Description
A deeply aromatic and nourishing beef short rib pho with slow-simmered spiced broth, tender short ribs, silky rice noodles, and fresh herbs for a comforting, restaurant-quality bowl at home.
Ingredients
3 lbs English-cut beef short ribs
4 cups beef broth
10 cups water
1 yellow onion, halved
3-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced thick
1 cinnamon stick
1 tablespoon coriander seeds
4 whole star anise
8 whole cloves
2–4 tablespoons fish sauce (to taste)
¼ cup dark brown sugar
8 oz well-marbled beef sirloin, very thinly sliced
12 oz dried thin rice noodles
½ white onion, very thinly sliced
6 scallions, thinly sliced
1 cup chopped cilantro leaves and tender stems
1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
2 limes, cut into wedges
2 cups fresh bean sprouts
1 bunch Thai basil leaves
Hoisin sauce, for serving
Sriracha, for serving
Instructions
- Add short ribs, beef broth, water, onion, ginger, cinnamon stick, coriander seeds, star anise, and cloves to a large stockpot.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 3 hours, skimming the surface occasionally.
- Stir in fish sauce and brown sugar during the final 20 minutes, adjusting seasoning to taste.
- Remove short ribs and let cool slightly. Shred or slice the meat and discard bones.
- Strain the broth and return it to the pot, keeping it hot.
- Cook rice noodles according to package instructions and drain well.
- Divide noodles among bowls and top with shredded short rib and raw sirloin slices.
- Ladle hot broth over the bowls to cook the sirloin.
- Finish with onion, scallions, cilantro, jalapeño, bean sprouts, Thai basil, and lime.
- Serve immediately with hoisin sauce and sriracha on the side.
Notes
Broth flavor improves when made a day ahead.
Slice sirloin as thinly as possible so it cooks instantly.
Strain and skim broth well to keep it clear.
Store noodles separately from broth for best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
