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Super Pho

By Grandma Millie

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A bowl of Super Pho with rice noodles, sliced beef, and fresh garnishes.

Super pho wraps you in steamy comfort, filling the air with spices that dance around tender slices of beef in a rich, deeply flavored bone broth. Silky rice noodles soak up every note of star anise, cinnamon, and clove, while bright lime juice and apple cider vinegar take the place of wine for a clean, vibrant finish. Fresh bean sprouts, Thai basil, jalapeños, and a touch of charred ginger add playful texture and aroma. Each spoonful of this super pho invites warmth and smiles to the table, especially with a drizzle of chili oil for extra heat. Share this hearty bowl with loved ones and enjoy cozy moments together.

Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 30 mins
Total: 45 mins
Serves: 4 servings
Calories: 450

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Super Pho

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Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Calories: 450

Ingredients

  • 8 cups beef broth (rich and flavorful base)
  • 1 lb beef brisket (tender meat for the soup)
  • 1 lb rice noodles (perfect shape for slurping)
  • 1 whole onion (halved) (adds sweetness and depth)
  • 2 inches ginger (smashed) (aromatic spice for warmth)
  • 4 pieces star anise (distinctive flavor characteristic of pho)
  • 2 sticks cinnamon (warm and sweet undertone)
  • 4 cloves cloves (offers a hint of spiciness)
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce (umami flavor enhancer)
  • 1 tbsp sugar (balances the flavors)
  • to taste salt (adjust to your liking)
  • 1 cup bean sprouts (crunchy texture and freshness)
  • 1 bunch Thai basil (fragrant herb for garnish)
  • 1 bunch cilantro (fresh herb for added flavor)
  • 2 pieces lime wedges (tangy brightness to serve)
  • to taste sliced chili peppers (optional heat for spice lovers)

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot — For preparing the broth
  • 1 Broiler — For charring onion and ginger
  • 1 Colander — For draining the noodles

Method

  1. 1

    Step 1: Char the onion and ginger under the broiler until they are slightly blackened. This adds a smoky flavor to your broth.

  2. 2

    Step 2: In a large pot, combine beef broth, charred onion, ginger, star anise, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes.

  3. 3

    Step 3: While the broth simmers, blanch the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them well and set aside.

  4. 4

    Step 4: After 30 minutes, season the broth with fish sauce, sugar, and salt to taste. Adjust the flavors to your liking!

  5. 5

    Step 5: Thinly slice the beef brisket. Make sure the slices are nice and thin for quick cooking in the hot broth.

  6. 6

    Step 6: To serve, divide the noodles into bowls. Top each bowl with the sliced beef, then ladle the hot broth over everything.

  7. 7

    Step 7: Garnish with bean sprouts, Thai basil, cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced chili peppers. Dig in and enjoy your homemade Super Pho!

Notes

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories450
Fat15g
Protein30g
Carbs50g
Sugar5g
Sodium800mg

Why You’ll Love This super pho

  • It’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for any day.
  • Rich, aromatic broth that’s easy to make at home.
  • Customizable with your favorite veggies and herbs.
  • Healthy and satisfying, packed with nutrients.
  • A delightful way to impress family and friends!

Ingredients

A delicious bowl of Super Pho is just a few ingredients away! Gather these fresh components for an authentic Vietnamese experience.

Ingredients for Super Pho displayed on a kitchen table.
  • 8 cups beef broth – rich and flavorful base
  • 1 lb beef brisket – tender meat for the soup
  • 1 lb rice noodles – perfect shape for slurping
  • 1 onion (halved) – adds sweetness and depth
  • 2-inch piece ginger (smashed) – aromatic spice for warmth
  • 4 star anise – distinctive flavor characteristic of pho
  • 2 cinnamon sticks – warm and sweet undertone
  • 4 cloves – offers a hint of spiciness
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce – umami flavor enhancer
  • 1 tbsp sugar – balances the flavors
  • salt to taste – adjust to your liking
  • bean sprouts – crunchy texture and freshness
  • Thai basil – fragrant herb for garnish
  • cilantro – fresh herb for added flavor
  • lime wedges – tangy brightness to serve
  • sliced chili peppers – optional heat for spice lovers

How to Make Super Pho

Get ready to dive into a bowl of deliciousness! This Super Pho recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook. You’ll have a warm, flavorful meal ready in no time!

