Easy Pho Soup Recipe Just Like Your Favorite Restaurant
Introduction
Why This Recipe Works
Ingredients for Recipe
1 onion, halved – adds natural sweetness
2-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced – warm, aromatic depth
2 star anise pods – signature pho spice
1 cinnamon stick – enhances aroma
2 cloves – adds warmth and balance
1 tbsp soy sauce or fish sauce – for umami richness
½ tbsp sugar – balances savory flavors
Salt – to taste
For the Bowl:
Sliced chili & green onions – for garnish
200g rice noodles (pho noodles) – cooked per package instructions
250g thinly sliced beef, chicken, or tofu – your protein choice
1 cup bean sprouts – for crunch
Fresh basil, cilantro, mint – classic pho herbs
Lime wedges – for zest and freshness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Broth:
In a large pot, dry-roast onion, ginger, star anise, cinnamon, and cloves for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Add broth, soy or fish sauce, sugar, and salt. Simmer for 20 minutes to infuse the flavors, then strain the broth for a clear base. - Cook the Noodles:
Prepare the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and divide into serving bowls. - Prepare the Protein:
If using beef, slice thinly; if chicken, shred cooked pieces; tofu can be lightly pan-fried for texture. - Assemble the Pho:
Place noodles in bowls, top with protein, and ladle hot broth over them. The hot broth will gently cook the beef slices instantly. - Garnish & Serve:
Add bean sprouts, fresh herbs, lime juice, and chili slices. Serve steaming hot and enjoy the rich, aromatic experience.
Chef’s Insight:The secret to a great pho lies in layering flavors—each spice and herb should shine without overpowering. Always roast the aromatics before simmering to enhance their depth. A clear, shimmering broth is a mark of well-prepared pho, so simmer gently and avoid vigorous boiling.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t Skip the Roasting Step: It intensifies the broth’s aroma.
Use Fresh Herbs: Basil and cilantro bring signature freshness.
Avoid Overcooking Noodles: They should remain slightly firm.
Taste & Adjust: Balance saltiness and sweetness to your liking before serving.
Serving, Nutrition, Storage, Reheating & Freezing
Serving: Serve hot with extra lime wedges, hoisin sauce, and sriracha on the side.
Nutrition (per bowl ~400 ml): ~310 calories | 24 g protein | 35 g carbs | 8 g fat
Storage: Refrigerate broth separately for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm broth gently; add noodles and toppings just before serving.
Freezing: Freeze the strained broth (without noodles) for up to 2 months.
Easy Pho Soup Recipe Just Like Your Favorite Restaurant
Course: Healthy Soups4
servings15
minutes25
minutes310
kcalThis Easy Pho Soup Recipe brings the rich, aromatic flavors of your favorite Vietnamese restaurant right to your kitchen. Made with a fragrant broth, tender noodles, and thinly sliced beef or chicken, it’s a perfect balance of comfort and freshness. Ready in under 40 minutes, this homemade pho is light, nourishing, and full of authentic flavor—ideal for cozy dinners or soothing meals any day of the week.
Ingredients
6 cups beef or chicken broth – the flavorful base
1 onion, halved – adds natural sweetness
2-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced – warm, aromatic depth
2 star anise pods – signature pho spice
1 cinnamon stick – enhances aroma
2 cloves – adds warmth and balance
1 tbsp soy sauce or fish sauce – for umami richness
½ tbsp sugar – balances savory flavors
Salt – to taste
For the Bowl:
200g rice noodles (pho noodles) – cooked per package instructions
250g thinly sliced beef, chicken, or tofu – your protein choice
1 cup bean sprouts – for crunch
Fresh basil, cilantro, mint – classic pho herbs
Lime wedges – for zest and freshness
Sliced chili & green onions – for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the Broth:In a large pot, dry-roast onion, ginger, star anise, cinnamon, and cloves for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Add broth, soy or fish sauce, sugar, and salt. Simmer for 20 minutes to infuse the flavors, then strain the broth for a clear base.
- Cook the Noodles:Prepare the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and divide into serving bowls.
- Prepare the Protein:If using beef, slice thinly; if chicken, shred cooked pieces; tofu can be lightly pan-fried for texture.
- Assemble the Pho:Place noodles in bowls, top with protein, and ladle hot broth over them. The hot broth will gently cook the beef slices instantly.
- Garnish & Serve:Add bean sprouts, fresh herbs, lime juice, and chili slices. Serve steaming hot and enjoy the rich, aromatic experience.
Notes
- Experience the comforting taste of authentic Vietnamese pho made right at home—rich broth, soft noodles, and tender meat in every spoonful.
- This easy pho soup recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort, combining aromatic spices, herbs, and a deeply savory broth.
- Light, flavorful, and perfectly balanced—this homemade pho brings warmth and freshness to your table in under 40 minutes.
- A soothing bowl of homemade pho with fragrant spices, rice noodles, and fresh herbs—simple, nourishing, and irresistibly delicious.
FAQs
This Easy Pho Soup Recipe brings the soul of Vietnamese cuisine to your kitchen—rich, aromatic, and deeply comforting. Whether you’re craving the warmth of classic pho or impressing guests with a homemade twist, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in every spoonful—simple, satisfying, and undeniably delicious.
