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- Prep Time
- 30 mins
- Cook Time
- 4 hrs
- soaking noodles
- 30 mins
- Total Time
- 5 hrs
Ingredients
- 8 oz rice noodles (for the pho base)
- 2 lbs beef bones (for rich broth)
- 1 medium onion (charred for flavor)
- 4 inches ginger (sliced and charred)
- 2 pods star anise (adds aromatic spice)
- 4 whole cloves (for warm flavor)
- 1 stick cinnamon (enriching sweetness)
- 4 pods cardamom (opens up flavor)
- 2 tbsp fish sauce (umami boost)
- 1 tbsp sugar (balances flavors)
- to taste salt (essential seasoning)
- 8 oz thinly sliced beef sirloin (tender protein)
- 1 cup bean sprouts (for crunch)
- handful Thai basil (fresh herb)
- handful cilantro (for garnish)
- 2 scallions (sliced for topping)
- 2 lime wedges (for zest)
- to taste hoisin sauce (for dipping, sweet and savory)
- to taste sriracha (for heat, if desired)
- 1 cup jasmine rice (fluffy side)
Equipment
- 1 Rice Cooker — For cooking jasmine rice.
- 1 Large pot — For making the broth.
- 1 Broiler — For charring onion and ginger.
Method
- 1
Soak rice noodles in cold water for 30 minutes. This will soften them up nicely!
- 2
Rinse jasmine rice under cold water. Cook it in a rice cooker with the right amount of water until it’s tender and fluffy.
- 3
Char onion and ginger under a broiler until they’re nicely browned. Add them to a large pot with beef bones and 4 quarts of water.
- 4
Add star anise, cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom to the pot. Let it simmer for 3 to 4 hours to develop rich flavors.
- 5
Strain the broth and season it with fish sauce, sugar, and salt. Taste and adjust as needed!
- 6
Blanch the soaked rice noodles briefly in boiling water. Drain them and divide between bowls.
- 7
Thinly slice the beef and arrange it over the noodles. It’s looking good already!
- 8
Ladle the hot broth over the beef to cook it just right. Watch it sizzle!
- 9
Serve your pho with bean sprouts, basil, cilantro, scallions, lime, hoisin, and sriracha on the side. Customize it to your heart’s content!
- 10
Fluff the rice and serve it as a delightful side to your pho. Enjoy every bite!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbs | 50g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Sodium | 800mg |
Why You’ll Love This pho and rice
- Experience a comforting bowl of flavors that warms your soul.
- Enjoy a customizable dish that caters to your taste buds.
- Packed with fresh herbs and spices for a vibrant kick.
- Perfect for any occasion, from cozy dinners to festive gatherings.
- Easy to make at home, bringing restaurant-quality to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to create a delicious pho and rice dish at home!
- rice noodles – 8 oz, for the pho base
- jasmine rice – 1 cup, fluffy side
- beef bones – 2 lbs, for rich broth
- onion – 1 medium, charred for flavor
- ginger – 4 inches, sliced and charred
- star anise – 2 pods, adds aromatic spice
- cloves – 4 whole, for warm flavor
- cinnamon stick – 1, enriching sweetness
- cardamom pods – 4, opens up flavor
- fish sauce – 2 tbsp, umami boost
- sugar – 1 tbsp, balances flavors
- salt – to taste, essential seasoning
- thinly sliced beef sirloin – 8 oz, tender protein
- bean sprouts – 1 cup, for crunch
- Thai basil – handful, fresh herb
- cilantro – handful, for garnish
- scallions – 2, sliced for topping
- lime wedges – 2, for zest
- hoisin sauce – for dipping, sweet and savory
- sriracha – for heat, if desired
How to Make pho and rice
Get ready for a delightful culinary adventure! This recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time, 3 to 4 hours of cooking time, and a little extra time for soaking the noodles. Let’s dive in!
Step 1
Soak rice noodles in cold water for 30 minutes. This will soften them up nicely!
Step 2
Rinse jasmine rice under cold water. Cook it in a rice cooker with the right amount of water until it’s tender and fluffy.
Step 3
Char onion and ginger under a broiler until they’re nicely browned. Add them to a large pot with beef bones and 4 quarts of water.
Step 4
Add star anise, cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom to the pot. Let it simmer for 3 to 4 hours to develop rich flavors.
Step 5
Strain the broth and season it with fish sauce, sugar, and salt. Taste and adjust as needed!
Step 6
Blanch the soaked rice noodles briefly in boiling water. Drain them and divide between bowls.
Step 7
Thinly slice the beef and arrange it over the noodles. It’s looking good already!
Step 8
Ladle the hot broth over the beef to cook it just right. Watch it sizzle!
Step 9
Serve your pho with bean sprouts, basil, cilantro, scallions, lime, hoisin, and sriracha on the side. Customize it to your heart’s content!
Step 10
Fluff the rice and serve it as a delightful side to your pho. Enjoy every bite!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | Vietnamese |
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Cook Time | 240 minutes |
| Extra Time | 30 minutes (soaking noodles) |
| Total Time | 300 minutes |
| Dietary | High Protein |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Hot with fresh toppings! |
Pro Tips for Making pho and rice
- Use homemade broth for a richer flavor.
- Opt for jasmine rice for a fragrant touch.
- Fresh herbs like basil and cilantro elevate the dish.
- Let the broth simmer longer for deeper taste.
- Serve with lime wedges for a zesty kick.
How to Serve this pho and rice
- Top with fresh herbs like basil and cilantro for a burst of flavor.
- Add lime wedges for a zesty kick.
- Serve with a side of crispy spring rolls for extra crunch.
- Pair with a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the richness.
- Drizzle with hoisin and sriracha for a spicy-sweet finish.
- Enjoy with a side of pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast.
- Garnish with sliced jalapeños for those who love heat.
- Serve in a large bowl for a cozy, shareable experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing your pho and rice properly ensures delicious meals later!
Storing pho and rice Leftovers
- Allow the pho to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer to airtight containers for best freshness.
- Store rice separately to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking.
Freezing pho and rice
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Leave some space in containers for expansion.
- Label with date and contents for easy identification.
- Freeze within 3 days for optimal quality.
Reheating pho and rice
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat pho on the stove over medium heat, adding broth if needed.
- Microwave rice in short intervals, stirring in between.
- Ensure everything is heated to at least 165°F for safety.
Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.
Final Thoughts
As you dive into your homemade pho and rice, let the warm, aromatic flavors transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with laughter and love. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that’s simple to create and oh-so-rewarding. So grab your bowl, savor each bite, and enjoy the magic of cooking!
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.
Is pho traditionally served with rice?
Is pho healthy or unhealthy?
What are some common mistakes people make when eating pho?
Can I cook rice with pho broth?
Kitchen notes
Nutrition & sources
Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.
Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.
For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.
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