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Print / PDFSaigon Pho
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- Prep Time
- 20 mins
- Cook Time
- 30 mins
- soaking noodles
- 10 mins
- Total Time
- 1 hr
Ingredients
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1 lb thinly sliced beef (sirloin or flank)
- 1 large onion (halved)
- 4 inches piece ginger (smashed)
- 2 pods star anise
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 4 cloves cloves
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Fresh Thai basil
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced green onions
- Fresh bean sprouts
- Fresh lime wedges
- Sliced chili peppers
Equipment
- 1 Large pot — For simmering the broth
- 1 Broiler or open flame — For charring onion and ginger
Method
- 1
Char the onion and ginger under a broiler or on an open flame until lightly blackened. Rinse them under cold water to remove any burnt bits.
- 2
In a large pot, toast the star anise, cinnamon stick, and cloves over medium heat until fragrant. This will awaken those lovely aromas!
- 3
Add the beef broth, charred onion, and ginger to the pot. Bring it to a simmer, then add fish sauce, salt, and sugar. Let it simmer for 20–30 minutes to develop rich flavors.
- 4
Meanwhile, soak the rice noodles in hot water until they become pliable. Once ready, drain them well.
- 5
Quickly blanch the sliced beef in the simmering broth until just cooked. Remove the beef and set it aside.
- 6
Divide the soaked noodles among bowls and top each with the cooked beef slices.
- 7
Strain the hot broth into each bowl over the noodles and beef.
- 8
Garnish with Thai basil, cilantro, green onions, bean sprouts, lime, and chili. Serve with hoisin and sriracha on the side for that extra kick!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 10g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
Why You’ll Love This saigon pho
- Rich, aromatic broth that warms your soul.
- Fresh herbs and spices create a vibrant flavor explosion.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings for a personal touch.
- Perfect for sharing with family and friends on cozy nights.
- Easy to make at home, bringing a taste of Vietnam to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Here are the delicious ingredients you’ll need for an authentic Saigon Pho.

- 8 cups – beef broth
- 1 lb – rice noodles
- 1 lb – thinly sliced beef (sirloin or flank)
- 1 – onion (halved)
- 4-inch – piece ginger (smashed)
- 2 – star anise pods
- 1 – cinnamon stick
- 4 – cloves
- 1 tablespoon – fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon – salt
- 1 teaspoon – sugar
- Fresh – Thai basil
- Fresh – cilantro
- Sliced – green onions
- Fresh – bean sprouts
- Fresh – lime wedges
- Sliced – chili peppers
- Hoisin – sauce
- Sriracha – sauce
How to Make Saigon Pho
Get ready to dive into the delicious world of Saigon Pho! This authentic Vietnamese beef noodle soup is a delightful blend of flavors. With a preparation time of about 20 minutes, cooking time of 30 minutes, and a little extra time for soaking the noodles, you’ll be savoring this comforting dish in no time!

Step 1: Char the Onion and Ginger
Char the onion and ginger under a broiler or on an open flame until lightly blackened. Rinse them under cold water to remove any burnt bits.
Step 2: Toast the Spices
In a large pot, toast the star anise, cinnamon stick, and cloves over medium heat until fragrant. This will awaken those lovely aromas!
Step 3: Simmer the Broth
Add the beef broth, charred onion, and ginger to the pot. Bring it to a simmer, then add fish sauce, salt, and sugar. Let it simmer for 20–30 minutes to develop rich flavors.
Step 4: Soak the Noodles
Meanwhile, soak the rice noodles in hot water until they become pliable. Once ready, drain them well.
Step 5: Blanch the Beef
Quickly blanch the sliced beef in the simmering broth until just cooked. Remove the beef and set it aside.
Step 6: Assemble the Bowls
Divide the soaked noodles among bowls and top each with the cooked beef slices. It’s looking good already!
Step 7: Pour the Broth
Strain the hot broth into each bowl over the noodles and beef. This is where the magic happens!
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with Thai basil, cilantro, green onions, bean sprouts, lime, and chili. Serve with hoisin and sriracha on the side for that extra kick!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | Vietnamese |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Extra Time | 10 minutes (soaking noodles) |
| Total Time | 60 minutes |
| Dietary | High Protein |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Hot with fresh garnishes! |
Pro Tips for Making Saigon Pho
- Use high-quality beef bones for a rich, flavorful broth.
- Toast your spices before adding them to enhance their aroma.
- Let the broth simmer for several hours for maximum depth of flavor.
- Serve with fresh herbs and lime for a bright, zesty finish.
- Customize your toppings with bean sprouts and jalapeños for added crunch.
How to Serve this saigon pho
- Garnish with fresh basil, cilantro, and lime wedges for a burst of flavor.
- Serve with bean sprouts and sliced jalapeños for added crunch and heat.
- Pair with a side of hoisin sauce and sriracha for dipping and drizzling.
- Enjoy with a refreshing iced tea or coconut water to balance the spices.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your Saigon Pho later is easy with these tips:
Storing saigon pho Leftovers
- Allow the pho to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer to airtight containers.
- Store broth and noodles separately for best texture.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing saigon pho
- Cool the pho completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze broth and noodles separately.
- Label with date; use within 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating saigon pho
- Thaw frozen broth in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat broth on the stove until simmering.
- Cook noodles separately according to package instructions.
- Combine and serve with fresh herbs and lime.
Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.
Final Thoughts
As you savor your homemade Saigon Pho, let the warm, aromatic flavors transport you to the bustling streets of Vietnam. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that’s simple to create and oh-so-rewarding. So gather your loved ones, share a bowl, and enjoy the magic of this comforting soup together!
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.
What is Saigon pho and how does it differ from other pho varieties?
What ingredients are essential for authentic Saigon pho?
How is Saigon pho traditionally prepared and served?
Where can I find the best Saigon pho outside of Vietnam?
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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