Oxtail pho fills the air with the soothing aroma of caramelized onions and star anise, as tender, fall off the bone oxtails rest in a broth slowly simmered to rich, golden depth. Each spoonful carries gentle warmth from fresh ginger and a touch of sweetness from rock sugar, perfectly balanced by deep, beefy flavor in every sip. Finished with silky rice noodles, fragrant Thai basil, crisp bean sprouts, and a bright squeeze of lime, this classic Vietnamese soup delivers comfort and joy in every bowl. Whether enjoyed on a quiet weeknight or shared during a weekend gathering, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into a truly memorable experience.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This oxtail pho
- Experience the deep, rich flavors of slow-cooked oxtail.
- Enjoy a comforting bowl that warms your soul on chilly days.
- Delight in the aromatic spices that transport you to Vietnam.
- Customize your bowl with fresh herbs and toppings for a personal touch.
oxtail pho
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Char onion and ginger. Place onion and ginger under the broiler. Char them until they are blackened. This adds a smoky flavor to your broth.
- Step 2: Toast spices. In a large pot, toast star anise, cloves, cinnamon, coriander, fennel, and peppercorns. Stir until fragrant. This will awaken the spices and enhance the broth.
- Step 3: Simmer oxtails. Add oxtails, charred onion and ginger, salt, sugar, and beef broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Let it simmer for 3 hours until the oxtails are tender.
- Step 4: Strain broth. Remove the oxtails from the pot. Strain the broth to remove solids. Skim off any fat and return the liquid to the pot. This ensures a clear and rich broth.
- Step 5: Shred oxtail meat. Shred the meat from the oxtails. Return the shredded meat to the broth. This adds heartiness to your pho.
- Step 6: Cook rice noodles. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Make sure they are al dente for the best texture.
- Step 7: Assemble bowls. Divide the cooked noodles among bowls. Ladle the hot broth and meat over the noodles. This is where the magic happens!
- Step 8: Garnish and serve. Top with fresh basil, cilantro, mint, bean sprouts, jalapeño, lime wedges, hoisin, and sriracha as desired. Enjoy your delicious oxtail pho!
Notes
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 500 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbs | 50g |
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create a delicious and authentic oxtail pho.
- 4 lbs oxtail – main protein for the broth
- 1 large onion – halved, adds sweetness and depth
- 4-inch piece of ginger – sliced, for aromatic flavor
- 5 star anise – for a warm, licorice-like flavor
- 4 cloves – adds a sweet and slightly bitter taste
- 2 cinnamon sticks – to enhance warmth and sweetness
- 1 tsp coriander seeds – rounds out the spice profile
- 1 tsp fennel seeds – adds a subtle sweetness
- 1 tsp black peppercorns – for a slight heat
- 1 tbsp salt – to season the broth
- 1 tbsp sugar – balances the flavors
- 8 cups beef broth – base of the soup
- 8 oz rice noodles – for the hearty component
- fresh basil – for garnish and flavor
- cilantro – for garnish and freshness
- mint – adds a refreshing touch
- bean sprouts – for crunch
- lime wedges – for acidity and brightness
- sliced jalapeño – for a spicy kick
- hoisin sauce – for a hint of sweetness
- sriracha – for extra heat
How to Make oxtail pho
This delightful oxtail pho takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 3 hours to cook. Allow some extra time for the flavors to meld together, making it a perfect dish for a cozy evening.
Step 1: Char onion and ginger
Place onion and ginger under the broiler. Char them until they are blackened. This adds a smoky flavor to your broth.
Step 2: Toast spices
In a large pot, toast star anise, cloves, cinnamon, coriander, fennel, and peppercorns. Stir until fragrant. This will awaken the spices and enhance the broth.
Step 3: Simmer oxtails
Add oxtails, charred onion and ginger, salt, sugar, and beef broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Let it simmer for 3 hours until the oxtails are tender.
Step 4: Strain broth
Remove the oxtails from the pot. Strain the broth to remove solids. Skim off any fat and return the liquid to the pot. This ensures a clear and rich broth.
Step 5: Shred oxtail meat
Shred the meat from the oxtails. Return the shredded meat to the broth. This adds heartiness to your pho.
Step 6: Cook rice noodles
Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Make sure they are al dente for the best texture.
Step 7: Assemble bowls
Divide the cooked noodles among bowls. Ladle the hot broth and meat over the noodles. This is where the magic happens!
Step 8: Garnish and serve
Top with fresh basil, cilantro, mint, bean sprouts, jalapeño, lime wedges, hoisin, and sriracha as desired. Enjoy your delicious oxtail pho!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | Vietnamese |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 180 minutes |
| Extra Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 200 minutes |
| Dietary | Beef |
| Serves | 6 |
| Best Served | Hot with fresh garnishes |
Pro Tips for Making oxtail pho
- Choose well-marbled oxtail for richer flavor.
- Roast your spices for a deeper aroma.
- Simmer low and slow for tender meat and a flavorful broth.
- Use fresh herbs and lime for bright, zesty garnishes.
- Serve with a side of hoisin and sriracha for added depth.
How to Serve this oxtail pho
- Garnish with fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, and mint for a burst of flavor.
- Serve with lime wedges for a zesty kick.
- Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy touch.
- Pair with crispy spring rolls or banh mi for a complete meal.
- Offer hoisin sauce and sriracha on the side for dipping and drizzling.
- Enjoy with a side of bean sprouts for extra crunch.
- Serve in deep bowls to keep the broth warm and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your oxtail pho later is easy with these tips:
Storing oxtail pho Leftovers
- Let the pho cool to room temperature.
- Transfer to airtight containers.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Keep noodles separate to prevent sogginess.
Freezing oxtail pho
- Cool the pho completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Leave some space for expansion.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating oxtail pho
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat on the stove over medium heat.
- Add a splash of broth or water if needed.
- Heat until steaming, then serve with fresh herbs.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Is oxtail good for pho broth?
Absolutely! Oxtail is an excellent choice for pho broth because it is rich in collagen and flavor. When simmered for a long time, oxtail releases its natural gelatin, creating a beautifully rich and hearty broth that is perfect for this Vietnamese noodle soup. The depth of flavor from the oxtail enhances the overall taste of the pho, making it a favorite among many pho lovers.
2. What does oxtail pho taste like?
Oxtail pho has a unique and robust flavor profile. The broth is savory and slightly sweet, with a rich, meaty taste from the oxtail. The aromatic spices, such as star anise, cinnamon, and cloves, add warmth and complexity, while fresh herbs and lime juice provide a refreshing contrast. Overall, it’s a comforting and satisfying dish that warms the soul and delights the palate.
3. How long do oxtails take in pho?
Oxtails typically need to simmer for about 4 to 6 hours to extract all their flavors and achieve a tender texture. This slow cooking process allows the collagen to break down, resulting in a rich and velvety broth. It’s worth the wait, as the longer you simmer, the more flavorful your pho will be!
4. What is oxtail made of?
Oxtail is the culinary term for the tail of cattle. It consists of a bony structure surrounded by a significant amount of meat and connective tissue. When cooked, the meat becomes tender, and the bones release gelatin, which contributes to the richness of the broth. Oxtail is a popular ingredient in various cuisines around the world, known for its deep flavor and satisfying texture.
Final Thoughts
As you savor your homemade oxtail pho, let the rich flavors transport you to a bustling Vietnamese street market. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl! Enjoy the simplicity and satisfaction of creating something so delicious. Gather your loved ones, share a bowl, and relish the joy of good food together!