Instant Pot Beef Pho

Beef pho is a classic Vietnamese soup that warms you up from the inside out. But making it from scratch can take hours of simmering and skimming. That’s why we’ve developed this recipe that uses an instant pot to speed up the process and deliver a rich and flavorful broth in less than an hour.

1.5lbs Beef Brisket
2-3 Beef Bones
Water (fill to halfway in IP)
1 Onion (half for broth, half for garnish)
1 Thumb of Ginger (sliced)
6 Star Anise
2 Cinnamon Sticks
4 Cardamom Pods
½ Tsp Cilantro Seeds
5 Cloves
3 Tbsp Fish Sauce
Rice Noodles (one nest per serving)
2 Scallions
Handful Cilantro
Handful Beansprouts
Handful Thai Basil
1 Chili
1 Lime
Sriracha sauce

 

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Bones and Brisket

Fill the Instant Pot halfway with cold water and set it to the sauté function.
Add the beef bones and brisket to the Instant Pot.
Allow the water to boil and let the bones and brisket cook for 15-20 minutes.
Drain the water and wash the bones to remove any impurities.

Step 2: Simmer the Broth

Fill the Instant Pot halfway with fresh water.
Return the bones and brisket to the Instant Pot.

Step 3: Flavor the Broth

Add the halved onion, sliced ginger, star anise pods, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, cilantro seeds, cloves, and fish sauce to the pot.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Broth

Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to cook at high pressure for 90 minutes.
Allow for natural release once the cooking time is complete.
Step 5: Remove Aromatics and Prepare the Brisket

Carefully remove the lid from the Instant Pot.
Using a slotted spoon, remove the onion, ginger, star anise, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, cilantro seeds, and cloves from the broth.
Take out the brisket and place it in an ice bath for 5 minutes. This will help it cool down and make slicing easier.
Step 6: Skim Off Excess Oil

Using a spoon, skim off any excess oil that has accumulated on the surface of the broth. This will result in a cleaner and more refined pho.
Step 7: Prepare the Rice Noodles

While the broth is cooking, boil the rice noodles separately according to the package instructions.
Drain the noodles and add them to individual serving bowls.
Step 8: Assemble the Beef Pho

Slice the brisket against the grain into thin, bite-sized pieces.
In each serving bowl with the cooked rice noodles, add a portion of sliced brisket, sliced onion, scallions, cilantro, and beansprouts.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Garnish each bowl with fresh Thai basil leaves, a wedge of lime, chili (if desired), and a dash of sriracha for those who enjoy some heat.
Serve the pho immediately, and for an authentic touch, pair it with a cold beer.