Beef Phở Recipe
After trying this flavorful recipe, you may find that Beef Phở is the comfort food you’ve been missing in your life.
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If you aren’t sure what phở is, you aren’t alone. It’s only in recent years that it has become wildly popular in America. Phở is a soup that has evolved from its humble beginnings in northern Vietnam to become a beloved dish enjoyed worldwide. Pronounced “fuh,” it is made up of a broth, rice noodles, herbs, and typically beef or chicken. The broth, which includes ginger and spices like star anise and cloves, is the heart of this dish, offering a warm and satisfying taste experience.
The widespread appeal of phở can be attributed to several reasons. First, its comforting flavor profile makes it popular among a range of people. The blend of broth, tender meat, and fresh herbs creates a fulfilling culinary experience. Additionally, phở allows for customization. Cooks can personalize their bowls with toppings like lime, bean sprouts, hoisin sauce, and sriracha to suit their tastes.
Furthermore, the global popularity of phở aligns with the increasing interest in flavorsome cuisine. It is often considered a healthy choice due to its ingredients and relatively low calorie count. The cultural shift toward embracing heritage has also contributed significantly to this trend as more individuals seek authentic and adventurous dining experiences.
This recipe for beef phở includes traditional phở spices and tender flank steak. Phở is really one of the most wonderful things to learn to cook, so you can enjoy it with friends and family or on a cozy evening alone.
Is Beef Phở Healthy?
Beef phở is often praised for its health benefits, thanks to its nourishing ingredients. The lean beef in phở offers protein for muscle recovery and development, and essential iron for healthy blood cells that carry oxygen throughout your body. Phở also features an array of veggies and herbs like bean sprouts, cilantro and basil that supply vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber for wellness and improved digestion.
You can also adjust your beef phở to suit other diets. For vegans, use vegetable broth and no meat. Phở has no dairy, which makes it suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or dairy-free, too. The rice noodles used in phở are already gluten-free—a plus for those with sensitivities.
What is star anise?
Admittedly, I don’t often use star anise. I keep it on hand to make beef phở. The small amount that is used is absolutely essential to this dish. So, if you don’t have star anise, make sure you get some before you dive into this recipe. So, what is star anise? Star anise is a star-shaped spice from the fruit of an Asian tree native to southern China and Vietnam. It is recognizable for its star-like structure and strong, sweet, and licorice-like flavor. The spice is most commonly used in Asian cuisine, which is why we find it in beef phở.
Beyond its culinary uses, star anise is valued for its medicinal properties. It contains shikimic acid, a compound used to produce the antiviral drug Tamiflu, making it a significant ingredient in the pharmaceutical industry. Additionally, star anise has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, which contribute to its use in traditional medicine for treating ailments such as digestive issues and respiratory infections.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 large onion, halved and charred
- 4-inch piece of ginger, halved and charred
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3-star anise
- 4 cloves
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 8 cups beef stock
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces rice noodles
- Garnishes: fresh herbs (cilantro, basil), bean sprouts, lime wedges, sliced jalapeños, hoisin sauce, sriracha sauce
INSTRUCTIONS
Char
Prepare charred onion and ginger.
Simmer
Cook broth with spices for rich flavor.
Assemble
Layer noodles, and beef, and pour broth; garnish.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
How to Make Ahead and Store
Phở stores fabulously in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it in an airtight container for up to 6 months. It reheats nicely in a pot on the stove.
Can I skip any of the spices?
Beef phở does require quite a few spices, so you may not have everything on hand. The most essential ones are cinnamon, anise, ginger, and cloves. If you don’t have coriander, don’t fret. Although a nice addition, it isn’t always traditionally used in phở.
Serving Suggestions
When serving beef phở, sprinkle each bowl with herbs, such as cilantro, Thai basil, and green onions. Serve with bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sliced peppers on the side. Beef phở is an entire meal in a bowl so you don’t need much else. Simply enjoy the healthy medley of flavors! However, if you were looking for a side dish, try these tasty Spring Rolls.
For more Vietnamese-inspired dishes, take a look at this recipe for Bún Thịt Nướng Chả Giò (Pork Noodle Bowls) or this one for Bánh Mì Sandwiches.
Beef Phở Recipe
After trying this flavorful recipe, you may find that Beef Phở is the comfort food you have been missing in your life.
Servings 4 servings
Calories 379kcal
Ingredients
- 1 large onion halved and charred
- 4- inch piece of ginger halved and charred
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 star anise
- 4 cloves
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 8 cups beef stock
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 pound flank steak thinly sliced
- 8 ounces rice noodles
- Garnishes: fresh herbs cilantro, basil, bean sprouts, lime wedges, sliced jalapeños, hoisin sauce, sriracha sauce
Instructions
- Char the onion and ginger under the broiler for about 7 minutes, until slightly blackened.
- Toast the cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and coriander seeds in a dry pan until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- In a large pot, add the beef stock, charred onion, ginger, toasted spices, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 hours.
- Prepare rice noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
- Strain the broth to remove solids, return to the pot, and keep warm.
- Assemble the phở by placing noodles in bowls, topping with raw beef slices, and ladling hot broth over the top to cook the beef.
- Serve with a plate of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sliced jalapeños. Offer hoisin and sriracha sauce on the side.
Nutrition
Calories: 379kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 1440mg | Potassium: 1182mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 9IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 98mg | Iron: 3mg
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