Authentic Phở Huế: A Traditional Vietnamese Delight

Ingredients

2 lb beef bones
1 lb beef shank
1 lb beef brisket
1 lb oxtail
1 slice ginger (thumb-sized)
2 onions
5 star anise
1 cinnamon stick
1 tsp black peppercorns
1 tsp coriander seeds
1 tsp fennel seeds
6 cloves
6 cardamom pods
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp sugar
12 oz flat rice noodles
1/2 lb raw beef sirloin
1 bunch of cilantro
1 bunch of Thai basil
1 bunch of mint
2 limes, cut into wedges
2 jalapenos, thinly sliced
2 cups bean sprouts
1 bunch of green onions, chopped
1 bunch of culantro, chopped
2 red chili peppers, sliced
Hoison sauce, for serving
Sriracha sauce, for serving

Steps and instructions

Place the beef bones, shank, brisket, and oxtail in a large pot. Fill the pot with water until the meat is submerged. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Skim off any scum that forms on the surface.
While the broth is simmering, char the onions and ginger either on a grill or directly on the stovetop burner. Once charred, add them to the pot.
In a dry pan, toast the star anise, cinnamon stick, peppercorns, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, cloves, and cardamom pods until fragrant. Then, add them to the pot.
Add salt, fish sauce, and sugar to the pot and stir. Cover the pot and let it simmer for at least 6 hours. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful the broth will be.
About 30 minutes before serving, prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions.
Also before serving, thinly slice the raw beef sirloin. The slices should be thin enough that they will cook quickly when added to the hot broth.
Once the broth is done simmering, strain it to remove the solids. Return the strained broth to the pot and bring it back to a simmer.
To serve, place some of the cooked rice noodles in a bowl. Top with a few slices of the raw beef sirloin. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and beef. The heat of the broth will cook the beef. Top with cilantro, Thai basil, mint, bean sprouts, green onions, culantro, and red chili peppers to taste. Serve with lime wedges, jalapeno slices, Hoison sauce, and Sriracha sauce on the side.

Tools for making

Large pot - A pot large enough to hold the beef bones and simmer the broth for several hours.
Grill or Stovetop Burner - To char the onions and ginger for added flavor.
Pan - A dry pan to toast the spices before adding them to the broth.
Strainer - To strain the broth and remove any solids.
Bowls - To serve the Phở Huế.
Chopsticks - Utensils commonly used to eat Phở.
Soup Spoons - Deep spoons used to scoop up the noodles and broth.
Knife - To thinly slice the raw beef sirloin.
Cutting Board - To safely cut and prepare ingredients.
Serving Ladle - To pour the hot broth over the noodles and beef.

Recipe variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef bones, shank, brisket, and oxtail with vegetable broth and add a variety of vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, and tofu.
Chicken Phở Huế: Substitute the beef with chicken bones, chicken thighs, and chicken breast.
Seafood Phở Huế: Use a combination of shrimp, squid, and fish stock to create a flavorful seafood broth.
Spicy Phở Huế: Add extra chili peppers or chili oil to the broth for a spicier version.
Phở Huế with Pork: Replace the beef with pork bones, pork shoulder, or pork belly.
Phở Huế with Different Noodles: Experiment with different types of noodles like egg noodles, udon noodles, or even spiralized vegetables.
Phở Huế with Additional Herbs: Include additional herbs like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, or sawtooth herb to enhance the flavor.
Phở Huế with Different Garnishes: Try topping the soup with fried shallots, crushed peanuts, or pickled vegetables for added texture and flavor.
Phở Huế with Added Vegetables: Incorporate your favorite vegetables such as bok choy, bean sprouts, or baby corn into the soup.

Recipe overview

Take a culinary trip to Vietnam with Phở Huế, a delectable beef noodle soup that is as satisfying as it is flavorful. This recipe will guide you through the process of preparing the aromatic broth simmered for hours with beef bones and an assortment of spices. You'll also learn to assemble a bowl with tender beef, soft rice noodles, and a plethora of fresh herbs and condiments. Patience is key when making Phở Huế as the broth needs time to develop its full flavor. But rest assured, your efforts will be rewarded with a comforting bowl of soup that is rich, savory, slightly sweet, and utterly delicious. This recipe serves about 6 people and is perfect for a family meal or a cozy dinner party. So, ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let's get started!

Common questions

How long does it take to simmer the broth? - It is recommended to simmer the broth for at least 6 hours to develop a rich and flavorful taste.
Can I use a different type of meat? - Yes, you can customize the meat selection according to your preference. However, the traditional Phở Huế recipe includes beef bones, shank, brisket, and oxtail for the best flavor.
Can I make the broth ahead of time? - Absolutely! In fact, making the broth a day in advance can enhance the flavors even more. Once cooked, let the broth cool, then refrigerate it in an airtight container. Reheat before serving.
What if I don't have access to some of the herbs? - While cilantro, Thai basil, and mint are traditional garnishes, you can still enjoy Phở Huế without them. Feel free to use any herbs you have available or omit them if needed.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan? - Yes, you can adapt the recipe by using vegetable broth and omitting the meat. Enhance the flavor with spices and seasonings of your choice. Additionally, you can substitute tofu or seitan as a meat alternative.
What if I can't find culantro? - Culantro is a herb that adds a distinct flavor to Phở Huế. If you can't find it, you can replace it with additional cilantro or omit it altogether.
How spicy is Phở Huế? - Phở Huế can be spicy due to the addition of jalapenos and red chili peppers. Adjust the amount of these ingredients according to your spice preference.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large soup pot - A large pot is necessary for simmering the beef bones and making the broth.
Grill or stovetop burner - This is needed for charring the onions and ginger to enhance their flavors.
Pan - A dry pan is used for toasting the spices before adding them to the broth.
Strainer - A strainer is required for removing the solids from the broth.
Bowl - The pho is served in a bowl, so having enough bowls for serving is essential.
Chopsticks - Chopsticks are commonly used to eat pho and are helpful for picking up noodles and meat.
Soup spoons - Long-handled soup spoons are ideal for sipping the flavorful broth.
Ladle - A ladle is used to portion out the hot broth into the bowls.
Knife - A sharp knife is needed for thinly slicing the raw beef sirloin and other garnishes.
Cutting board - A cutting board provides a sturdy surface for slicing ingredients.
Serving platter - A platter can be used to arrange the lime wedges, jalapeno slices, and various herbs for serving.

Origin stories

As a culinary delight, Phở Huế hails from the royal city of Huế in the central region of Vietnam. Its character lies not only in its rich and aromatic broth, steeped in a multitude of spices, but also in its historical origins. The dish was traditionally prepared in the royal kitchens of the Nguyễn Dynasty, served to the emperors and their esteemed guests. The royal cooks made sure that every bowl of Phở Huế was a work of art, visually appealing and full of flavors, embodying the sophistication and complexity of the city's cuisine. It has since traveled from the royal palace to the bustling streets, making its way into the hearts and homes of people far and wide, and retaining its royal charm and delectable taste.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.