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Vietnam, Asia

Pho Bo (Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup)

Vietnamese rice noodles served in a clear beef bone broth infused with spices.

ServingsServes 2
Total cooking time2 h 30 min
DifficultyHard
About servingsFor the best flavour, the broth is always made in a 4-serving batch. If you choose 1 to 3 servings, only the noodles, meat and vegetables change. Leftover broth keeps for 4 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer once cooled.

Method

  1. Soak the bones in cold water for 1 hour to draw out the blood, then blanch in boiling water (high heat) for 10 minutes and rinse.

    Add in this stepBeef marrow bones or soup bones 1,000 g

    high heat

  2. Char the onion and ginger, skin on, over high heat until blackened on the outside. Toast the spices in a dry pan for 2 minutes.

    Add in this stepOnion 1Ginger 50 gCinnamon stick 1Star anise 3Cloves 4Coriander seeds 1 tbsp

    high heat

  3. Put the bones, brisket and water in a pot. When it boils, turn down to low heat and simmer for 1 hour 30 minutes, skimming off the foam. Take out the brisket at this point and slice it.

    Add in this stepBeef brisket 400 gWater 3,000 ml

    low heat

  4. Add the charred onion and ginger and the spices (in a spice bag) and simmer over low heat for 1 more hour. Strain and season with fish sauce, sugar and salt.

    Add in this stepFish sauce 3 tbspSugar 1 tbsp

    low heat

  5. Cook the noodles, put them in bowls and top with the meat. Pour broth brought to a rolling boil over high heat on top to cook the raw beef. Filling all the bowls takes about .

    Add in this stepRice noodles 200 gThinly sliced raw beef (brisket or round) 100 gFinished broth (per bowl) 900 mlBean sprouts 100 gFresh coriander and Thai basil to tasteLime ½Hoisin sauce and sriracha to taste

    high heat

Cook's tip

A clear broth is the key to good pho. After step 3, never turn the heat up to high.

Cooking it at camp

Make the broth at home and freeze it; it doubles as an ice pack in your cool box. At the campsite, just reheat it and cook the noodles.