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Instant Pot Pho

Instant Pot Pho is a quick, flavorful Vietnamese noodle soup that brings together tender meat, aromatic spices, and fresh herbs in a fragrant broth. This recipe will have you enjoying a steaming bowl of pho in no time, perfect for a cozy meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course main dish
Cuisine Vietnamese
Servings 4 People
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Instant Pot
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Strainer or fine mesh sieve
  • 1 Ladle

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb beef brisket, thinly sliced
  • 1 lb beef bones (such as oxtail or marrow bones)
  • 1 piece onion, halved
  • 4 inches ginger, sliced
  • 5 pods star anise
  • 1 stick cinnamon (about 3 inches)
  • 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 8 cups water
  • 8 oz rice noodles (bánh phở)
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • 1 piece lime, cut into wedges
  • Sriracha or hoisin sauce, for serving (optional)
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Turn on the Instant Pot and set to the 'Sauté' function. When hot, add the onion and ginger. Sauté for about 5 minutes until charred.
  • Add the beef bones to the pot and sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the star anise, cinnamon stick, coriander seeds, fish sauce, and water to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
  • Close the lid securely, set the valve to sealing, and cook on 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' for 25 minutes.
  • Once cooking is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes, then switch the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.
  • Carefully remove the beef bones and strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl to remove spices and solids. Return the clear broth to the Instant Pot.
  • Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' again. Add the sliced brisket to the pot and cook for 5 minutes until just cooked through.
  • Meanwhile, cook the rice noodles according to package instructions and drain.
  • To serve, place a portion of the noodles into bowls, ladle the hot broth with brisket over the noodles, and garnish with fresh basil, cilantro, lime wedges, and optional sauces.

Notes

Feel free to customize your pho with additional toppings like bean sprouts, jalapeños, or green onions.
Using a variety of meats (like meatballs or steak) can enhance the soup's flavor and texture.
Store any leftover broth in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze it for later use.