines best when served alongside some crunchy and refreshing sides. Try crunchy Vietnamese spring rolls or a simple cucumber salad dressed with lime and chili for contrast and coolness. These pair perfectly, adding variety without overpowering the delicate soup flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to elevate your pho gathering? Serve it family-style with large bowls of broth, plates of noodles, raw beef, and a platter of garnishes, letting everyone customize their bowl. For a casual twist, offer pho in mason jars layered with noodles and beef, then pour hot broth on top just before eating. It’s fun, interactive, and makes for a beautiful presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover pho (though you might not!), store the broth and noodles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the noodles from getting mushy and the broth fresh. Use within 2-3 days for the best taste.
Freezing
The broth can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure it cools completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Avoid freezing the noodles or beef slices as their texture doesn’t hold up well to freezing and thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the broth gently on the stove until steaming hot. Cook fresh noodles or briefly soak them in hot water, and then assemble your bowl with pre-sliced fresh beef for the best texture and taste. Pour the hot broth over to cook the beef just like the original method.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this pho?
Absolutely! Sirloin and flank steak are traditional for their tenderness and quick cooking time, but you could also try ribeye for extra richness. Just be sure to slice the beef thinly so it cooks quickly in the hot broth.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Easy Beef Pho Recipe?
Yes! Simply substitute the beef broth with a flavorful vegetable broth and leave out the beef. Use tofu or mushrooms as protein alternatives and keep all the aromatic spices and garnishes for an equally delicious pho experience.
How long can I simmer the broth for better flavor?
While 20-30 minutes is perfect for a quick version, simmering the broth for up to an hour can deepen the flavors even more. Just make sure to keep the heat low to avoid evaporating too much liquid.
Can I prepare the broth ahead of time?
Definitely. You can make the broth a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. This actually allows the flavors to develop even richer. Reheat gently before assembling your pho bowls.
What noodles work best in this pho recipe?
Flat rice noodles labeled “pho noodles” are ideal because they’re silky and light, soaking up the flavorful broth without overwhelming the dish. Avoid thick noodles like udon or egg noodles, which change the texture and traditional experience.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Beef Pho Recipe is more than just a soup—it’s like a warm hug from the inside, packed with layers of flavor, texture, and freshness that make every spoonful memorable. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends and family, it’s an absolute joy to prepare and savor. So go ahead, gather these simple ingredients, follow these easy steps, and bring a little Vietnamese magic to your table tonight!
Print
Easy Beef Pho Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
Easy Beef Pho is a flavorful Vietnamese-inspired noodle soup featuring a fragrant simmered beef broth infused with cinnamon, star anise, and cloves, paired with tender raw beef slices cooked by the hot broth, fresh herbs, and traditional garnishes for a comforting yet vibrant meal.
Ingredients
Broth Ingredients
- 8 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 whole cloves
- 2 star anise
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces rice noodles (pho-style or flat rice noodles)
- ½ pound thinly sliced beef (sirloin or flank steak)
Garnishes
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- Fresh basil leaves
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Simmer the Broth: In a large pot, combine the beef broth, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, sliced ginger, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to fully infuse the broth.
- Cook the Rice Noodles: While the broth simmers, prepare the rice noodles following the package instructions until tender. Drain the noodles thoroughly and set them aside.
- Prepare the Beef: Thinly slice the raw beef against the grain to ensure tenderness. If thin slicing is difficult, place the beef in the freezer for about 15 minutes beforehand to firm it up, making slicing easier.
- Strain and Warm the Broth: Remove the simmered broth from heat and strain it through a fine sieve or strainer to remove the cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, and ginger slices. Return the clear broth to the pot and keep it warm on low heat.
- Assemble the Pho: Distribute the cooked rice noodles evenly into serving bowls. Layer the raw beef slices on top of the noodles. Carefully ladle the hot broth over the beef and noodles—the heat of the broth will gently cook the thin beef slices.
- Add Garnishes: Finish by garnishing each bowl with thinly sliced onions, green onions, bean sprouts, fresh basil, cilantro, lime wedges, and jalapeño slices according to your taste preferences.
Notes
- For a deeper, richer broth flavor, simmer the broth longer or consider adding a splash of hoisin sauce for sweetness and depth.
- If you prefer fully cooked beef, sear the beef slices briefly before adding them to the soup instead of using raw slices.
- Use low-sodium beef broth to better control the saltiness of the soup.
- Adjust the level of heat by moderating the amount of jalapeño slices or substituting with milder peppers.
