Pho soup is a classic Vietnamese dish that is enjoyed around the world. Made with a flavorful broth, rice noodles, and a variety of meats and vegetables, it’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion. While traditionally made by simmering the broth for hours on the stovetop, using a sous vide cooker can make the process even easier and more flavorful.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 onion, halved
- 1 ginger, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 cloves
- 2 star anise
- 2 tsp coriander seeds
- 2 tsp fennel seeds
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1 lb dried rice noodles
- Toppings of your choice (such as sliced beef, bean sprouts, cilantro, basil, lime wedges, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat your sous vide cooker to 160°F (71°C).
- In a small skillet, toast the cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, coriander seeds, and fennel seeds over medium heat until fragrant.
- Place the beef chuck roast in a large resealable bag, along with the toasted spices, onion, ginger, fish sauce, and sugar. Vacuum seal the bag and place it in the preheated sous vide cooker. Cook for 24-36 hours.
- Remove the beef from the sous vide cooker and shred it with two forks.
- In a large pot, bring the beef broth to a simmer. Add the shredded beef and cook for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Meanwhile, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions.
- To serve, place a portion of noodles in each bowl and ladle the hot broth and beef over the top. Add toppings of your choice and enjoy!
Serving Options
When serving sous vide pho soup, there are a few options to consider to make the experience even more delicious.
- Firstly, the traditional way to serve pho soup is with a plate of toppings on the side. This allows each person to customize their own bowl of soup to their liking. Some popular toppings include bean sprouts, cilantro, basil, lime wedges, and chili peppers.
- Another option is to serve the soup with a side of rice noodles. This can be done by adding the cooked rice noodles directly to the bowl of soup, or by placing them in a separate bowl on the side.
- If you want to add a little crunch to the soup, you can serve it with a side of fried shallots or garlic. These add a nice crunchy texture and extra flavor to the soup.
- For a more filling meal, you can serve the soup with a side of protein. This can be anything from grilled chicken or shrimp, to tofu or tempeh.
- Lastly, you can serve the soup with a side of Hoisin or Sriracha sauce for added flavor.
Tips and Tricks
- If you don’t have a vacuum sealer, you can use a zipper-lock bag and the “water displacement” method. Simply seal the bag, leaving a small gap at the top unsealed. Slowly lower the bag into a pot of water, making sure to push out as much air as possible as the water pushes it to the top. Seal the bag once all the air is out.
- For a richer broth, you can add a piece of beef marrow or oxtail to the bag before cooking.
- If you prefer a leaner cut of meat, you can use beef sirloin or tenderloin instead of chuck roast.
- To make a vegetarian or vegan version of this recipe, replace the beef broth with vegetable broth and omit the beef. You can add in your choice of protein such as tofu or tempeh.
- Experiment with different spices and herbs to find the flavor profile that you like best. Some popular options include cardamom, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves.
- When shredding the beef, make sure to remove any excess fat or sinew. This will make for a cleaner and more pleasant eating experience.
- Pho soup is traditionally served with a variety of toppings, so feel free to get creative and add in whatever you like best. Some popular options include bean sprouts, cilantro, basil, lime wedges, and chili peppers.
Conclusion
Sous vide cooking is a great way to make this classic Vietnamese dish even more delicious and convenient. The long cook time in the sous vide cooker allows the spices and flavors to fully infuse the meat, resulting in a rich and flavorful broth. With various serving options and toppings, each person can customize their own bowl to their liking. The end result is a comforting and satisfying bowl of pho that is sure to please. Whether you’re a fan of traditional pho or looking to try something new, this recipe is a great place to start.
