If you’ve ever craved a big, fragrant bowl of pho but thought it was too complex or time-consuming to make, this Quick & Easy Pho is your new go-to answer. Bursting with aromatic spices, silky noodles, tender beef, and fresh herbs, it captures all the comfort and flavor of traditional pho in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re new to Vietnamese cooking or a longtime fan, you’ll love how fast, rewarding, and delicious this recipe is. Let’s dive into this soul-warming Quick & Easy Pho adventure together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Quick & Easy Pho is how it balances simple pantry staples with luscious, authentic flavors. Each ingredient is chosen for its role in building that savory, aromatic broth, layered textures, and pops of color that make this dish so irresistible.
- Beef broth (6 cups): The essential savory base—go for low-sodium so you can tweak the seasoning to your liking.
- Fish sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds that unmistakable salty, umami depth—don’t skip, even if you use a light touch.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Boosts color and rounds out the salty notes.
- Cinnamon stick (1): Gives a gentle, sweet warmth that perfumes your broth.
- Star anise (2 whole): Key for that signature pho fragrance—these little stars go a long way.
- Ginger, fresh (1-inch piece, sliced): Lends a spicy, bright zing; no need to peel, just slice!
- Garlic (2 cloves, smashed): Adds mellow, savory backbone to the broth.
- Rice noodles (8 oz): These silky banh pho noodles soak up all that goodness—cook until just tender.
- Beef sirloin or flank steak (8 oz, thinly sliced): Classic pho magic: sliced paper-thin so it cooks instantly in your bowl.
- Bean sprouts (1 cup): For crunch and a fresh bite—add just before slurping.
- Fresh basil leaves (½ cup): Thai basil is best if you can find it, but any fresh basil adds an uplifting flavor.
- Fresh cilantro (½ cup): Sprinkled on top for herby brightness.
- Green onions (½ cup, sliced): For sharp, vibrant flavor and a splash of green.
- Lime (1, cut into wedges): Adds essential tang—give your bowl a squeeze right before eating.
- Small chili pepper (1, sliced, optional): For those who want to bring a little heat to the table.
- Hoisin sauce and sriracha (for serving): The classic duo—swirl into your bowl or dip your bites for extra oomph.
How to Make Quick & Easy Pho
Step 1: Infuse the Broth
Start by pouring your beef broth into a large pot and bringing it up to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Add in the fish sauce, soy sauce, cinnamon stick, star anise, sliced ginger, and smashed garlic. Let this aromatic mixture bubble away for 15 to 20 minutes—the spices and aromatics will magically turn everyday broth into the soul-soothing heart of your Quick & Easy Pho.
Step 2: Prepare the Noodles
While the broth works its alchemy, cook your rice noodles according to their package instructions. They only need a few minutes in boiling water, so keep an eye on them—overcooked noodles get gummy. Drain them well and set aside so they’re ready to fill your bowls.
Step 3: Slice the Beef
Be sure your beef is extremely thinly sliced—this helps it cook instantly when the hot broth hits it. If you’re starting with a larger cut, pop it in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm it up, then slice across the grain for the tenderness you crave in a good pho.
Step 4: Strain and Finish the Broth
Once the broth is deeply fragrant, strain out the cinnamon, star anise, ginger, and garlic bits. You want a clear, spiced broth—nothing to distract from all the goodness you’ll be piling into your bowl. Return the infused broth to the pot and keep it hot and ready.
Step 5: Assemble Your Quick & Easy Pho
To bring everything together, divide the noodles among four bowls and top each with your raw, thinly sliced beef. Ladle that piping hot broth over the beef—the heat will gently cook it right before your eyes. Now pile on all your favorite toppings: bean sprouts, basil, cilantro, green onions, lime, chili slices, and a generous squeeze of hoisin or sriracha if you like bold flavors.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Pho
Garnishes
The finishing touches are half the fun! Pho is all about building your own flavor adventure. Serve piles of fresh bean sprouts, tangy lime wedges, crisp basil, cilantro, and slivers of chili on the side so every diner can customize their bowl. A swirl of hoisin or sriracha, or both, adds rich sweetness and a spicy kick.
