Vietnamese Phở (Bò - Beef or Gà - Chicken)

  • Total time - 2-8 hours
  • Preparation - 30 minutes
  • Cooking time - 1.5-7 hours
  • Servings: 4
  • Country: Vietnam
A rich bowl of Vietnamese Phở soup with noodles, herbs, and slices of beef, served with various fresh garnishes.

Phở is more than just a dish; it's a cultural symbol of Vietnam. A homemade Phở broth is time-intensive, but the flavor and aroma are well worth the effort. Patience is key—the longer you simmer, the richer the broth. The following recipe is a base that you can customize to your liking.

Ingredients

For the Broth (Phở Bò or Gà)

  • 1 kg beef bones with meat or a whole chicken/chicken bones
  • 1 yellow onion, halved
  • 1 large piece fresh ginger, peeled and halved
  • 5 star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4 cloves
  • 1 black cardamom pod (optional)
  • salt
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar

For serving (for 4 servings)

  • 400 g thin flat rice noodles (fresh or dried)
  • 300 g beef sirloin or brisket, very thinly sliced (for Phở Bò)
  • 300 g cooked, shredded chicken (for Phở Gà)
  • fresh herbs (mint, Thai basil, cilantro)
  • sliced red chilies
  • lime wedges
  • sliced scallions
  • bean sprouts
  • chili sauce (Sriracha) and hoisin sauce (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the aromatics

Char the halved onion and ginger directly over an open flame or in a dry pan until the skin is blackened. This is crucial for the smoky flavor.

Step 2: Toast the spices

In a dry pan, lightly toast the star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom until fragrant. Place them in a spice bag or cheesecloth.

Step 3: Prepare the bones

Add the bones to a large pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes to remove impurities. Discard the water, rinse the bones, and return them to a clean pot.

Step 4: Simmer the broth

Add the charred onion and ginger, the spice bag, and 4 liters of water to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. For Phở Bò, simmer for at least 3-4 hours, ideally 6-8 hours. For Phở Gà, simmer for 1-1.5 hours. Skim off any foam from the surface while it simmers.

Step 5: Season the broth

Once the broth is ready, remove all solids. Season the broth with salt, a little sugar, and fish sauce to taste.

Step 6: Prepare serving components

Cook the rice noodles according to package directions. Divide them into serving bowls. Arrange the very thinly sliced raw beef (for Phở Bò) or shredded cooked chicken (for Phở Gà) over the noodles. Prepare a platter of fresh herbs and garnishes.

Step 7: Assemble and serve

Ladle the boiling hot broth directly over the meat (this will cook the beef instantly). Serve immediately with the platter of garnishes on the side for each person to customize their bowl.