Name: Easy Beef Pho Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 5 shallots, sliced in halves; 2 thumb-sized ginger pieces, sliced; 1 cinnamon stick; 2 star anise; 6 cloves; 1 tbsp black peppercorns; 2 cup low-sodium beef stock; 2 cup low-sodium chicken stock; 2 cup water; 2 tbsp fish sauce, or to taste; 1 tbsp sugar; 4 oz dry flat rice noodles; 1/2 lb beef (tenderloins, rib eye, or flank steak), thinly sliced; 1 cup bean sprouts; Coriander leaves; Spring onion, sliced; Chili, sliced; Hoisin sauce; Sriracha; Lime wedges

Jump to Recipe·4 from 73 reviews

If you’ve ever craved the soul-soothing comfort of a warm bowl of Vietnamese noodle soup, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Easy Beef Pho Recipe. It strikes the perfect balance between fragrant spices, tender beef, and chewy rice noodles all submerged in a rich, flavorful broth. What’s truly wonderful is how approachable this recipe is—you don’t need to be a master chef or spend hours simmering to enjoy pho at home. This dish delivers an authentic taste experience that’s both satisfying and refreshingly light, making it a gorgeous addition to your comfort food rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a white pot filled with dark brown broth, with steam rising gently from it. A pair of black and silver tongs holds a few light beige noodles just above the broth, showing their soft texture. The pot rests on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and simple background to the image. The photo looks warm and inviting, capturing the moment the noodles are lifted out of the rich broth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To create this Easy Beef Pho Recipe, you’ll want to gather some simple, yet essential ingredients that each play their part in building the broth’s depth, texture, and fresh herbal notes. From aromatic spices to fresh herbs, every element enhances the final flavor, so don’t skip on the details!

5 shallots (sliced in halves): These add a delicate sweetness and aromatic base to your broth when charred.
2 thumb-sized ginger (sliced): Charred to infuse a warm, spicy note that’s signature to pho.
1 cinnamon stick: A little goes a long way to impart a sweet, woody aroma.
2 star anise: Adds a subtle licorice flavor that is essential for that authentic pho taste.
6 cloves: Provide a warm spice note balancing the broth beautifully.
1 tbsp black peppercorns: Adds gentle heat and complexity to the broth.
2 cups low-sodium beef stock: Forms the rich backbone of the broth with deep meaty flavor.
2 cups low-sodium chicken stock: Lightens and balances the beef stock with subtle sweetness.
2 cups water: Keeps the broth clear and perfectly diluted.
2 tbsp fish sauce (or to taste): Brings umami depth and salty tang that defines Vietnamese broth.
1 tbsp sugar: Balances the broth’s savory and spicy notes with a faint sweetness.
4 oz dry flat rice noodles: The signature chewy texture that carries every bite.
1/2 lb beef (tenderloins, rib eye, or flank, thinly sliced): The star protein, tender and silky when cooked in the hot broth.
1 cup bean sprouts: Add a fresh crunch that lightens the dish.
Coriander leaves: Bright, citrusy herbs that brighten every spoonful.
Spring onion (sliced): A subtle oniony bite that complements the rich broth.
Chili (sliced): For those who like a kick of heat to awaken the senses.
Hoisin sauce: Sweet and savory condiment to customize your pho experience.
Sriracha: A spicy, garlicky sauce for those who like bold flavors.
Lime wedges: A splash of fresh acidity to brighten the broth when serving.

How to Make Easy Beef Pho Recipe

Step 1: Char the Aromatics

Start by heating a pot over medium-high heat and adding your halved shallots and ginger slices right into the dry pot. Let them char for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. This step is magic for your broth—it unlocks deep smoky notes that are essential for authentic pho flavor. Don’t rush this part; those charred aromas will elevate your soup in an incredible way.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Next, pour in your beef stock, chicken stock, and water to the pot along with the cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves, and black peppercorns. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it bubble gently for 30 minutes uncovered. During this time, the spices infuse the broth with their unique aroma, creating that signature pho essence. When ready, strain out the aromatics and spices to keep your broth clear and pristine.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

Bring the broth back to a boil, then add the flat rice noodles straight into the pot. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re almost tender but not fully cooked—this way, they’ll finish softening perfectly once assembled in the hot broth. Split the noodles evenly into two warm bowls to prepare for the next steps.

