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Simplified Beef & Chicken Pho

A comforting and flavorful pho made with beef and chicken, perfect for any occasion.

clock-icon90 minutes
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Pixicook editorial team

A comforting and flavorful pho made with beef and chicken, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients for Simplified Beef & Chicken Pho

units in
USchevron
serves
4 peoplechevron

Star Anise Pods

each

Fennel Seeds

teaspoons

Cloves

each

Coriander Seeds

teaspoons

Beef Chuck, cut into rough 1-inch chunks, very cold

0 lb

Chicken Backs Or Wing Tips, roughly chopped into 1-inch pieces, very cold

0 lb

Low-Sodium Chicken Broth

quarts

Powdered Gelatin

0 oz

Vegetable Oil

tablespoons

Ginger, split lengthwise

0 oz

Medium Onions, split in half

each

Sugar

tablespoons

Flank Steak, divided into two pieces

0 lb

Pho Noodles, prepared according to package directions

0 servings

Basil

cups

Mint

cups

Bean sprouts, trimmed

cups

Scallions, sliced

cups

Onions, thinly sliced

cups

Thai Chilis, thinly sliced

cups

Limes, cut into 4 wedges

each

Hoisin Sauce

to taste

Sriracha

to taste

How to Make Simplified Beef & Chicken Pho

1. Prepare Spice Bundle

Gather the star anise, cinnamon stick, fennel seeds, cloves, and coriander seeds. Place them in a piece of cheesecloth and tie it securely with butcher’s twine.

2. Combine Meat and Egg White

Combine the beef chuck, chicken backs or wing tips, and egg white in a food processor. Pulse until you achieve a rough purée, about 15 pulses.

3. Bloom Gelatin

In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 2 cups of the chicken broth and set it aside to bloom.

4. Char Ginger and Onions

Heat the vegetable oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the split ginger and onions, and cook until well charred on both sides, about 5 minutes per side.

5. Add Broth and Ingredients

Pour the remaining chicken broth into the pot along with the charred onions and ginger. Add the spice bundle, fish sauce, sugar, the two pieces of flank steak, and the gelatin mixture. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

6. Cook and Skim Broth

Whisk the ground beef and chicken mixture into the simmering broth. Allow it to cook for about 30-45 minutes. Remove the cooked beef mixture, onions, ginger, spice packet, and flank steak using a slotted spoon or wire mesh spider. Discard solids and strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer.

7. Slice Flank Steak

While the broth is finishing, thinly slice both the cooked and raw flank steak against the grain.

8. Assemble Pho Bowls

Place the prepared pho noodles in each bowl. Top with slices of both cooked and raw flank steak. Pour the hot broth over the noodles and beef, and garnish with mixed herbs, bean sprouts, scallions, thinly sliced onions, and Thai chilis. Serve with lime wedges, hoisin sauce, and Sriracha on the side.

Variations

Vegetarian/Vegan Pho

Use a combination of vegetables and soy sauce or tamari for the broth.

Protein Variation

Try thinly sliced pork, shrimp, or tofu as alternatives to the traditional beef and chicken.

Seafood Pho

Create a seafood-based broth with fish bones or shrimp shells and add seafood when serving.

Vegetable Twist

Include bok choy, napa cabbage, broccolini, or add sweetness with bell peppers or carrots.

Roasted Aromatics

Char onions and ginger before adding them to the broth to deepen their flavors.

Pitfalls and tips

Broth Clarity

Parboil and rinse beef and chicken bones to achieve a clear and aromatic broth.

Seasoning the Broth

Gradually add fish sauce, taste as you go, and balance with a touch of sugar.

Simmering the Broth

Simmer low and slow for clear broth and well-extracted flavors; avoid vigorous boiling.

Correct Noodle Preparation

Cook rice noodles al dente and rinse under cold water to prevent clumping.

Toast Your Spices

Gently toasting spices like star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom to enhance the fragrance and depth of the broth.

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