Imagine bringing the vibrant streets of Vietnam right into your kitchen with a steaming bowl of Quick Beef Stovetop Pho that will make your taste buds dance! This isn't just another soup recipe – it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience. In just 35 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that's bursting with aromatic spices, tender beef, and fresh herbs that will transport you straight to the bustling food markets of Hanoi.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 piece ginger, sliced
- 2 star anise
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- Rice noodles
- Fresh herbs (basil, cilantro)
- Lime wedges
- Bean sprouts
Instructions
- Prepare the beef by thinly slicing the sirloin against the grain. Place the slices on a plate and refrigerate while preparing other ingredients.
- In a large pot, dry toast the star anise and sliced ginger over medium heat for 1-2 minutes to release their aromatic oils.
- Add sliced onions to the pot and continue to dry roast until they become slightly fragrant and start to soften.
- Pour beef broth into the pot, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Add fish sauce and let the broth develop flavors for about 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare rice noodles according to package instructions, typically by soaking in hot water for 3-4 minutes until they become tender but still slightly firm.
- Strain the broth to remove onions, ginger, and star anise, ensuring a clear and flavorful base.
- Arrange cooked rice noodles in serving bowls. Place the thinly sliced raw beef on top of the noodles.
- Pour the hot broth directly over the beef, which will gently cook the meat to a perfect medium-rare.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like basil and cilantro, bean sprouts, and serve with lime wedges on the side.
- Allow diners to customize their pho by adding additional herbs, sprouts, and squeezing fresh lime juice to taste.
Tips
- Slice the beef as thinly as possible – partially freezing the sirloin for 15-20 minutes can help you achieve those paper-thin cuts.
- For maximum flavor, take your time dry-roasting the star anise and ginger. This step releases deep, complex aromatics that are essential to authentic pho.
- Use the hottest broth possible when pouring over the raw beef slices to ensure a perfect medium-rare cook without toughening the meat.
- Fresh herbs are non-negotiable! Don't skimp on basil, cilantro, and bean sprouts – they add crucial freshness and texture.
- Allow each diner to customize their bowl with additional herbs and lime juice for a personalized pho experience.Pro Tip: For an even more intense flavor, consider making your own beef broth a day ahead, letting the flavors develop overnight for an truly extraordinary pho.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 80mg
