Best Cambodian Pho Recipe

Embark on a delightful culinary journey with this authentic Cambodian Pho recipe, a symphony of flavors harmoniously blending in a bowl of aromatic broth, delicate rice noodles, and tender beef slices.

The savory, fragrant soup, coupled with a hint of smokiness from the roasted onions and aniseed, creates a heartwarming, comforting dish that’s perfect for any day of the week.

Whether you are a lover of Southeast Asian cuisines or looking to try something new, this Cambodian Pho is a treasure trove of flavors waiting to be explored, promising to bring a piece of Cambodian culinary artistry straight to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Cambodian Pho

Cambodian Pho, a dish swathed in flavorful and aromatic spices, brings out the essence of traditional Cambodian cuisine.

It’s a delightful medley of tender beef, delicate rice noodles, and savory broth, which is certain to leave your taste buds satisfied.

This recipe is especially for those who love exploring rich, multifaceted dishes that combine elements of sweet, salty, spicy, and umami, all in one bowl.

It’s a comforting, warm, and hearty dish that is perfect for any day of the week, offering a splendid taste of Cambodian culinary artistry.

Recommended Equipment

To create this exquisite dish, ensure you have the following equipment:

• A large pot (for boiling beef bones and preparing the soup)
• A medium pot (for boiling noodles)
• A sharp knife (for chopping and slicing)
• A cutting board
• A skimmer (for removing fat)
• A roasting tray (for roasting onion and aniseed)
• Bowls (for serving)
• Measuring spoons and cups
• A pair of tongs (to roast onions and aniseed)

Ingredients You’ll Need

The unique symphony of flavors in Cambodian Pho comes from its diverse ingredients:

• 1 lb beef bones (preferably neck or ankle for more flavor)
• 1 onion, halved
• 1 dried aniseed
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tbsp chicken bouillon
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 cup fish sauce
• 1 stalk green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp beef pho paste (optional, for enhanced flavor)
• 1 lb beef (sliced thin)
• 8-10 beef balls
• Siracha, to taste
• Hoisin sauce, to taste
• 1 lb rice noodles
• Water, as required
• Fresh cilantro, for garnishing
• Fried garlic, for garnishing

How To Make Cambodian Pho

Step 1:

Boil 1 lb beef bones in a large pot of water. Once boiled, wash and rinse the beef bones thoroughly. Refill the pot with water and bring it to a boil again.

Step 2:

While the bones are boiling, halve 1 onion and roast it on the stove until it has a nice char. Similarly, roast 1 dried aniseed.

Step 3:

Add the roasted onion and aniseed to the pot with the boiling bones.

Step 4:

Pour in 1/2 cup of fish sauce and add 1 tbsp each of chicken bouillon and sugar. Add salt to taste. Mix well.

Step 5:

Allow the soup to boil for at least 3 hours, regularly skimming off any fat that rises to the surface.

Step 6:

Check the water level periodically. If it reduces, add more water, and adjust the seasoning by adding more fish sauce, chicken bouillon, and sugar according to your taste.

Step 7:

In a separate pot, boil water and cook some rice noodles until they are soft.

Step 8:

Assemble your bowl by placing the boiled noodles at the bottom, pour the savory soup over the noodles, and add thin slices of raw beef (it will cook in the hot soup). Garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, fried garlic, and beef balls. Flavor your Pho with Hoisin and Siracha according to your preference.

Tips For The Best Cambodian Pho

1. Quality of Beef Bones: Use high-quality, fresh beef bones as they are the backbone of the flavorful broth.
2. Roasting: Properly roasting the onion and aniseed is crucial as it imparts a smoky flavor to the broth.
3. Skimming the Broth: Regularly skim off any impurities and fat that float to the surface to ensure a clear and clean broth.
4. Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning regularly and taste the broth as it cooks, ensuring a well-balanced flavor.
5. Serving: Serve immediately while it’s hot, allowing the raw sliced beef to cook perfectly in the soup.

What To Serve With Cambodian Pho

Cambodian Pho is a fulfilling dish in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with:

• Fresh, crisp bean sprouts for added crunch.
• Lime wedges for a tangy kick.
• Fresh basil leaves for a hit of aromatic sweetness.
• Sliced chili for those who prefer an extra spice kick.
• A side of refreshing spring rolls or Cambodian salad for a wholesome meal experience.