Authentic Vietnamese Pho Bo Vien Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1.5 kg beef bones
  • 5 liters of water
  • 2 onions, unpeeled and cut in half
  • 4 inch piece of ginger, unpeeled
  • 5 star anise
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
  • 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
  • 1 cardamom pod
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/4 cup fish sauce
  • 500 grams beef sirloin
  • 500 grams beef meatballs (bo vien)
  • 1 pack rice noodles
  • Fresh herbs for garnish: mint, basil, cilantro, onions, spring onions
  • 2 limes, cut into wedges
  • 2 jalapenos, sliced
  • Hoisin sauce, for serving
  • Sriracha sauce, for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. Place the beef bones in a large pot. Add water to cover the bones and bring to a boil over high heat. Boil for 10 minutes then drain and rinse the bones under cold water. This step is to clean the bones of any impurities.
  2. In the same pot, add 5 liters of water and the cleaned beef bones. Bring to a boil.
  3. While waiting for the water to boil, char the onions and ginger. You can do this by placing the onions and ginger directly on the stove burner and char until they are blackened on all sides. This step will give the broth a smoky flavor.
  4. Add the charred onions and ginger to the pot.
  5. In a dry pan, toast the star anise, cloves, cinnamon stick, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, and cardamom pod until fragrant. Add the toasted spices to the pot.
  6. Add salt, sugar, and fish sauce to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 6 hours. The longer you simmer the broth, the better it will taste.
  7. After 6 hours, strain the broth and discard the solids. Return the broth to the pot and keep warm.
  8. In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Add the rice noodles and cook according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
  9. In the same pot of boiling water, cook the beef sirloin until medium rare. Remove from the water and slice thinly. Set aside.
  10. In the same pot of boiling water, cook the beef meatballs until they float to the surface. Remove from the water and set aside.
  11. To serve, divide the noodles, sliced beef sirloin, and beef meatballs among serving bowls. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and meat. Garnish with fresh herbs, lime wedges, jalapenos, hoisin sauce, and sriracha sauce. Encourage each diner to customize their bowl with the garnishes and sauces to their liking.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - Needed to boil the beef bones and make the broth.
  • Stove burner - Used to char the onions and ginger for added flavor.
  • Pan - Used to toast the spices before adding them to the broth.
  • Strainer - Used to strain the broth and remove any solids.
  • Separate pot - Used to cook the rice noodles and beef separately.
  • Knife - Needed to slice the beef sirloin and prepare the garnishes.
  • Bowls - Used to serve the pho bo vien.
  • Serving ladle - Used to ladle the hot broth over the noodles and meat.
  • Chopsticks - Traditional utensils used to eat the pho bo vien.
  • Spoons - Used to eat the broth and noodles.

Recipe variations

  • Use chicken bones instead of beef bones for a chicken pho version.
  • Replace the beef sirloin with thinly sliced chicken or pork.
  • Add vegetables such as bok choy, bean sprouts, or mushrooms to the broth.
  • Make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth and omitting the meat. Add tofu or seitan as a protein substitute.
  • Create a seafood pho by using shrimp or fish stock and adding shrimp, fish, or squid to the broth.
  • Add different spices and herbs to the broth, such as lemongrass, star anise, or Thai basil, for a unique flavor profile.
  • Experiment with different types of noodles, such as udon noodles, soba noodles, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
  • For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapenos or Thai bird's eye chilies to the broth.
  • Customize the garnishes by adding bean sprouts, lime leaves, or fried shallots.
  • Try different sauces like hoisin and oyster sauce for added depth of flavor.

Recipe overview

Experience the heartwarming comfort of Vietnamese cuisine with this Pho Bo Vien recipe. Pho is a traditional Vietnamese soup that is loved for its aromatic broth, tender meats, and fresh herbs. This particular version features beef sirloin and beef meatballs (Bo Vien), making it a hearty dish that's perfect for any meal. In this recipe, you'll learn how to make a deeply flavorful beef broth from scratch, which is the soul of any good Pho. You'll also char onions and ginger for a smoky flavor and toast spices to heighten their aroma. Along with the beef, you'll serve this with rice noodles and a variety of fresh herbs and condiments, allowing each person to customize their bowl of Pho to their liking. Making Pho Bo Vien requires some time and patience, mostly for simmering the broth to extract as much flavor as possible. But, with the succulent slices of beef sirloin, juicy meatballs, and the symphony of flavors in the broth, all your efforts will be more than worth it. So, let's start your journey into Vietnamese cooking with this Pho Bo Vien recipe. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to make Pho bo vien?
    The total cooking time for Pho bo vien can vary, but it typically takes around 6 hours to simmer the beef bone broth to achieve a rich and flavorful base for the soup.
  2. Can I use store-bought beef broth instead of making my own?
    While it's recommended to make your own beef broth for the authentic flavor of Pho bo vien, you can use store-bought beef broth as a time-saving alternative. However, the taste may differ slightly.
  3. Can I use pre-made meatballs instead of making my own?
    It is possible to use pre-made meatballs, but the taste and texture may not be the same as homemade beef meatballs. Making your own meatballs allows you to control the ingredients and ensure they are seasoned to your preference.
  4. Can I substitute the beef with other meats?
    Yes, you can experiment with different meats such as chicken, pork, or even tofu. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat is cooked through.
  5. Can I make Pho bo vien vegetarian or vegan?
    Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version of Pho bo vien by using vegetable broth as a base and substituting the beef and meatballs with tofu, seitan, or plant-based protein alternatives. Additionally, omitting the fish sauce and using soy sauce or tamari can make it suitable for vegans.
  6. What are some common garnishes for Pho bo vien?
    Common garnishes for Pho bo vien include fresh herbs like mint, basil, and cilantro, sliced onions, spring onions, lime wedges, and sliced jalapenos. Hoisin sauce and sriracha sauce are often served on the side for added flavor.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - used for boiling the beef bones and simmering the broth
  • Strainer - used to strain the broth and remove solids
  • Separate pot - used for boiling water to cook the rice noodles and beef
  • Chef's knife - used to slice the beef sirloin
  • Soup bowls - used for serving the pho
  • Soup spoons - used for eating the pho
  • Chopsticks - used for eating the noodles and meat
  • Ladle - used for scooping and serving the hot broth
  • Plates - used for holding garnishes and sauces
  • Cutting board - used for prepping ingredients
  • Tongs - used for handling the beef during cooking

Origin stories

Pho bo vien has its roots in Northern Vietnam, dating back to the mid-1880s. The dish was born of the cultural interchange that happened during the French colonial period when Vietnamese cooks began to roast beef bones to create a rich, clear broth. The name "Pho" is believed to have been derived from 'pot au feu', a French soup. Yet, it is distinctively Vietnamese with its reliance on rice noodles and anise-tinged broth. The beef meatballs, or "bo vien", is a relatively recent addition, reflecting the Vietnamese spirit of culinary innovation and adaptability. The real charm of Pho bo vien, however, lies in its assembly. Each individual has the freedom to garnish their bowl to their liking, making every serving of Pho bo vien a personal culinary adventure.

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.