13 Aromatic Pho Recipes for Soups
I still remember the intoxicating aroma of pho wafting through my grandmother’s kitchen in Hanoi during my childhood summers. The slow-simmered beef broth infused with star anise, cinnamon, and cloves would fill the air, drawing everyone to the table. Those bowls of steaming pho bo weren’t just meals—they were a ritual of warmth, family, and comfort that I’ve chased ever since moving abroad.
Lately, I’ve been experimenting in my own kitchen, tweaking traditional recipes to suit modern tastes and dietary needs. From vegan twists using hearty mushrooms to spicy seafood versions inspired by coastal Vietnam, these experiments have reignited my passion for pho’s endless versatility. In a world craving bold, soul-soothing flavors, pho stands out as the ultimate aromatic soup—therapeutic for the senses and nourishing for the body.
Classic Beef Pho (Pho Bo)
This timeless Vietnamese staple features thinly sliced beef in a deeply flavorful broth simmered for hours. Ingredients: 2 lbs beef bones, 1 onion, 3-inch ginger, 4 star anise, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 tsp cloves, 1 lb rice noodles, 8 oz beef sirloin (sliced thin), fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, mint), lime, hoisin, sriracha. Start by charring onion and ginger, then simmer bones with spices for 6-8 hours (or use Instant Pot for 2 hours). Strain broth, cook noodles, assemble with raw beef that cooks in hot broth. Benefits: Rich in collagen for joint health, anti-inflammatory spices aid digestion.
Chicken Pho (Pho Ga)
A lighter take on pho with tender chicken and a golden broth. Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken thighs/bones, 1 onion, ginger, 3 star anise, cinnamon, cardamom, rice noodles, chicken breast (shredded), scallions, cilantro, lime. Roast aromatics, simmer chicken with spices 1-2 hours, shred meat, strain broth. Boil noodles, top with chicken and herbs. Benefits: Lean protein boost, ginger for immunity, lower calories than beef version.
Vegetarian Tofu Pho
Plant-based perfection with crispy tofu and veggie-packed broth. Ingredients: 8 cups veggie broth, charred onion/ginger, star anise, cinnamon, 14 oz firm tofu (cubed and fried), rice noodles, bok choy, mushrooms, bean sprouts, herbs. Simmer broth with spices 45 mins, fry tofu golden, add veggies to bowls. Benefits: High in fiber and antioxidants, heart-healthy, easy on digestion.
Seafood Pho with Shrimp and Squid
Ocean-fresh pho bursting with briny flavors. Ingredients: Shrimp shells for stock, 1 lb shrimp/squid, onion, ginger, star anise, lemongrass, rice noodles, fish sauce, lime, Thai basil. Simmer shells/spices 1 hour for broth, sauté seafood briefly, assemble hot. Benefits: Omega-3s for brain health, low-fat protein source.
Spicy Sriracha Beef Pho
Kick up the heat with fiery Sriracha infusion. Ingredients: Beef broth base (as classic), 1/2 cup Sriracha, jalapeños, extra chili flakes, beef slices, noodles, herbs. Add Sriracha during simmer, garnish with fresh chilies. Benefits: Capsaicin boosts metabolism, clears sinuses naturally.
Lemongrass Chicken Pho
Bright, citrusy twist with fragrant lemongrass. Ingredients: Chicken broth, 4 stalks lemongrass (bruised), ginger, star anise, chicken, noodles, cilantro, lime. Simmer lemongrass-heavy broth 1.5 hours, shred chicken. Benefits: Lemongrass detoxifies, vitamin C from lime enhances immunity.
Mushroom Pho (Vegan Delight)
Earthy umami from mixed mushrooms. Ingredients: Veggie broth, shiitake/oyster mushrooms, kombu for depth, spices, noodles, tofu puffs, enoki. Simmer mushrooms in spiced broth 40 mins. Benefits: Beta-glucans support immunity, low-calorie gut health promoter.
Duck Pho with Crispy Skin
Rich, indulgent duck in aromatic broth. Ingredients: Duck legs (roasted crispy), bones for broth, star anise, cinnamon, orange peel, noodles, star fruit. Simmer duck stock 3 hours, top with crispy skin. Benefits: Iron-rich, skin collagen for beauty.
Short Rib Pho
Fall-off-the-bone tenderness in every bite. Ingredients: 2 lbs short ribs, beef bones, spices, ginger, onion, noodles, pickled daikon. Braise ribs in spiced broth 4 hours until tender. Benefits: Deeply nourishing bone broth, B-vitamins for energy.
Vegan Jackfruit Pho
Meaty jackfruit mimics beef texture. Ingredients: Young jackfruit (shredded), veggie broth, spices, charred veggies, noodles, lime. Simmer jackfruit in broth 30 mins for pull-apart texture. Benefits: Fiber-packed, sustainable protein alternative.
Coconut Curry Pho
Creamy, Thai-inspired fusion with coconut milk. Ingredients: Veggie/chicken broth, 1 can coconut milk, red curry paste, lemongrass, spices, noodles, proteins optional. Blend curry into simmering broth. Benefits: Healthy fats from coconut, anti-inflammatory turmeric.
Oxtail Pho
Hearty, gelatinous broth from slow-cooked oxtail. Ingredients: 3 lbs oxtail, bones, spices, ginger, noodles, sawtooth herb. Simmer 6+ hours for silky texture. Benefits: Joint-supporting gelatin, mineral-rich.
Egg Breakfast Pho
Quick morning pho with soft-boiled egg. Ingredients: Leftover broth, rice noodles, soft-boiled egg, scallions, sesame oil, spices. Heat broth, top with runny egg. Benefits: Protein-packed start, energizing carbs.
These 13 aromatic pho recipes offer endless ways to warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds—whether you’re a traditionalist or adventurer. Grab your spices, fire up the stove, and dive in; your first slurp will transport you straight to Vietnam! Which one will you try first? Share in the comments below.