Visual representation of super pho preparation, showcasing charred ingredients, simmering broth, blanched noodles, and a beautifully presented bowl of super pho.

Step 1: Char Onion and Ginger

Char the onion and ginger under the broiler until they are slightly blackened. This adds a smoky flavor to your broth.

Step 2: Prepare the Broth

In a large pot, combine beef broth, charred onion, ginger, star anise, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Blanch the Noodles

While the broth simmers, blanch the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them well and set aside.

Step 4: Season the Broth

After 30 minutes, season the broth with fish sauce, sugar, and salt to taste. Adjust the flavors to your liking!

Step 5: Slice the Beef

Thinly slice the beef brisket. Make sure the slices are nice and thin for quick cooking in the hot broth.

Step 6: Assemble the Bowls

To serve, divide the noodles into bowls. Top each bowl with the sliced beef, then ladle the hot broth over everything.

Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy!

Garnish with bean sprouts, Thai basil, cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced chili peppers. Dig in and enjoy your homemade Super Pho!

Recipe Snapshot

FeatureDetails
CategoryMain Course
CuisineVietnamese
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Extra Time0 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
DietaryNot specified
Serves4
Best ServedHot and fresh with garnishes!

Pro Tips for Making super pho

  • Use high-quality beef bones for a rich, flavorful broth.
  • Toast your spices before adding them to enhance their aroma.
  • Simmer the broth for several hours to develop deep flavors.
  • Serve with fresh herbs and lime for a bright finish.
  • Customize your toppings for a personal touch—try bean sprouts or jalapeños!

How to Serve this super pho

  • Garnish with fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, and mint for a burst of flavor.
  • Serve with lime wedges for a zesty kick.
  • Add bean sprouts for a crunchy texture.
  • Pair with hoisin sauce and sriracha for a customizable spice level.
  • Enjoy with a side of crispy spring rolls for a delightful appetizer.
  • For a refreshing drink, serve with iced jasmine tea or coconut water.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing and enjoying your super pho later is easy and convenient:

Storing Leftovers

  • Allow the soup to cool to room temperature.
  • Transfer to an airtight container.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Keep noodles separate to maintain texture.

Freezing

  • Cool the soup completely before freezing.
  • Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
  • Leave space for expansion; seal tightly.
  • Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating

  • Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
  • Reheat on the stove over medium heat.
  • Add a splash of broth or water if too thick.
  • Heat until steaming, then serve with fresh toppings.

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Final Thoughts

Now that you have the recipe for Super Pho, it’s time to gather your ingredients and let the magic happen! This delightful bowl of beef noodle soup is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and share it with loved ones. Happy cooking!

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.

What is super pho?
Super pho is a delicious and hearty variation of the traditional Vietnamese noodle soup, pho. It typically features a rich, flavorful broth made from simmered beef bones, aromatic spices, and fresh herbs, combined with rice noodles and a variety of toppings. This dish is known for its depth of flavor and satisfying ingredients, making it a favorite among pho lovers.
How does super pho differ from regular pho?
Super pho differs from regular pho primarily in its richness and the variety of ingredients used. While traditional pho usually focuses on a simpler broth and fewer toppings, super pho often includes a mix of meats, such as brisket, meatballs, and sometimes even tripe, along with a more complex broth that is simmered longer for enhanced flavor. This makes super pho a more indulgent and filling meal.
What ingredients are commonly used in super pho?
Common ingredients in super pho include beef bones for the broth, rice noodles, various cuts of beef (like brisket and flank), fresh herbs (such as basil and cilantro), bean sprouts, lime, and spices like star anise and cinnamon. You can also add toppings like green onions and chili for extra flavor. The combination of these ingredients creates a rich and satisfying dish that is both comforting and delicious.
How can I make super pho at home?
Making super pho at home is easier than you might think! Start by simmering beef bones with water, onion, ginger, and spices to create a flavorful broth. Once the broth is ready, strain it and return it to the pot. Cook rice noodles separately, and then assemble your bowl with the noodles, sliced beef, and any additional toppings you like. Pour the hot broth over everything, and enjoy your homemade super pho!

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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