Side Dishes
Quick & Easy Pho shines even brighter when paired with classic Vietnamese sides. Think crispy spring rolls, a simple cucumber salad, or even a plate of fresh summer rolls for contrast. Each bite makes your meal feel like a cozy, DIY feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a memorable weeknight dinner or social gathering, set up a “pho bar.” Lay out the cooked noodles, beef, and all the garnishes in small bowls so everyone can assemble their own Quick & Easy Pho masterpiece. It’s interactive, fun, and guaranteed to wow your friends or family!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra broth or toppings, let them cool before storing in airtight containers. Keep the cooked noodles and sliced beef separate from the broth so nothing gets mushy or overcooked. Everything will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days.
Freezing
The spiced broth freezes beautifully! Pour it into containers (leaving a bit of space for expansion) and freeze for up to two months. Defrost in the fridge overnight, then reheat when you’re ready for a speedy bowl of homemade Quick & Easy Pho. Avoid freezing noodles or fresh garnishes—assemble those fresh each time for best texture.
Reheating
To relive your Quick & Easy Pho bliss, simply reheat the broth on the stovetop until it’s steaming hot. Warm the noodles briefly in boiling water, then assemble as before, letting the hot broth cook the beef anew. Add your garnishes just before serving for the signature pho crunch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken or another protein instead of beef?
Absolutely! Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or even thin slices of cooked tofu are fantastic substitutes, especially if you want a change or need to make it even faster. Just tuck the protein into your bowl before pouring over the hot broth.
What’s the best way to thinly slice beef for pho?
For paper-thin slices, freeze your beef for 10 to 15 minutes until firm—it makes slicing much easier. Use a sharp knife, and always cut against the grain for the most tender bite.
Can I make Quick & Easy Pho vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap in a rich vegetable broth, and use soy sauce for umami. Add mushrooms or tofu for body. The same fragrant spices will still create that authentic, comforting flavor profile.
How do I avoid overcooking the noodles?
Cook the noodles just until al dente and rinse them in cool water to stop the cooking process. Drain well, and only reheat briefly in boiling water when assembling the bowls if needed.
Is there a way to make the broth even richer?
For an extra-deep flavor, sauté the ginger and garlic in a touch of oil before simmering with the broth and spices. You can also simmer sliced onions or a beef marrow bone for an added boost if time allows.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Quick & Easy Pho wins you over just as quickly as it comes together in your kitchen. It’s a true weeknight hero—cozy, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Dive in, get creative with those fresh toppings, and enjoy every soul-soothing slurp!
Print
Quick & Easy Pho Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Quick & Easy Pho recipe is a simplified version of the classic Vietnamese noodle soup, perfect for a delicious and comforting meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Broth:
- 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 whole star anise
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger (sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (smashed)
Additional Ingredients:
- 8 oz rice noodles (banh pho or flat rice noodles)
- 8 oz thinly sliced beef sirloin or flank steak
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup fresh cilantro
- ½ cup sliced green onions
- 1 lime (cut into wedges)
- 1 small chili pepper (sliced, optional)
- hoisin sauce and sriracha (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring the beef broth to a simmer. Add fish sauce, soy sauce, cinnamon stick, star anise, ginger, and garlic. Let simmer for 15–20 minutes to infuse flavors.
- Meanwhile, cook the rice noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Thinly slice the beef against the grain.
- Strain the broth to remove solids and return the clear broth to the pot.
- To serve, divide the noodles among bowls and top with raw beef slices.
- Ladle the hot broth over the beef to cook it.
- Garnish with bean sprouts, basil, cilantro, green onions, lime wedges, and chili slices.
- Serve with hoisin sauce and sriracha on the side.
Notes
- For a quicker version, you can use pre-cooked beef or rotisserie chicken.
- Adjust seasoning with more fish sauce or lime to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
