Imagine a steaming bowl of aromatic broth, rich with the flavors of tender beef and fragrant spices, all crafted from scratch in the comfort of your own kitchen. Welcome to the world of Crock Pot Beef Pho, a Vietnamese classic that promises to transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of Hanoi. With just a little preparation and a slow-cooking magic, you can create a deeply satisfying meal that not only warms your soul but also impresses your family and friends. Ready to dive into this culinary adventure? Let’s get started!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef bones
- 1 onion, halved
- 1 ginger, sliced
- 4 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 cloves
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- Salt to taste
- Rice noodles
- Fresh herbs (basil, cilantro)
- Sliced beef (sirloin or brisket)
- Lime wedges
- Bean sprouts
Instructions
- Prepare the beef bones by rinsing thoroughly under cold water and patting dry with paper towels.
- Char the onion and ginger directly over an open flame or under the broiler until edges are blackened, about 5-7 minutes. This develops a deep, rich flavor for the broth.
- Place beef bones in the crock pot and add charred onion and ginger pieces.
- Add star anise, cinnamon stick, and cloves to the crock pot to infuse aromatic spices into the broth.
- Pour cold water into the crock pot, covering bones and spices by about 2 inches. Aim for approximately 8-10 cups of water.
- Set crock pot to low heat and cook for 6 hours, allowing bones to slowly release their rich flavors and create a deeply complex broth.
- After 6 hours, strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding solids and reserving the clear, flavorful liquid.
- Season the strained broth with fish sauce and salt, adjusting to taste.
- Prepare rice noodles according to package instructions, typically by soaking in hot water for 8-10 minutes until tender.
- Thinly slice raw beef sirloin or brisket against the grain for serving.
- To assemble, place cooked rice noodles in serving bowls, top with raw beef slices.
- Carefully pour hot broth over the beef, which will gently cook the meat.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like basil and cilantro, bean sprouts, and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Tips
- Choose Quality Bones: For the best flavor, opt for marrow bones or knuckle bones, as they add richness to the broth. Don’t hesitate to ask your butcher for the best cuts!
- Char for Depth: Don’t skip the charring step for the onion and ginger. This technique enhances the broth's complexity, giving it that authentic pho taste.
- Adjust the Spice: Feel free to tweak the amount of star anise and cinnamon based on your personal preference. If you love a hint of sweetness, add a little more star anise!
- Layer Your Ingredients: When assembling your pho, layer the noodles, raw beef, and broth carefully to ensure the meat cooks perfectly without becoming tough.
- Fresh Herbs are Key: Don’t skimp on the garnishes! Fresh basil, cilantro, and lime wedges are essential for elevating the flavors of your pho.
- Make it Your Own: Experiment with additional toppings like sliced jalapeños, hoisin sauce, or sriracha for a personalized touch that suits your taste.
- Plan Ahead: Since this recipe takes a bit of time, it’s perfect for meal prepping. Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