Step 4: Prepare the Beef

Drop your thinly sliced beef into the boiling broth and gently move it around. Cook it for about 30 to 45 seconds until its color starts to change from raw to pinkish. The key here is to leave it slightly undercooked because the residual heat once served will finish cooking the meat to tender perfection. Place the beef slices evenly atop the noodles in each bowl.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowl

Pour the steaming hot broth over the noodles and beef, ensuring each bowl is flooded with that rich, aromatic liquid. Garnish generously with bean sprouts, fresh coriander leaves, mint, sliced spring onions, and a few slices of chili. Don’t forget lime wedges on the side and offer hoisin sauce and sriracha to customize each bite. Now, your Easy Beef Pho Recipe is ready to be devoured—warm, fragrant, and utterly satisfying.

How to Serve Easy Beef Pho Recipe

A white bowl is filled with four main layers: a base of clear brown broth, light brown flat rice noodles gently swirling above, thin slices of cooked light brown meat resting on one side, and fresh green cilantro leaves scattered on top. Crunchy white bean sprouts with yellow tips sit beside a green lime wedge and sliced red chili rings add bright color. A pair of dark wooden chopsticks lifts a bundle of noodles above the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with blurred white sauce containers and green herbs in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The beauty of pho lies in its fresh, vibrant garnishes. Bean sprouts add a delightful crunch, while coriander and mint offer fresh herbal brightness that perfectly contrast the rich broth. Chopped spring onions bring gentle sharpness, and sliced chili lets each eater customize the heat. A squeeze of lime right before slurping adds a refreshing zing that wakes up the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Keep things light and complementary by serving your pho with simple sides like crispy Vietnamese spring rolls or a fresh papaya salad. These side dishes add textural variety and keep the meal balanced without overshadowing the delicate flavors of the noodle soup. A small dish of pickled vegetables can also be a lovely, tangy companion to your bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving pho in individual glass teacups during a casual gathering—it makes for a charming visual and allows everyone to customize their bowl. Another idea is to prepare a pho bar where guests add their garnishes and sauces to taste. This Easy Beef Pho Recipe is flexible and perfect for sharing, so feel free to get creative with how you present it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your pho, you can store any leftover broth and cooked noodles separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Keep raw beef slices out of the fridge with leftovers to prevent overcooking—it’s best to slice and cook beef fresh when reheating.

Freezing

This broth freezes wonderfully. Pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy pho again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove. Fresh noodles and beef are best prepared fresh to retain the dish’s texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, bring your broth to a rolling boil and cook fresh noodles in it briefly until tender. Add your thinly sliced beef and cook until just pink. Assemble bowls with fresh garnishes for the best experience. This step ensures your pho tastes almost as good as freshly made, preserving all its signature flavors and textures.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! Tenderloins, rib eye, or flank steak are all excellent choices because they cook quickly and remain tender. Just make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain to get that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Is it possible to make pho vegetarian?

Definitely. You can substitute the beef and chicken stock with a vegetable broth base and skip the beef slices. Instead, add tofu or mushrooms for hearty texture and plenty of umami. Use the same aromatic spices to keep the broth flavorful.

Why do I need to char the shallots and ginger?

Charring these aromatics adds a smoky depth and complexity to the broth that raw ingredients simply can’t provide. It’s a key step in creating that authentic, rich flavor profile unique to pho.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a dinner party?

Yes! You can prepare the broth and broth-infused spices in advance, and keep noodles, beef, and garnishes separate. When guests arrive, quickly assemble and serve hot broth over fresh noodles and beef for a warm and impressive dish.

How spicy is this Easy Beef Pho Recipe?

The spiciness is totally customizable since the chilis and sriracha are served on the side. You control the heat by adding as much or as little as you like, so it’s perfect for everyone’s palate.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a homemade bowl of pho that warms you from the inside out, and this Easy Beef Pho Recipe makes it so accessible. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner or want to impress friends with an authentic Vietnamese favorite, this recipe delivers simplicity, flavor, and comfort all in one pot. Give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes a go-to recipe in your kitchen!