Name: Quick & Easy Pho Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 1 medium yellow onion, quartered, divided; 1 (14.5 oz) can low-sodium beef broth (1¾ cups); 1 (14.5 oz) can low-sodium chicken broth (1¾ cups); 2 cups water; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced (no need to peel); 1 cinnamon stick; 2 teaspoons sugar; 1 star anise pod; 4 whole cloves; 7 oz flat rice noodles; 8 oz very thinly sliced beef, such as flat iron or flank steak; Salt, to taste; ½ cup bean sprouts; ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves; Lime wedges, for serving; Hoisin sauce, for serving; Sriracha, for serving

Jump to Recipe·5 from 26 reviews

If you’ve ever craved the comforting warmth of Vietnamese street food but thought it too complex to make at home, get ready to be pleasantly surprised. This Quick & Easy Pho recipe brings the heart of traditional pho right to your kitchen in a simplified, delicious way. Bursting with fragrant spices, tender beef, and fresh herbs, every spoonful is a celebration of flavors that’s perfect for busy days or when you want a cozy meal without the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Quick & Easy Pho relies on a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create an incredibly flavorful broth with just the right balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic notes. Each element adds depth, texture, and freshness to keep this classic Vietnamese dish authentic and satisfying.

Medium yellow onion, quartered: Adds natural sweetness and richness to the broth as it simmers.
Low-sodium beef broth: Forms the hearty base of the soup without overpowering other flavors.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Lightens the broth while contributing savory depth.
Water: Balances and stretches the broth to the perfect consistency.
Fish sauce: Infuses the broth with authentic umami that defines pho.
Fresh ginger, thinly sliced: Adds a subtle spicy warmth and bright aroma.
Cinnamon stick: Brings cozy, sweet spice that lingers beautifully.
Sugar: Balances the savory broth and enhances spice flavors.
Star anise pod: Offers that unmistakable licorice-like scent essential to pho.
Whole cloves: Provide gentle warmth and complexity to the broth.
Flat rice noodles: Soft, slippery noodles are the perfect vehicle for the broth and toppings.
Thinly sliced beef (flat iron or flank steak): Quickly cooks in hot broth, keeping its tender texture.
Salt: Adjust seasoning to taste and enhance all the delicate flavors.
Bean sprouts: Add a crisp, fresh crunch that balances the rich broth.
Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped: Brighten the bowl with herbaceous notes.
Lime wedges: A squeeze adds refreshing acidity that wakes up every bite.
Hoisin sauce and sriracha: Provide customizable sweetness and heat at the table.

How to Make Quick & Easy Pho

Step 1: Build the Flavorful Broth

Start by slicing one quarter of the onion as thin as possible and set it aside for garnishing later. Then, in a large pot, combine the remaining three onion quarters, beef broth, chicken broth, water, fish sauce, ginger, cinnamon stick, sugar, star anise, and cloves. Bring everything to a boil before lowering the heat to medium-low and letting it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. This is where all the wonderful aromas will develop and meld, giving your pho a rich, complex base without hours of work.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice Noodles

While your broth simmers, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove the pot from heat and add the rice noodles, stirring frequently to keep them from sticking. Let them soak for 5 to 10 minutes until they are soft and pliable but not quite tender yet. Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process and keep their perfect texture until you’re ready to serve.

Step 3: Strain the Broth

Once your broth has simmered for 30 minutes, strain it over a large bowl using a fine mesh strainer to remove all the solids like spices and vegetables. You want a clear, fragrant broth for the purest pho experience. Pour this clear broth back into the pot and set it to boil again.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles and Beef

Add the soaked noodles to the boiling broth and cook for just 30 seconds to 1 minute until tender. Then, using tongs or a spider strainer, scoop the noodles out evenly into bowls. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and add the thin slices of beef to the broth. Let the beef cook in the hot broth for about a minute until it loses its pinkness but remains tender and juicy. Use a slotted spoon to divide the cooked beef among the bowls on top of the noodles.

Step 5: Finish and Season

Taste your broth and adjust with salt if needed to perfect the seasoning. Ladle the steaming hot broth over the noodles and beef. Top each bowl with the reserved thinly sliced onions, fresh bean sprouts, and chopped cilantro for that classic, fresh pho finish. Serve lime wedges along with hoisin sauce and sriracha so everyone can personalize their bowls just the way they like it.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Pho

Garnishes

The magic of pho truly shines in its garnishes. Crisp bean sprouts add a fresh crunch, while cilantro adds a bright herbaceous note that cuts through the rich broth. Thinly sliced raw onions add a touch of sharpness and texture, and a generous squeeze of lime adds vibrant acidity that lifts every spoonful. Don’t forget the hoisin for sweetness and sriracha for a spicy kick, both drizzled at the table to suit your mood.

Side Dishes

Pho pairs beautifully with sides that complement its warmth and flavor complexity. Fresh spring rolls with shrimp or vegetables make a light, crunchy contrast. Vietnamese pickled vegetables offer a tangy bite that refreshes the palate. If you want something heartier, try fried tofu or crispy egg rolls to add textural variety and keep the meal satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present Quick & Easy Pho

Elevate your pho experience by serving it in wide, shallow bowls that showcase its colorful garnishes beautifully. For dinner parties, set up a pho bar with all the garnishes and sauces so guests can customize their bowls exactly how they like. You can also experiment by adding toppings like sliced jalapeños, fresh basil, or even a soft boiled egg for extra richness and zing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover broth can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It actually deepens in flavor as it rests, so your pho will taste even more delicious the next day. Just keep the noodles and beef separate in the fridge to preserve their texture, and assemble fresh when ready to eat.

Freezing

The broth freezes beautifully and can be stored in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When it’s time to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or gently warm straight from frozen on the stove. This makes Quick & Easy Pho a perfect go-to meal to prep ahead for busy weeks.

Reheating

Reheat the broth over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer. Avoid boiling vigorously to preserve the delicate flavors. Cook fresh noodles and beef slices separately, then combine everything just before serving. This ensures each bowl is piping hot and fresh-tasting every time.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beef for this Quick & Easy Pho?

Absolutely! While flat iron or flank steak are ideal for their tenderness and thin slicing, you can also use sirloin or ribeye if you prefer. Just make sure to slice the beef as thin as possible to keep it tender and quick-cooking.

Is it necessary to soak the rice noodles instead of boiling them?

Soaking the noodles off-heat prevents them from becoming mushy and helps maintain their delicate texture once added to the hot broth. Boiling can sometimes overcook them, so this method ensures perfect chew every time.

Can I make this Quick & Easy Pho vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the beef and chicken broths with a rich vegetable broth and skip the beef slices. You can add tofu or mushrooms for protein, and load up on fresh herbs and vegetables to keep it flavorful and satisfying.

What is the best way to slice the beef thinly?

For the easiest slicing, partially freeze the beef for about 30 minutes beforehand. This firms it up, allowing you to make thin, even slices that cook quickly in the broth.

How spicy is this recipe?

The broth itself is mild and fragrant, allowing the heat level to be customized at the table with sriracha sauce. This way, everyone can enjoy their bowl exactly how they like it—mild or fiery.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been hesitant about making pho at home, this Quick & Easy Pho recipe will change your mind with its approachable method and amazing results. It’s the kind of recipe that feels special yet is simple enough to whip up any night of the week. So gather your ingredients, simmer that broth, and soon you’ll be enjoying bowls of steaming, fragrant pho that taste like a warm hug in every spoonful. Happy cooking!