Pho 99-Style Classic Beef Pho

This version highlights the rich, aromatic essence of traditional pho using grass-fed beef and whole spices for an authentic, minimally processed approach.

↓ Jump to Recipe 0 cooked this Pin

Ingredients

  • 4 lbs organic grass-fed beef marrow bones
  • 5 quarts water
  • 2 large organic yellow onions, halved
  • 4-inch piece ginger root, smashed
  • 6 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 5 whole star anise
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 tbsp raw honey
  • 3 tbsp high-quality fish sauce
  • 1 tsp sea salt (to taste)
  • 1 lb grass-fed flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 lb organic rice noodles
  • 1 bunch scallions, chopped
  • 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
  • 1 handful fresh Thai basil leaves
  • 2 limes, cut into wedges

Clean swaps

How we upgrade the restaurant version with better ingredients.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links are affiliate links — if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Shop the clean pantry

Reorder the shelf-stable staples for this recipe.

What you'll need

Instructions

  1. Char halved onions and smashed ginger under the broiler until lightly blackened.
  2. In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat avocado oil over medium heat. Sauté star anise, cinnamon sticks, and cloves for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add beef bones, water, charred vegetables, garlic, and salt to the pot.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for at least 3 hours, skimming foam as it rises.
  5. Strain broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot, discarding solids. Stir in the honey and fish sauce; taste and adjust salt.
  6. While broth simmers, cook organic rice noodles per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  7. Add thinly sliced flank steak to simmering broth. Cook for 2-3 minutes until just done.
  8. Assemble bowls with noodles, meat, scallions, cilantro, and basil. Ladle hot broth over, and serve with lime wedges.

FAQ

Can I substitute the beef with a plant-based alternative?

Yes, use a plant-based beef substitute for a vegetarian version.

What if I don't have star anise?

Replace with 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon and 1/2 tsp ground cloves for similar flavor.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, simmer on low for 6-8 hours after boiling the bones.

Also try

Cooked it?

Tap to add it to the count of cooks who made this.