Pho Soup Recipe

Pho Soup Recipe

Pho (pronounced “fuh”) is a traditional Vietnamese soup made with a rich, aromatic broth, rice noodles, herbs, and usually beef or chicken. This iconic street food is beloved for its deep flavor and comforting warmth. In this easy homemade pho soup recipe, we guide you through crafting an authentic-tasting bowl right in your kitchen. Whether you’re new to pho or a longtime fan, this dish brings together balance, simplicity, and delicious complexity in every slurp. Perfect for cozy nights, immune-boosting meals, or light yet filling dinners, this recipe will transport your taste buds to Vietnam.

Pho Soup Recipe

Ingredients Of Pho Soup Recipe

  • 1 onion (halved)
  • 1 large piece of ginger (sliced)
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 star anise pods
  • 3 whole cloves
  • 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
  • 6 cups beef or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt to taste

For Soup

  • 8 oz rice noodles (pho noodles or flat rice noodles)
  • 1/2 lb thinly sliced beef sirloin or chicken breast
  • 1 cup bean sprouts
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges
  • Sliced green onions
  • Sliced jalapeños (optional)
  • Hoisin sauce and sriracha (for serving)

Why You Will Love This Pho Soup Recipe

Pho is the ultimate comfort food—steamy, savory, and packed with vibrant herbs. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. You’ll love the way the spices infuse the broth with warmth, while fresh toppings like basil, lime, and sprouts add bright, crisp contrast. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving something nourishing and soul-satisfying, this pho recipe delivers both flavor and comfort in one healthy bowl.

Preparation Process Of This Pho Soup Recipe

The key to great pho lies in the broth. Start by charring the onion and ginger, then toast the spices to release their aroma. Simmer everything with broth, fish sauce, and seasonings to create a rich, flavorful base. While the broth simmers, prep your noodles and toppings. Thinly slice the meat, cook the noodles, and arrange fresh herbs and vegetables. When ready, simply assemble your bowl and pour the hot broth over everything to cook the meat and blend the flavors.

Step By Step Instructions

Char the Onion & Ginger: Place onion and ginger in a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until slightly charred on all sides, about 4–5 minutes.

Toast the Spices: Add cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and coriander seeds to the pan. Toast for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Simmer the Broth: In a large pot, add toasted spices, charred onion and ginger, broth, fish sauce, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30–40 minutes.

Prepare the Noodles: While the broth simmers, cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cool water.

Prep the Toppings: Slice beef or chicken thinly against the grain. Arrange basil, cilantro, bean sprouts, lime, and sliced jalapeños in small bowls for serving.

Assemble the Bowls: Place a portion of noodles in each bowl. Add raw beef or cooked chicken slices on top.

Pour & Serve:
Strain the broth and ladle it hot over the meat and noodles. Garnish with herbs, sprouts, and lime. Add hoisin or sriracha as desired.

How to Serve?

  • With fresh basil, cilantro, and lime wedges
  • Topped with bean sprouts and green onions
  • Drizzled with hoisin sauce or sriracha
  • With a side of spring rolls
  • Accompanied by chili oil for extra heat
Pho Soup Recipe
Pho Soup Recipe
Pho Soup Recipe

Tips & Variations

Nutrition

  1. Calories: 350
  2. Protein: 20g
  3. Fat: 10g
  4. Carbohydrates: 45g
  5. Fiber: 3g
  6. Sodium: 850mg
  7. Sugar: 3g

Pho Soup Recipe

Recipe by Rachael rayCourse: Banana Bread Recipe
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

350

kcal

This easy homemade pho soup recipe brings the comforting flavors of Vietnam to your kitchen. Made with a rich, aromatic broth, rice noodles, and thinly sliced beef or chicken, it’s topped with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime for brightness. Quick enough for weeknights but special enough for guests, this pho recipe is hearty, healthy, and endlessly customizable. Whether you like it spicy, mild, or herby, each bowl is packed with nourishing flavor and warmth. Enjoy the soul-soothing experience of pho at home—your taste buds will thank you!

For the Broth:

  • 1 onion (halved)

  • 1 large piece of ginger (sliced)

  • 2 cinnamon sticks

  • 4 star anise pods

  • 3 whole cloves

  • 1 tablespoon coriander seeds

  • 6 cups beef or chicken broth

  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce

  • 1 teaspoon sugar

  • Salt to taste

  • For the Soup:
  • 8 oz rice noodles (pho noodles or flat rice noodles)

  • 1/2 lb thinly sliced beef sirloin or chicken breast

  • 1 cup bean sprouts

  • Fresh basil leaves

  • Fresh cilantro

  • Lime wedges

  • Sliced green onions

  • Sliced jalapeños (optional)

  • Hoisin sauce and sriracha (for serving)

Directions

  • Char the Onion & Ginger
  • Place onion and ginger in a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until slightly charred on all sides, about 4–5 minutes.
  • Toast the Spices
  • Add cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and coriander seeds to the pan. Toast for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Simmer the Broth
  • In a large pot, add toasted spices, charred onion and ginger, broth, fish sauce, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30–40 minutes.
  • Prepare the Noodles
  • While the broth simmers, cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cool water.
  • Prep the Toppings
  • Slice beef or chicken thinly against the grain. Arrange basil, cilantro, bean sprouts, lime, and sliced jalapeños in small bowls for serving.
  • Assemble the Bowls
  • Place a portion of noodles in each bowl. Add raw beef or cooked chicken slices on top.
  • Pour & Serve
  • Strain the broth and ladle it hot over the meat and noodles. Garnish with herbs, sprouts, and lime. Add hoisin or sriracha as desired.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Use pre-made broth for convenience or make your own for richer flavor.
  • Chilling the meat slightly makes it easier to slice thin.
  • Add toppings just before serving to keep them fresh.
  • Pho tastes even better the next day after flavors develop.

FAQs

Yes! Use vegetable broth and tofu or mushrooms instead of meat.

Flat rice noodles are traditional, but you can use vermicelli or any rice noodle you prefer.

Yes, cooked shredded chicken or beef works great—just warm it before adding.

Store broth separately in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for longer.

Conclusion

Pho is more than just soup—it’s a nourishing bowl of tradition, flavor, and comfort. With a rich, spiced broth and fresh toppings, this pho soup recipe is your ticket to a cozy, delicious meal any day of the week. Perfect for dinner, meal prep, or impressing guests, it’s a dish that brings people together. Make it your own and enjoy this Vietnamese classic in the comfort of home.

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