When you think about comfort food, pho often comes to mind, and it's no wonder why. You can savor the deep flavors of a well-crafted broth, whether you prefer the classic beef version or something lighter like chicken. If you're exploring plant-based options, there's a vegetarian recipe that's just as satisfying. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a spicy beef pho could be your next favorite. Each recipe not only showcases unique ingredients but also invites you to experiment with garnishes and toppings. What's your go-to pho style?
Classic Beef Pho

Classic Beef Pho is a fragrant and flavorful Vietnamese noodle soup that's perfect for warming up on a chilly day. This comforting dish is made with a rich beef broth infused with spices, tender slices of beef, and rice noodles, topped with fresh herbs and bean sprouts.
While it may take some time to prepare, the result is a delicious and aromatic soup that will transport your taste buds straight to Vietnam.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef bones (preferably marrow bones)
- 1 onion, halved
- 1 piece of ginger (about 3 inches), halved
- 5 star anise
- 3 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 pound beef sirloin or brisket, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces rice noodles (bánh phở)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Bean sprouts
- Lime wedges
- Sliced jalapeños
- Hoisin sauce (for serving)
- Sriracha (for serving)
Instructions:
Start by roasting the beef bones, onion, and ginger in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes, until they're browned.
Then, transfer everything to a large pot and add about 4-5 quarts of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Add the star anise, cloves, cinnamon stick, coriander seeds, salt, and sugar. Let the broth simmer for at least 4 hours, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface.
In the final 30 minutes, cook the rice noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Strain the broth to remove the solids and return it to the pot. To serve, place a portion of noodles in a bowl, top with raw beef slices, and ladle the hot broth over the top.
Garnish with fresh basil, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sliced jalapeños, and serve with hoisin and sriracha on the side.
Extra Tips:
For an even richer broth, consider adding some charred shallots or more spices according to your preference.
You can also experiment with different cuts of beef, like oxtail or brisket, for added flavor and tenderness.
If you have time, letting the broth simmer overnight will deepen the flavors.
Finally, serve the pho immediately after assembling so that the noodles remain chewy and the herbs stay fresh. Enjoy your delicious homemade pho!
Chicken Pho Delight

Chicken Pho Delight is a fragrant and comforting Vietnamese noodle soup that's perfect for any occasion. This delightful dish features tender chicken, fresh herbs, and rice noodles all simmered in a flavorful broth. With its aromatic spices and bright garnishes, Chicken Pho isn't only delicious but also an inviting meal that can be easily made at home. Follow this recipe to create a bowl of warmth that will transport your taste buds straight to Vietnam.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
- 1 onion, halved
- 1 piece of ginger (about 3 inches), sliced
- 4-5 star anise
- 2-3 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3-4 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 8 cups chicken broth or water
- 8 ounces rice noodles
- Fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, mint)
- Lime wedges
- Bean sprouts
- Sliced jalapeños
- Green onions, chopped
- Hoisin sauce (optional)
- Sriracha (optional)
To prepare Chicken Pho Delight, start by placing the whole chicken, halved onion, sliced ginger, star anise, cloves, cinnamon stick, fish sauce, sugar, and chicken broth or water into a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 40-50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Remove the chicken and set it aside to cool, then shred the meat, discarding the bones and skin. Strain the broth to remove the spices and solids, then return the clear broth to the pot. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions, then divide them into bowls.
Ladle the hot broth over the noodles, add the shredded chicken, and top with fresh herbs, lime wedges, bean sprouts, jalapeños, and green onions. Serve with hoisin sauce and Sriracha on the side for added flavor.
When making Chicken Pho, make sure that you let the broth simmer long enough to extract all the flavors from the spices and chicken. If you have time, you can also roast the onion and ginger before adding them to the broth to improve their sweetness and smokiness.
Feel free to customize your toppings based on your preferences, and don't hesitate to adjust the seasoning of the broth to suit your taste. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Pho Delight!
Vegetarian Pho Option

