Description

Making pho at home is a rewarding kitchen project that yields a deeply satisfying, clear amber broth. This authentic beef pho broth recipe provides a healthier, more flavorful experience than takeout, perfect for a family meal.

Ingredients

5 pounds beef marrow and knuckle bones, plus 1.1 pounds beef brisket or shank
2 large onions (about 14 oz), peeled and halved
4 inch piece ginger (about 100 g), unpeeled and sliced lengthwise
10–12 star anise pods
2 (3 inch) cinnamon sticks
12–15 whole cloves
6–8 green cardamom pods
1 tablespoon coriander seeds
6.3 quarts filtered water
2 tablespoons rock sugar
0.25 cup fish sauce
1.5 teaspoons fine sea salt, plus more to taste

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Instructions

Prepare Bones: Place bones in a large pot, cover with cold water. Boil for 10 minutes on high heat, then drain, rinse thoroughly, and clean the pot for clear broth.
Char Aromatics: Char onion halves and ginger slices on a gas burner or broiler until deeply browned and smoky. Lightly char star anise over a flame until fragrant, avoiding burns.
Toast Spices: In a dry pan, toast cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom pods, and coriander seeds over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Do not burn.
Simmer Broth: Return cleaned bones, charred aromatics, and toasted spices to a large stockpot. Add 6.3 quarts filtered water. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce to low heat and cook.
Skim and Strain Broth: Skim foam that rises during the first hour. Simmer uncovered for 4-8 hours. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding solids.
Season Broth: Return the clear broth to the pot. Stir in rock sugar and fish sauce, seasoning to your taste.

Notes

For richer flavor, aim for a 6-8 hour simmer. A wide, shallow pot can help with evaporation for a more concentrated, flavorful broth. Avoid aggressive boiling, which can make the broth cloudy, and don’t skip the initial skimming step for a truly clear and beautiful broth. For dietary needs, consider low-sodium fish sauce. If you prefer a less sweet profile, reduce the rock sugar.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 480 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: Vietnamese

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups (about 360 mL)
Calories: 40 calories
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 1400 mg
Fat: 2 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 2 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 5 mg