Unveil the secret recipe for crafting a fragrant and delightful rare beef pho at home – Mytour's culinary gem.

Rare beef pho – a dish intimately familiar to every Vietnamese, a nostalgic memory wherever one goes. Now, you can effortlessly whip up this dish for your cherished family with a surprisingly simple recipe. Let's join hands with Mytour and embark on this culinary adventure right away. 

1. Introduction to rare beef pho

Rare beef pho, a traditional dish deeply embedded in the hearts of Hanoi residents. A bowl of substantial rice noodles in delectable broth, with tender beef, spices, and fresh herbs creating a blend of warmth and fragrance. Pho can be enjoyed at any time of the day – perfect for casual dining, main meals, or breakfast. The convenience and enticing flavor make this unique dish a must-try for not only the locals but also anyone visiting.

For those far away longing for the taste of Hanoi rare beef pho or those eager to prepare it for the whole family, check out Mytour's shared recipe below. A simple recipe with easily accessible ingredients is sure to provide you with an impressive meal.

Photo: Collection

2. How to cook delicious and authentic rare beef pho

How can you make a bowl of fragrant and delicious rare beef pho, rich in flavor just like in the restaurants? Let's jot down the recipe and secrets below.

Photo: @theresas_kitchen

1.1. Prepare the ingredients

• High-quality beef: 400g
• Pho noodles: 700g
• Beef bones: 700g
• Onions: 2 bulbs
• Shallots: 5 bulbs
• Pho seasoning pack: 1 pack
• Various herbs: star anise, cinnamon, coriander seeds, cardamom, cloves
• Fresh ginger: 1 bulb
• Scallions, cilantro
• Assorted spices
• Essential cooking tools

Photo: Collection

1.2. Steps to Prepare Authentic Rare Beef Pho

Step 1: Prep and Clean the Ingredients

After purchasing beef bones and meat, clean them with diluted saltwater to remove any unpleasant odor. Then, rinse them with clean water and let them drain.

Slice the beef into thin, bite-sized pieces and season it with a bit of spice to enhance its sweetness and richness when eaten.

Photo: @matyasmichael

Peel the shallots, onions, and ginger, then roast them on the stove. Be cautious not to use too high heat, as the outer skin may burn without evenly cooking the inside. For scallions and herbs, discard yellowed leaves, clean, and finely chop. Cut the root parts into long segments.

Step 2: Prepare the Broth

After cleaning the beef bones, place them in a large pot. Blanch the bones once in boiling water to remove impurities. Then, fill the pot with clean water, submerge the bones, and simmer for approximately 45-60 minutes. During the simmering process, regularly skim off any foam to ensure a clear broth.

Photo: Collection

Next, heat the pan and toast the various herbs—coriander seeds, star anise, and cinnamon. Stir until the ingredients release a fragrant aroma, then turn off the heat. Transfer them to a small cloth bag and tie the mouth tightly.

Add the pre-prepared herb bag and the pho seasoning pack to the broth, then simmer for an additional 30-45 minutes. Finally, season the broth to taste with a bit more spice.

1.3. Finished Product

Beside the broth pot, prepare another pot of boiling water for blanching the pho noodles. Blanch the noodles in boiling water and transfer to a large bowl. Subsequently, blanch the beef until it turns pink, then remove and place on top of the pho noodles. Adjust the beef doneness based on personal preference.

Photo: @phuongmaris_

Arrange the herbs, cilantro, and thinly sliced onions on top. Finally, ladle steaming broth over the noodles. There you have it, a delicious bowl of rare beef pho. Optionally, add a squeeze of fresh lime and some chili for extra allure.

2. Simple Boneless Rare Beef Pho Recipe

If you want to make pho but don't want to spend too much time simmering bones, let's get started with a simple boneless pho recipe right now.

Photo: Collection

2.1. Prepare the Ingredients

• Quality beef sirloin: 400g
• Beef meatballs: 300g
• Pho noodles: 700g
• Ginger: 1 bulb
• Onions: 2 bulbs
• Pho seasoning balls
• Fresh tomatoes, scallions
• Assorted spices
• Essential cooking tools

Photo: Collection

2.2. Easy Homemade Boneless Rare Beef Pho Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

After purchasing beef, clean it with diluted saltwater and ginger to reduce odor and contaminants. Drain the water, slice the beef into thin pieces, and season it for richness. For the beef meatballs, clean them and let them drain.

Photo: Collection

Next, prep ingredients like tomatoes, scallions, and cilantro by cleaning and finely chopping. Cut the root parts into segments, and thinly slice peeled onions.

Step 2: Prepare the Broth

After prepping the ingredients, boil water with pho seasoning balls. For a flavorful broth, use the recommended amount of water as stated on the packaging. Additionally, add a bit of ginger for enhanced aroma. Once boiling, reduce heat and add tomatoes for a visually appealing broth.

• Explore more: Guide to Making Delicious Lime-Flavored Rare Beef Salad

Photo: Collection

Once the pho seasoning balls have fully dissolved, and the broth emanates an enticing aroma, taste and adjust the seasoning to match your family's preferences, then turn off the heat.

2.3. Finished Product

Beside the previously prepared broth pot, ready another pot of boiling water for blanching the pho noodles. Once boiling, blanch the pho noodles and pour into a bowl. For the beef, blanch in boiling water until it turns pink, then pour it over the pho noodles. Adjust the beef color based on personal preference.

Photo: Collection

Next, arrange beef meatballs, thinly sliced onions, and cilantro on top. Finally, ladle steaming hot broth over the pho noodles. Now you have a steaming hot and flavorful bowl of beef pho. Don't forget to add a bit of fresh lime and chili for extra allure.

3. Tips to Make Rare Beef Pho Even More Flavorful

• When simmering beef bones for broth, discard the first boil. During simmering, skim off foam regularly to ensure a fragrant and clear broth.
• When blanching pho noodles, do it in boiling water to eliminate the noodle's odor. Drain the noodles thoroughly before placing them in a bowl to prevent dilution of the broth.

Photo: Collection

• Choose sirloin for the beef; it's tender and lean, requiring only a quick blanch. Tenderize the beef before slicing for a softer and more flavorful texture.
• Enhance the broth by adding sugarcane or white radish during simmering. These ingredients naturally sweeten the broth.

Here are two delicious and straightforward recipes for rare beef pho that you can easily master at home. With these tips, you can confidently prepare a fragrant bowl of rare beef pho for your family. The Mytour Blog wishes you success with these rare beef pho recipes.

Explore more:

• Learn to cook Hanoi-style beef pho
• Easy recipe for making beef balls