Vegetarian pho is a delightful and aromatic dish that captures the essence of traditional Vietnamese pho while being entirely plant-based. This comforting bowl of noodle soup is packed with rich flavors from the broth, fresh herbs, and assorted vegetables. Perfect for a cozy evening or when you want to impress guests with a unique culinary experience, vegetarian pho is both nourishing and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 8 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, halved
- 3-inch piece of ginger, sliced
- 2 star anise
- 3 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 200g rice noodles
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (shiitake or oyster)
- 1 cup bok choy, chopped
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Sliced jalapeños, for serving
- Fresh basil leaves, for serving
To prepare the vegetarian pho, start by bringing the vegetable broth to a simmer in a large pot. Add the halved onion, sliced ginger, star anise, cloves, cinnamon stick, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce. Allow the broth to simmer for about 30 minutes to develop a rich flavor.
Meanwhile, cook the rice noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside. After the broth has simmered, strain out the solids and return the liquid to the pot. Add the sliced mushrooms and bok choy, cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes until tender.
To serve, divide the cooked noodles among bowls, ladle the hot broth and vegetables over the noodles, and garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, sliced jalapeños, and basil leaves.
When making vegetarian pho, feel free to customize the vegetables and herbs according to your preference and what's in season. Adding tofu can provide extra protein and texture, while other vegetables like carrots or snow peas can improve the dish's visual appeal and flavor.
Remember to taste the broth before serving; you may want to adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce or hoisin sauce to suit your palate. Enjoy your vegetarian pho with plenty of fresh herbs for added freshness and aroma!
Spicy Beef Pho

Spicy Beef Pho is a flavorful and aromatic Vietnamese noodle soup that combines rich beef broth with tender slices of beef and a medley of fresh herbs and spices. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a little heat in their meals, as the addition of chili peppers and sriracha adds a kick that complements the savory broth.
Whether you're looking to impress guests or simply indulge in a comforting bowl of pho, this recipe will guide you through creating a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef bones (preferably marrow and oxtail)
- 1 pound beef brisket, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, halved
- 1 piece ginger (about 2 inches), sliced
- 4-5 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4-5 cloves
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 8 cups water
- Rice noodles (banh pho)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Bean sprouts
- Lime wedges
- Sliced jalapeños or Thai bird chilies
- Hoisin sauce (for serving)
Cooking Instructions:
Start by roasting the beef bones, onion, and ginger in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 30 minutes until browned.
In a large pot, combine the roasted bones, onion, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, coriander seeds, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, skimming off any foam that rises to the top.
Let the broth simmer for at least 3 hours to extract the flavors from the bones. About 30 minutes before serving, add the fish sauce and sriracha to the broth.
Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions, then divide them among bowls. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and top with raw beef brisket slices, allowing the heat of the broth to cook the meat.
Garnish with fresh basil, bean sprouts, lime wedges, sliced chilies, and a drizzle of hoisin sauce.
Extra Tips:
For an even deeper flavor, consider adding some charred onions and ginger directly to the broth, as this improves the smokiness of the soup.
If you prefer a richer broth, you can also add a bit of beef shank or chuck along with the bones.
Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of sriracha and fresh chilies. Additionally, let the broth cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator to allow any excess fat to solidify on the surface, making it easier to remove for a cleaner broth.
Enjoy your Spicy Beef Pho with a variety of toppings for a personalized touch!
Pho With Fresh Herbs

Pho with fresh herbs is a delightful and aromatic Vietnamese noodle soup that showcases the vibrant flavors of the herbs and spices used in its preparation. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends, as it allows everyone to customize their bowls with their favorite fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, and mint.
The combination of fragrant broth, tender noodles, and the freshness of herbs creates a comforting and satisfying meal that's sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound beef bones (preferably marrow bones)
- 1 onion, halved
- 1 piece ginger (about 3 inches), sliced
- 2 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 cloves
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 8 cups water
- 1 pound rice noodles (banh pho)
- 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Fresh mint leaves
- Lime wedges
- Bean sprouts
- Hoisin sauce (for serving)
- Sriracha sauce (for serving)
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the beef bones in a roasting pan and roast them in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until they're browned.
While the bones are roasting, char the onion and ginger over an open flame or in the oven until they've a nice char, around 10 minutes.
In a large pot, combine the roasted bones, charred onion, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, coriander seeds, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least 3 hours, skimming any impurities that rise to the surface.
After simmering, strain the broth and return it to the pot. Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions and set aside.
To serve, place the cooked noodles in a bowl, top with raw sliced beef, and ladle the hot broth over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs, lime wedges, bean sprouts, and sauces as desired.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, allow the broth to simmer for longer if you have the time—up to 6 hours can improve the richness and depth of the flavor.
You can also prepare the broth a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight; this allows the fat to solidify on the surface for easy removal.
When serving, encourage guests to customize their pho with various herbs and condiments for a personalized touch. Additionally, using a mix of both fresh and dried spices can raise the dish even further.
Enjoy your homemade pho experience!