A Guide to Making Vietnamese Pho for Breakfast

Vietnamese pho is a delicious and aromatic noodle soup that has gained worldwide popularity. Traditionally enjoyed at any time of day, it makes for a hearty and satisfying breakfast option. In this guide, you will learn how to make authentic Vietnamese pho at home, ensuring a comforting start to your day.

Ingredients You Will Need

To make a perfect bowl of pho, gather the following ingredients:

  • 500g beef bones (preferably brisket and marrow bones)
  • 1kg beef (sirloin or eye of round)
  • 1 large onion, quartered
  • 1 piece of ginger (around 4 inches), halved
  • 4-5 star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4-5 cloves
  • 1 tablespoon of coriander seeds
  • Fish sauce to taste
  • Salt to taste
  • Rice noodles (bánh phở)
  • Fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, bean sprouts)
  • Sliced chili and lime wedges for serving

Preparing the Broth

The key to a flavorful pho is a rich broth. Start by blanching the beef bones:

  1. Place the beef bones in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil.
  2. Once boiling, discard the water and rinse the bones under cold water to remove impurities.

Next, in the same pot, add the cleaned bones along with 3-4 liters of water, the quartered onion, and halved ginger.

Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface. Add the star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, and coriander seeds to infuse the broth with flavor.

Let the broth simmer for at least 4-6 hours for the best flavor, adding water as necessary to ensure the bones remain submerged.

Cooking the Noodles and Beef

While the broth simmers, prepare the rice noodles:

  1. Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions, then rinse them under cold water and drain well.
  2. Slice the beef into thin pieces, ideally using partially frozen meat for ease.

Assembling the Pho Bowl

Once your broth is rich and flavorful, it's time to assemble your pho:

  1. In a bowl, place a portion of the cooked rice noodles.
  2. Top the noodles with raw sliced beef, which will cook gently in the hot broth.
  3. Pour the simmering broth over the noodles and beef, cooking the beef to your desired doneness.

Garnishing Your Pho

Finally, garnish your pho with a generous handful of fresh herbs like basil and cilantro. Include a side of bean sprouts, slices of chili, and lime wedges for an added burst of flavor. Adjust the seasoning with fish sauce and salt to taste.

Enjoying Your Breakfast Pho

Serve your Vietnamese pho hot and enjoy the fragrant flavors and satisfying textures. It’s not just a bowl of soup; it's a warm embrace on a chilly morning, perfect for kickstarting your day!

Making pho might seem like a labor-intensive process, but the results are not only rewarding but also delicious. Experiment with different ingredients and techniques to make this beloved dish your own.