Pho is the ultimate Vietnamese comfort food, delicious when you’re hungover, when you’re sad, when you’re cold, or just when you want an umami, noodle-y meal. Here are the most important tips you should know before you attempt to make it at home.
Choose Medium Thick Noodles
Pho is all about the broth and the noodles. You’d think the noodles would be the easy part, but it is possible to go wrong with them. Pho uses rice noodles, which come in different thicknesses. Too thick and it’s hard to chew, too thin and the noodles will just dissolve. You’ll have to search for the ones that are just right.
Use Beef Knuckle
Pho broth requires bones for flavor. The best bone to use is beef knuckle, which can give the broth body, richness, and thickness because of all the connective tissue, at the same time as being low on fat.
Get Authentic Fish Sauce
Another key ingredient in pho broth is fish sauce. But don’t be tempted to get the cheap stuff at any old supermarket. Those can be full of sketchy additives. The best fish sauce only has a couple ingredients.
