Easy-Peasy Pho Recipe for Beginners 🍜

Hello, everyone! Craving a warm, aromatic bowl of Vietnamese pho? 😋 Today, I’m sharing a super simple pho recipe that even beginners can master in under 30 minutes. This Vietnamese noodle soup is packed with fresh flavors and comforting vibes, perfect for any season! 🌿 With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious, healthy meal ready in no time. Let’s dive into the kitchen and get started! ✨

✨ Ingredients for Simple Pho (Serves 1)

• Rice noodles: 100g (flat, dried pho noodles)
• Chicken breast or beef sirloin: 150g (thinly sliced)
• Chicken or beef broth: 500ml (store-bought or homemade)
• Ginger: 1 tsp (sliced or grated)
• Onion: 1/4 (thinly sliced)
• Fish sauce: 1 tbsp
• Soy sauce: 1 tsp
• Sugar: 1/2 tsp
• Star anise: 1 piece (optional for authentic flavor)
• Bean sprouts: 50g (a handful)
• Fresh herbs: Basil, cilantro, or mint (a small handful)
• Lime: 1/4 (for squeezing)
• Green onion: 1 tbsp (chopped)
• Chili (optional): 1/4, thinly sliced for heat
• Salt: 1/4 tsp
• Ice (optional): For quick-chilling sliced meat

Tip: No star anise? No worries! You can skip it or use a pinch of five-spice powder. Feel free to swap chicken for beef or tofu based on your preference. 😊

🥄 How to Make Simple Pho

1️⃣ Prep the Ingredients (5 minutes)

1. Rice noodles: Soak in warm water for 10 minutes (or follow package instructions). Drain and set aside.
2. Meat: Freeze chicken or beef for 15 minutes for easier slicing, then cut into thin strips. (Pro tip: Place in ice water to keep it fresh.)
3. Onion and ginger: Thinly slice the onion and ginger.
4. Herbs and bean sprouts: Rinse and set aside for garnish.

Time-Saving Tip: Prep the veggies while the noodles soak to cut down on time!

2️⃣ Cook the Broth (10 minutes)

1. In a pot, bring 500ml broth to a boil over medium heat.
2. Add ginger, onion, and star anise (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes to infuse flavors.
3. Stir in fish sauce (1 tbsp), soy sauce (1 tsp), sugar (1/2 tsp), and salt (1/4 tsp). Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Beginner Tip: Don’t overcook the broth—keep it light and fragrant for that authentic pho taste!

3️⃣ Cook the Noodles and Meat (5 minutes)

1. Add soaked rice noodles to the boiling broth and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft but not mushy.
2. Add thinly sliced meat to the broth and cook for 1–2 minutes until just done. (Beef can be added raw to the bowl for rare texture if preferred.)

4️⃣ Assemble the Pho (2 minutes)

1. Place cooked noodles and meat in a large bowl.
2. Pour hot broth over the noodles, ensuring everything is submerged.
3. Top with bean sprouts, fresh herbs, green onion, and chili (if using).
4. Squeeze lime over the bowl for a zesty kick.

Flavor Boost Tip: Add a dash of hoisin sauce or sriracha for extra depth!

🍽️ Serving & Enjoying

• Serve piping hot with chopsticks and a spoon, mixing the herbs and sprouts into the broth for maximum flavor. 😍
• Pair with a side of pickled veggies or a spring roll for a complete meal!
• Calories: Approx. 400–450kcal (depending on ingredients)

📌 Beginner Q&A

Q1: My broth tastes bland. What can I do?
Add an extra 1/2 tsp of fish sauce or a pinch of salt. A sprinkle of MSG (optional) can also enhance umami.

Q2: Can I use instant noodles instead?
Yes, but rice noodles give the authentic pho texture. If using instant noodles, skip the seasoning packet and cook briefly.

Q3: No fresh herbs? Any substitutes?
Dried herbs won’t work, but you can use extra green onions or skip the herbs for a simpler version.

This easy pho recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a healthy, flavorful meal without the fuss. 🌟 Even if you’re new to cooking, this recipe is foolproof and oh-so-rewarding! Share your pho creations with #PhoRecipe #EasyCooking, and let’s see those steaming bowls! 💚

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