Unlock the secret to making delicious beef pho using convenient spice packets just like in restaurants – Mytour

Beef pho is a Vietnamese specialty renowned worldwide. However, sticking to traditional recipes can be time-consuming and laborious, often with unsatisfying results. Understanding this, there are now numerous pre-packaged beef pho spice mixes available, allowing homemakers to whip up a steaming bowl in no time. Discover how to cook beef pho using pre-made spice packets for ultimate convenience, as suggested by Mytour!

Which type of pre-made beef pho spice packet should you choose?

Currently, there are many varieties of pre-made beef pho spice packets readily available for purchase at grocery stores and supermarkets. However, the abundance of options may leave homemakers feeling uncertain about which one is the most delicious. Below, Mytour will unveil the best and most popular beef pho spice mixes, easy to prepare and widely chosen today:

Image: Collected.

Ingredients to Refer

• 1 packet of Aji Quick pho seasoning
• 500g fresh pho noodles
• 400g rare beef
• 300g beef brisket/fatty beef
• 1 piece of ginger
• 1 onion
• Scallions
• Various condiments: fish sauce, sugar, salt, broth cubes…

How to Cook Beef Pho using Aji Quick Seasoning

Step 1: Preparing Ingredients

• After purchasing beef, wash it thoroughly with diluted salt water to remove impurities. Then, drain and slice thinly.
• For beef brisket or fatty beef, wash it well and blanch briefly in boiling water for a few minutes, then rinse with clean water.
• Peel and lightly bruise the ginger and onion in boiling water for 1-2 minutes to release aroma.
• Wash the scallions, cut the white part into 6-7 cm lengths, and finely chop the remaining part.

Step 2: Boiling Beef

• Place the blanched beef brisket into a pot with 2 liters of water and the roasted ginger and onion. When boiling, skim off any foam and avoid covering tightly to prevent cloudy broth.
• Once the beef is fully cooked, remove and marinate with 1 tablespoon of fish sauce and 1/2 teaspoon of MSG. Gently massage to evenly distribute the seasoning.
• Let the beef cool, then slice thinly. Avoid slicing too thickly.

Image: Sourced.

Step 3: Preparing Pho Broth

• Dissolve the Aji Quick seasoning packet in 1.5 liters of boiling beef broth (if the broth is insufficient, you can add more water). Stir well until the seasoning is fully dissolved.
• Once the broth is boiling, season to taste with fish sauce and other spices.

Step 4: Completion

Dhfood's broth seasoning package requires a tad more effort compared to Aji Quick's; you'll need to simmer the bones to make the broth.

Ingredients You'll Need

• 1 packet of Dhfood's pho seasoning
• 400 grams of beef bones
• 500 grams of fresh pho noodles
• 400 grams of rare beef
• 300 grams of beef brisket/fatty brisket
• 1 piece of ginger
• 1 onion
• Scallions
• Assorted seasonings: fish sauce, sugar, salt, broth mix…

Photo: collected

How to Cook Beef Pho with Dhfood Seasoning

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

• Rinse the beef bones thoroughly with diluted vinegar and drain. Quickly blanch the beef bones in boiling water for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a bowl of cold water and rinse them well.
• Wash the rare beef and thinly slice.
• Clean the cooked beef (brisket/fatty brisket), then blanch in boiling water to remove impurities.
• Peel and roast the onion and ginger until fragrant.
• Wash the scallions, cut the white part into 6-7 cm lengths, and finely chop the remaining part.
• Toast the cinnamon, star anise, coriander seeds, ginger, shallots, and peppercorns from the Dhfood seasoning pack for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Once cooled, place all the spices in a muslin bag.

Step 2: Simmering the Bones and Making the Broth

• Bring 5 liters of water to a boil, then add the bones to simmer with 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, ginger, roasted onions, and the spice bag you toasted earlier. Simmer over low heat for about 2-3 hours until the bone broth is flavorful.
• When it's halfway done, add the cooked beef (brisket/fatty brisket) to cook until tender. Keep the lid slightly open and skim off any foam regularly to keep the broth clear.
• Season with more fish sauce and broth mix for a richer broth.

Photo: collected

Step 3: Finishing Touches

• Soak the pho noodles in another pot of water. Then transfer to a bowl.
• Blanch the rare beef in the broth. Add the cooked beef. Top with scallions, then pour the broth over to enjoy.

Photo: sourced

4. Tips for Cooking Pho with Pre-made Seasoning Packets

Due to its time-saving advantage, pre-made pho seasoning packets are often preferred by busy homemakers. However, to ensure your broth matches restaurant quality, consider the following tips:

• If the pre-made seasoning packet contains herbs and spices, it's best to toast them before adding to the broth for a richer flavor and aroma.
• Use a muslin bag to contain the herbs and spices when simmering the bones.
• To enhance the flavor and sweetness of the broth, simmer beef or pork bones for at least 2-3 hours before adding the pre-made seasoning packet.

With the method of cooking beef pho using seasoning packets suggested by Mytour Blog above, homemakers no longer need to spend time yet can still enjoy a delicious bowl of pho. Let's get cooking for the whole family to enjoy!

Check out more delicious recipes: 

• How to Cook Southern Beef Pho
• 4 Ways to Cook Beef in Red Wine Sauce Using Seasoning Packets