Quick and Easy Pho

Make flavorful Vietnamese pho at home in under an hour! This quick and easy pho recipe uses charred onion, ginger, and aromatic spices for a rich, comforting broth. Perfect for chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp customizable with fresh herbs, lime, and chili.

Ingredients

• 8 oz dried rice vermicelli noodles
• Desired protein: chicken, pork, steak, or raw shrimp* (see notes)
• 1 large yellow onion, quartered
• 2 (2-inch) pieces fresh ginger, unpeeled and halved lengthwise
• 6 cups broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable—depending on your protein)
• 2 cups water
• ¼ tsp ground coriander
• 1 whole clove (optional)
• 1½ tbsp fish sauce (or less, to taste)
• ¼ tsp hoisin sauce
• ¼ tsp soy sauce
• ¼ tsp red chili paste (such as sambal oelek)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For Garnish:

• 4 green onions, chopped
• 2 jalapeño or Thai red chili peppers, thinly sliced (seeds removed)
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 bunch Thai basil leaves
• 1 cup fresh bean sprouts
• 2 limes, cut into wedges
• Sriracha or extra chili paste (optional)

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Instructions

1. Char the aromatics:
Place a large dry pot over medium heat. Add the quartered onion and halved ginger pieces. Cook for about 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly charred for extra flavor.

2. Prepare the broth:
Add the broth, water, coriander, clove, fish sauce, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, chili paste, cinnamon stick, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes to develop rich flavor.

3. Cook the noodles:
While the broth simmers, cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cool water, and set aside.

4. Prep the garnishes:
Arrange the cilantro, basil, green onions, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sliced chilies in small bowls or on a serving platter for easy assembly.

5. Add the protein:
During the last 1–5 minutes of simmering, add your chosen protein directly into the broth.

• Thinly sliced chicken or pork: 2–3 minutes
• Shrimp or thinly sliced steak: 1–2 minutes
  Cook just until done to keep the meat tender.

6. Strain and assemble:
Remove and discard the onion, ginger, clove, and cinnamon stick from the broth. Divide the noodles among serving bowls, ladle hot broth and meat over top, and add your favorite garnishes. Serve immediately.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Quick and Easy Pho captures all the comforting, aromatic flavors of traditional Vietnamese pho—but in a fraction of the time. The charred onion and ginger deepen the broth’s flavor, while fresh herbs and lime brighten every bowl. It’s versatile, nourishing, and perfect for a cozy dinner or light lunch.

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Tips

• Char the aromatics: Don’t skip this step—it gives the broth its signature smoky flavor.
• Slice meat thinly: Use partially frozen meat for easier slicing.
• Adjust saltiness: Taste the broth before serving; add more fish sauce or soy sauce if needed.
• Use fresh herbs: Cilantro, basil, and lime balance the rich broth beautifully.
• Meal prep: Make the broth ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian pho: Use vegetable broth and omit the fish sauce; substitute soy sauce or mushroom sauce for umami.
• Spicy pho: Add more chili paste or sliced chilies to the broth.
• Gluten-free: Ensure your soy sauce and hoisin sauce are certified gluten-free.
• Different proteins: Try tofu, shredded rotisserie chicken, or leftover beef slices for quick versions.
• Extra flavor: Add star anise or cardamom pods for a deeper, more complex broth.

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FAQs

Can I make the broth ahead of time?
Yes! The broth actually tastes better the next day. Simply cool and refrigerate it overnight, then reheat before serving.

What type of noodles should I use?
Use thin rice vermicelli or rice stick noodles typically labeled “pho noodles.”

Can I use cooked meat instead of raw?
Definitely—just warm it in the broth for 1–2 minutes before serving.

My broth tastes bland—what can I add?
Try a bit more fish sauce, soy sauce, or a squeeze of lime juice to balance the flavor.

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Serving and Suggestions

Serve pho hot with a generous plate of garnishes so everyone can customize their bowl. Add fresh herbs, bean sprouts, chili slices, and a squeeze of lime right before eating. Pair with spring rolls, summer rolls, or a light Asian salad for a complete meal. For a cozy dinner night, serve with iced tea or jasmine green tea on the side.