20-Minute Weeknight Beef Pho: Aromatic Comfort

Why I Love This Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what you'll need – nothing too fancy, just good ingredients that work together beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Char the onion and ginger. This step is crucial for developing a richer, more complex flavor in the broth. Place the onion (halved) and ginger slices directly on a gas stovetop burner over medium heat until slightly charred on all sides, releasing their aromatic oils. Be careful not to burn them completely; a slight char is what you're aiming for.

   ~2 min

   Tip: Use tongs to safely handle the onion and ginger while charring.
2. 2

   Combine broth, water, star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, charred onion, and charred ginger in a large pot. Adding these ingredients together early allows the flavors to meld together as the broth heats up, creating a more harmonious and aromatic soup.

   ~1 min

   Tip: If you don't have a gas stovetop, you can char the onion and ginger under the broiler.
3. 3

   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Simmering allows the spices and aromatics to infuse the broth, deepening its flavor profile. You should be able to smell the fragrant spices filling your kitchen.

   ~10 min

   Tip: Skimming off any foam that rises to the surface will result in a clearer broth.
4. 4

   While the broth simmers, prepare the rice noodles according to package directions. Overcooking the noodles will result in a mushy texture, so pay close attention to the timing. Usually, soaking in hot water is sufficient.

   ~3 min

   Tip: Rinse the cooked noodles with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.
5. 5

   Remove the star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, onion, and ginger from the broth using a slotted spoon or tongs. Discard these aromatics; they have already imparted their flavor to the broth. You should have a clear, fragrant broth ready for seasoning.

   ~1 min

   Tip: Be careful when removing the hot aromatics from the broth.
6. 6

   Stir in fish sauce and sugar. Start with the recommended amounts and adjust to taste. Fish sauce adds a savory umami flavor, while sugar balances the saltiness and adds a touch of sweetness. Taste the broth frequently as you adjust the seasonings until it reaches your desired flavor profile.

   ~1 min

   Tip: Add the fish sauce gradually, as it can be quite potent.
7. 7

   Divide the cooked rice noodles among bowls. Make sure to drain the noodles well before adding them to the bowls to avoid diluting the broth.

   ~1 min

   Tip: Warm the bowls before adding the noodles to keep the pho hot longer.
8. 8

   Ladle the hot broth over the noodles. The heat of the broth will gently warm the noodles and release their aromas.

   ~1 min

   Tip: Be careful when pouring the hot broth to avoid spills.
9. 9

   Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as bean sprouts, basil, cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced jalapeños. The toppings add freshness, texture, and additional layers of flavor to the pho. Encourage everyone to customize their own bowls to their liking.

   ~1 min

   Tip: Offer a variety of toppings to cater to different preferences.
10. 10

    Serve immediately and enjoy! The pho is best enjoyed hot, while the broth is fragrant and the noodles are tender. Slurp away and savor the comforting flavors of Vietnam!

    0

    Tip: Provide spoons and chopsticks for an authentic pho experience.

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