Bone Broth Pho

Bone Broth Pho

Aromatic Vietnamese pho with star anise bone broth and fresh herbs.

• Meal Type: Lunch
• Dietary: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free
• Main Ingredient: Bone Broth
• Servings: 2
• Cost per Serving: $10.50
• Prep Time: 35 min

Ingredients

Pho Bowl

• 200g rice noodles (flat, medium width)
• 150g beef sirloin or eye of round, very thinly sliced (partially frozen for easier slicing)
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• Fresh Thai basil leaves
• Fresh cilantro leaves
• 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
• 1 jalapeño or bird's eye chili, thinly sliced
• Lime wedges for serving
• Hoisin sauce and sriracha for serving (optional)

From-Scratch Pho Broth

• 4 cups beef bone broth
• 3 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 whole cloves
• 1 tsp coriander seeds
• 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced and charred
• 1 medium onion, halved and charred
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tsp coconut sugar or honey
• Salt to taste

Instructions

Build the Pho Broth

1. Toast star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and coriander seeds in a dry pot over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Char ginger and onion halves directly over a gas flame or under a broiler until lightly blackened.
3. Add bone broth, toasted spices, charred ginger, and onion to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add fish sauce and coconut sugar. Simmer for 20–25 minutes. Strain through a fine sieve. Adjust seasoning.

Prepare the Noodles

1. Soak rice noodles in cold water for 20 minutes, then cook in boiling water for 1–2 minutes until just tender. Drain and divide between two deep bowls.

Assemble the Pho

1. Arrange raw beef slices over the noodles in each bowl.
2. Ladle boiling hot broth over the beef — the heat will cook the thin slices instantly.
3. Top with bean sprouts, Thai basil, cilantro, spring onions, and chili slices.
4. Serve with lime wedges, hoisin, and sriracha on the side.

Nutrition Notes

Bone broth is rich in collagen, gelatin, and minerals. This pho is dairy-free and gluten-free when using rice noodles and gluten-free fish sauce. The from-scratch aromatic broth is built with whole spices — no MSG or artificial flavoring.