Traditionally, pho is based on a broth made of long-simmered roasted beef bones, oxtails, browned onion and spices, or a lighter broth made with chicken bones. While nothing beats a homemade broth, you can make delicious pho by using a good-quality prepared unsalted stock and infusing it with aromatics followed by a 20-minute simmer.
Homemade Pho Broth Ingredients
1 star anise
½-inch piece of cinnamon stick
6 whole cloves
4 slices fresh ginger
4 garlic gloves
1 onion, cut into chunks
1 Tbsp. Sugar
½ tsp. black pepper
2 Tbsp. fish sauce
5 cups beef or chicken stock
Instructions
- Preheat your broiler or preheat your oven to 450 degrees. On a foil-lined sheet, cook the garlic, ginger, onion and spices until charred.
- Put into a pot with the remaining ingredients (except the fish sauce). Cover and let simmer for 20 minutes.
- Strain twice—ideally, pho broth is clear.
- Add the fish sauce. Let cool for later use or pour it back into the pot to stay hot while you prep the rest of the pho.
