Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho Recipe

If you have ever dreamed of enjoying a steaming bowl of fragrant, flavorful pho without spending hours simmering broth, you are in for a real treat. This Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho Recipe lets you whip up that rich, aromatic goodness fast and effortlessly. With layers of warming spices, tender beef, and delicate rice noodles, this dish is a heartwarming bowl of comfort that brings the vibrant street food experience right into your kitchen. Whether you’re a pho newbie or a longtime lover, this recipe is a guaranteed hit that brightens up any day with its delightful balance of savory, sweet, and fresh flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho Recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a crucial role in building the soup’s deep, harmonious taste. From the fragrant spices to the tender beef and fresh garnishes, these essentials make the difference between ordinary soup and an unforgettable meal.

• 8 cups beef broth: Provides the rich, meaty base that carries the entire dish.
• 1 onion, quartered: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when simmered with spices.
• 2-inch piece of ginger, sliced: Brings a bright, zingy warmth that perfectly balances the broth.
• 3 star anise: Infuses the soup with its signature sweet and licorice-like aroma.
• 1 cinnamon stick: Adds a cozy, spicy note that complements the other spices beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds: Offers a citrusy, floral dimension to the broth’s flavor profile.
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce: Boosts umami and gives the pho its authentic Vietnamese character.
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Enhances depth and a touch of saltiness.
• 1 tablespoon sugar: Balances the savory and spicy elements with a subtle sweetness.
• 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced: Delivers tenderness and hearty protein.
• 8 ounces dried rice noodles: The essential silky, chewy texture that holds all the flavors together.
• Sliced green onions, bean sprouts, lime wedges, Thai basil, and jalapeño slices: Fresh garnishes that add crunch, brightness, and heat.

How to Make Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho Recipe

Step 1: Build Your Flavorful Broth

Start by combining the beef broth, quartered onion, sliced ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, coriander seeds, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar in your Instant Pot. This blend of ingredients is the foundation of the deep, aromatic broth that makes pho truly special.

Step 2: Seal and Cook the Broth

Close the Instant Pot lid securely and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the Pressure Cook or Manual function and program the timer for 10 minutes. This step extracts all those wonderful flavors efficiently without hours of simmering.

Step 3: Natural Pressure Release

Allow the pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes once the timer finishes. This helps the flavors mature gently before you manually release the remaining pressure to safely open the lid.

Step 4: Strain Out the Spices

Carefully remove the onion, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, and coriander seeds from the broth. This clears the liquid while ensuring every drop is infused with rich, aromatic flavors.

Step 5: Add the Tender Beef

Place your thinly sliced beef sirloin directly into the hot broth inside the Instant Pot. The residual heat will gently cook the meat to tender perfection without overcooking.

Step 6: Finish Cooking the Beef

Seal the lid again, set the valve to sealing, and choose the Pressure Cook or Manual setting for 0 minutes. Yes, zero minutes means the beef cooks in the hot broth’s residual heat, preserving its tender texture.

Step 7: Prep the Rice Noodles

While the beef is resting in the broth, cook your rice noodles according to package directions. This ensures they’re soft, silky, and ready for assembly.

Step 8: Quick Release and Assemble

Perform a quick pressure release, then open the lid carefully. Divide the cooked noodles among serving bowls, ladle the hot beef and broth on top, and get ready for the final flourish.

Step 9: Garnish and Enjoy

Load up your bowls with sliced green onions, fresh bean sprouts, zesty lime wedges, fragrant Thai basil, and spicy jalapeño slices. Each add-ins layer fresh, bright, and crunchy contrasts to the rich broth and tender beef. Now, dive in and savor every slurp of your Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho Recipe!

How to Serve Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho Recipe

Garnishes

The magic of pho really comes alive with garnishes. Fresh herbs like Thai basil and green onions introduce fragrant, slightly sweet notes, while bean sprouts lend a satisfying crunch. Lime wedges brighten the broth with a tangy citrus twist, and jalapeño slices bring a touch of heat. These fresh toppings invite everyone to customize their bowl exactly how they like it.

Side Dishes

Pair this Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho Recipe with simple sides to round out your meal. Crunchy Vietnamese spring rolls or fresh papaya salad make excellent companions, adding textures and flavors that complement the rich soup beautifully. A light iced jasmine tea also refreshes your palate perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve pho family-style with all the garnishes presented in small bowls so everyone can build their own masterpiece. Or try layering your bowl with noodles first, then beef, broth, and garnishes arranged artfully on top. Presentation turns this humble street food into an inviting centerpiece for your dining table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your pho broth and beef keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store them separately from the noodles and garnishes to preserve textures. When ready to enjoy later, gently reheat the broth and beef on the stove or in the microwave until just warmed through.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well if you want to make pho ahead in large batches. Pour the broth and cooked beef into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then heat slowly on the stove before adding freshly cooked rice noodles and garnishes.

Reheating

When reheating your pho, do so gently to avoid toughening the beef. Warm the broth and beef together on low heat until just hot enough to serve, then add freshly cooked or reheated noodles. Finish with fresh garnishes to brighten the bowl immediately before serving.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for this Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho Recipe?

Absolutely! While sirloin is tender and cooks quickly, you can also use brisket or chuck roast. Just slice thinly after cooking or adjust cooking times accordingly for tougher cuts.

Do I need to soak rice noodles before cooking?

Most dried rice noodles should be soaked or cooked according to package instructions to ensure they’re soft but not mushy. This step is key for achieving pho’s signature silky noodle texture.

Is fish sauce necessary in this recipe?

Fish sauce adds authentic umami depth to the broth, but if you prefer, you can substitute with soy sauce or a vegetarian umami alternative. Just keep in mind it might slightly alter the traditional flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and verify that your rice noodles and other ingredients are gluten-free. The Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho Recipe is easy to adapt for various dietary needs.

How spicy is this pho?

The broth itself is mild; the spice level comes entirely from the fresh jalapeño slices you add when serving. That means everyone can adjust the heat to their liking right at the table.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly joyful about crafting a classic Vietnamese pho that fills your kitchen with aromas and delivers a soulful, satisfying meal in under an hour. This Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho Recipe makes that possible without any fuss, blending authenticity with ease. So, gather your favorite garnishes, cozy up with a big bowl, and enjoy the magic of pho made simple but unforgettable.

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