Description
Vietnamese culinary magic simmers in this authentic quick beef pho, delivering rich, aromatic broth infused with star anise and cinnamon. Delicate rice noodles and tender beef slices invite you to savor a comforting bowl of traditional flavors that transport senses to Hanoi’s bustling streets.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- ½ pound rib eye or flat iron steak, thinly sliced across the grain
- 4 cups beef broth
Noodles and Base:
- 4 ounces (113 grams) rice stick noodles
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (from ½ lime)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Spices and Aromatics:
- 2 whole star anise
- 4 whole cloves or 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick, broken in two pieces, or 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon coriander seeds or 1/8 teaspoon ground coriander
Garnishes (Serving):
- Bean sprouts
- Thinly sliced onion
- Sliced jalapeno
- Thai basil
- Hoisin sauce
- Sriracha sauce
Instructions
- Craft a fragrant broth by combining beef stock with filtered water in a spacious stock pot over medium-high heat. Encase whole spices in a cheesecloth bundle, securing with kitchen twine for easy removal.
- Allow the spice-infused liquid to reach a rolling boil, then reduce temperature and let the broth gently simmer for quarter of an hour, developing deep, complex flavors.
- Prepare rice noodles according to package guidance, ensuring they reach a perfect al-dente texture. Quickly rinse with cool water to halt cooking and prevent clumping.
- Distribute the delicate noodles evenly among serving vessels, creating a soft, white foundation for the upcoming dish.
- Enhance the broth’s profile by incorporating fresh lime juice, a hint of sweetness from sugar, and a precise touch of salt. Taste and adjust seasonings to achieve a harmonious balance.
- Delicately lower gossamer-thin beef slices into the simmering liquid, where they will transform and cook within mere moments – approximately 10 to 20 seconds.
- Ladle the aromatic broth and tender beef over the prepared noodles, creating a steaming, inviting presentation.
- Artfully crown the dish with a vibrant medley of crisp bean sprouts, sharp green onions, fiery jalapeño slices, and fragrant basil leaves.
- Serve immediately, accompanied by traditional condiments like hoisin sauce and sriracha, allowing diners to personalize their culinary experience.
Notes
- Master quick cooking techniques for perfectly tender beef in under 20 seconds of boiling.
- Wrap whole spices in cheesecloth to create a clean, flavor-packed broth without messy loose spices.
- Balance broth’s flavor profile by adjusting lime juice, sugar, and salt to personal taste preferences.
- Rinse rice noodles with cool water to prevent clumping and maintain ideal texture for serving.
- Choose fresh garnishes like bean sprouts, onions, jalapeños, and basil leaves to elevate the dish’s freshness and visual appeal.
- Serve with hoisin and sriracha sauce for customizable heat and additional flavor layers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg