How to Make a Traditional Vietnamese Dinner with Pho

Making a traditional Vietnamese dinner centered around Pho is a delightful culinary adventure. Pho, a fragrant noodle soup, is beloved not just in Vietnam but around the world. Here’s how you can create an authentic Vietnamese dinner in your own kitchen.

Ingredients for Traditional Pho

To serve four people, you will need:

  • 1 kg beef bones (for broth)
  • 300 grams beef brisket or sirloin, thinly sliced
  • 400 grams rice noodles (Bánh phở)
  • 1 onion, halved
  • 1 piece of ginger (about 5 cm), sliced
  • 4-5 star anise
  • 3-4 cloves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2-3 tablespoons fish sauce
  • Salt, to taste
  • Fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, mint)
  • Bean sprouts
  • Chili peppers
  • Lime wedges

Preparing the Broth

1. Start by roasting the beef bones. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast the bones on a baking sheet for 30-45 minutes until browned.

2. In a large pot, add the roasted bones and cover them with water. Bring to a boil and then simmer for about 10 minutes. This step helps to remove impurities.

3. Discard the water and rinse the bones. Return the bones to the pot with fresh water, along with the halved onion and ginger. Bring to a boil again, then reduce to a simmer.

4. Add the star anise, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Let the broth simmer for at least 3-4 hours (the longer, the better) to extract maximum flavor.

Creating the Pho Bowl

1. Once the broth is ready, strain it to get rid of solids and return it to the pot. Season the broth with fish sauce and salt to taste.

2. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Generally, they need to be soaked in hot water for a few minutes until soft.

3. In each bowl, place a generous handful of cooked rice noodles and top with the raw sliced beef. The heat from the broth will cook the beef once poured over it.

4. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and beef. This step is essential to achieve the perfect Pho.

Garnishing and Serving

1. Garnish each bowl with fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, and mint. Add sprouts, chili peppers, and lime wedges on the side for added flavor.

2. Serve your Pho hot with additional fish sauce, hoisin sauce, and sriracha for those who enjoy a bit of spice. And just like that, you've made an authentic Vietnamese dinner!

Enjoying Your Vietnamese Dinner

Gather your family or friends around the table and enjoy this flavorful meal together. Pho is often served with a side of banh mi or spring rolls for a complete Vietnamese dinner experience. Enjoy the rich aromatics and the warm, satisfying flavors that are quintessentially Vietnamese.

Cooking Pho at home not only brings the essence of Vietnam to your dining experience but also offers a chance to appreciate the skill and love that goes into making this traditional dish. Happy cooking!