How do I recreate the pho restaurant experience?

Missing the cozy ambiance of a Pho restaurant? Learn how to recreate that authentic vibe at home and enjoy the same delicious flavors, right at your dining table. Pho-licious nostalgia!

You'll need

Items needed to answer the question, How do I recreate the Pho restaurant experience. Items include: beef bones onion ginger cinnamon sticks star anise cardamom pods cloves fennel seeds coriander seeds rock sugar fish sauce hoisin sauce rice noodles bean sprouts sliced beef lime wedges basil leaves cilantro leaves sliced jalapenos

beef bones 2-3 pounds
onion 1 large
ginger 3-inch piece
cinnamon sticks 2
star anise 3-4 pods
cardamom pods 3-4
cloves 3-4
fennel seeds 1 teaspoon
coriander seeds 1 teaspoon
rock sugar 1 tablespoon
fish sauce 2 tablespoons
hoisin sauce optional
rice noodles 8 ounces
bean sprouts
sliced beef
lime wedges
basil leaves
cilantro leaves
sliced jalapenos

Take note
Make sure to handle sharp knives and hot liquids with care.

1

Set the Mood: Create an Atmosphere

Dim the lights, light some candles, and play soft Vietnamese music in the background. Add some decorative lanterns or bamboo plants to complete the vibe.

2

Gather Your Ingredients

You'll need: beef bones (2-3 pounds), onion (1 large, peeled and halved), ginger (3-inch piece, peeled and halved), cinnamon sticks (2), star anise (3-4 pods), cardamom pods (3-4), cloves (3-4), fennel seeds (1 teaspoon), coriander seeds (1 teaspoon), rock sugar (1 tablespoon), fish sauce (2 tablespoons), hoisin sauce (optional), rice noodles (8 ounces), bean sprouts, sliced beef (thinly sliced eye of round or sirloin), lime wedges, basil leaves, cilantro leaves, and sliced jalapenos.

3

Simmer the Broth

In a large pot, add the beef bones, onion, ginger, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cardamom pods, cloves, fennel seeds, coriander seeds, and rock sugar. Fill with water until bones are covered. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 3-4 hours. Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface.

4

Prepare the Noodles and Toppings

Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Rinse under cold water and set aside. Prepare the bean sprouts, sliced beef, lime wedges, basil leaves, cilantro leaves, and sliced jalapenos.

5

Strain and Season the Broth

Using a fine-mesh strainer, strain the broth into a clean pot. Discard the solids. Season the broth with fish sauce and adjust the seasoning to taste.

6

Assemble Your Pho Bowls

In each bowl, place a portion of rice noodles. Top with sliced beef and bean sprouts. Ladle the hot broth over the ingredients. Serve with lime wedges, basil leaves, cilantro leaves, sliced jalapenos, and optional hoisin sauce.