Here at Halal Origins, we are all about shared culture and there is no better way to embark on a cultural adventure than to indulge in a recipe of another country’s loved cuisine. Today, we explore Vietnam's beloved Pho. You can make this with or without spice, depending on what you can handle.

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its delicate balance of flavours, aromatic herbs, and refreshing ingredients. One of its most iconic and beloved dishes is Pho, a hearty and flavourful beef noodle soup that captures the essence of Vietnam's culinary traditions

Bursting with aromatic spices and tender beef, Pho is a comforting and nourishing dish that offers a symphony of taste sensations. Here's a recipe that brings the authentic flavours of Vietnamese Pho to your kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Broth

  • 4-5 pounds of beef bones (knuckles, oxtail, marrow bones)
  • 1 onion, peeled and halved
  • 3-4-inch piece of ginger, sliced and lightly smashed
  • 5-6 star anise pods
  • 3-4 cinnamon sticks
  • 5-6 cloves
  • 1-2 cardamom pods
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
  • Salt and sugar to taste

For the Soup:

  • 8-10 ounces rice noodles (Pho noodles)
  • 1/2 pound thinly sliced beef (eye round, sirloin, flank)
  • Fresh herbs: Thai basil, cilantro, mint
  • Bean sprouts
  • Lime wedges
  • Sliced chili peppers (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Broth

  1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the beef bones and blanch for about 5 minutes. This helps remove impurities and results in a clearer broth.
  2. Drain and rinse the bones under cold water. Clean the pot and return the bones to it.
  3. Add enough water to cover the bones (about 4-5 quarts) and bring to a boil. Skim any foam that rises to the surface.
  4. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Add onion and ginger, and let them char lightly. This step adds depth of flavour to the broth.
  5. In a dry skillet, lightly toast the star anise, cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom pods, coriander seeds, and fennel seeds until fragrant. Add them to the pot.
  6. Simmer the broth for at least 4-6 hours, occasionally skimming any impurities that rise to the top. The longer you simmer, the richer the flavour.
  7. Season the broth with salt and a pinch of sugar. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Strain the broth and keep it warm.

Assemble the Soup

  1. Prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Divide them among serving bowls.
  2. Arrange the thinly sliced beef over the noodles. The hot broth will partially cook the beef.
  3. Pour the hot broth over the noodles and beef, ensuring everything is submerged. Serve the Pho with a plate of fresh herbs (Thai basil, cilantro, mint), bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sliced chilli peppers.
  4. Diners can customise their Pho by adding herbs, sprouts, lime, and chilli according to their preference.

Enjoying your Pho to the max

Squeeze lime wedges into the Pho to add tanginess. Add bean sprouts for crunch and freshness.

Tear herbs and add them to the soup for an aromatic burst of flavour.

If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle sliced chilli peppers into your bowl.

Mix everything together and savour the harmonious medley of flavours and textures.

Final Thoughts

Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup, or Pho, is a culinary masterpiece that showcases Vietnam's dedication to harmonious flavours and culinary tradition. This recipe encapsulates the essence of Pho's aromatic broth, tender beef, and fresh herbs, offering a bowl of comfort and nourishment that transports you to the bustling streets of Vietnam. Whether enjoyed as a hearty meal or a heartwarming experience, Pho is a celebration of the art of Vietnamese cuisine.

As is the case with any dish, the quality of your experience boils down to three things (literally in this case). The quality of your ingredients, the quality of your chef (we can’t do anything about that one - sorry), and the quality of your company.

Halal Origins supplies the freshest, highest-quality organic beef. Each cut comes from an animal that lived a full life, dining on natural pastures and living as nature intended. The treatment of animals carries over into the quality of their meat, which in turn spills over into the quality of your dishes.

If you haven’t tried our succulent meat already, order today - you’ll be glad that you did.