Step 1: Prepare the broth
What you need:
·Premade phở base (paste or cubes)
·Water (follow package ratio, usually ~1–2 tbsp per liter)
·Optional upgrades (highly recommended):
·Onion (halved)
·Ginger (sliced or smashed)
·Fish sauce
·Sugar or rock sugar
Steps:
·Add fish sauce for salt/umami
·Add a pinch of sugar to balance
Step 2: Prepare protein
Options:
·Thin sliced raw beef (phở tái)
·Cooked brisket or flank
·Chicken (for phở gà)
Quick method:
·If using raw beef slice very thin, it cooks in the hot broth
·If using cooked meat slice and set aside
Step 3: Cook noodles
Steps:
Step 4: Assemble the bowl
In your bowl:
·Noodles first
·Add raw or cooked meat
·Pour boiling hot broth over (this cooks the beef)
Top with:
·Bean sprouts
·Thai basil
·Cilantro
·Green onions
·Lime wedges
·Jalapeños
Sauces (optional):
·Hoisin
·Sriracha
Pro tips (this is what makes it hit)
·Char the onion + ginger (pan or flame) before adding deeper flavor
·Add a splash of fish sauce at the end, not just at the start
·Keep broth HOT when pouring key for cooking raw beef properly
·Don’t overcook noodles—they get mushy fast