Quick Pho with Aromatic Broth
A streamlined pho built on a fragrant, umami-rich broth that simmers for just 20 minutes. Top with fresh herbs, noodles, and your choice of thinly sliced protein for an impressive weeknight dinner.
- Total time
- 30 min
- Servings
- 4
- Calories
- 220
- Protein
- 8g
Ingredients
- 8 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 piece ginger, 2-inch piece
- ½ medium onion, halved
- 3 whole star anise
- 1 stick cinnamon stick
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 8 oz rice noodles, 8 oz
- 1 whole lime
- 1 cup, mixed fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, mint)
- 2 cups bean sprouts
Instructions
- 1
Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ginger and onion halves; char without moving, ~3 minutes per side until blackened edges form.
- 2
Pour in broth, star anise, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- 3
Simmer 15 minutes, partially covered. Broth will smell deeply aromatic. Stir in fish sauce and brown sugar.
- 4
Strain through a fine mesh sieve, pressing on solids to release flavor. Discard solids. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- 5
Boil rice noodles in a separate pot of salted water until tender, ~4 minutes. Drain and divide among four bowls.
- 6
Ladle hot broth over noodles. Top with bean sprouts, herbs, and squeeze of fresh lime. Serve immediately.
Tools you’ll need
- large pot with lid
- fine mesh strainer
- separate pot for noodles
- four serving bowls
- ladle
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