This Butter Garlic Pho elevates traditional Vietnamese pho with a rich buttery garlic drizzle. The broth simmers gently with star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and charred aromatics, delivering deep, layered flavours. Paired with tender rice noodles, thinly sliced protein, fresh herbs, and crunchy bean sprouts, it creates a perfectly balanced, soul-satisfying bowl ideal for intimate meals or casual dinner parties.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
For the Broth:
500 gChicken Bones
6 cupsWater
1 mediumOnion, halved
2-inch pieceGinger, halved
2 podsStar anise
3-4Cloves
1Cinnamon stick
3 tbspFish sauce
1 tspSalt
1 tspSugar
For the Noodles and Toppings:
200 gRice noodles (pho noodles)
150 gBoneless chicken breast slices
4–5 clovesGarlic, minced
3 tbspButter
2Green onions, finely chopped
2 tbspFresh cilantro, chopped
1 cupBean sprouts
1Lime wedges
optionalFresh chilli slices
a few sprigsThai basil
for servingHoisin sauce and Sriracha
Follow
Directions
Description - Step 1
Prepare Broth
In a large pot, add bones and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 15–20 minutes. Char onion and ginger until lightly blackened and aromatic, then add to the pot along with star anise, cloves, and cinnamon. Continue simmering for 20–30 minutes, skimming impurities. Season with fish sauce, salt, and sugar, then strain and keep hot.
Description - Step 2
Cook Noodles
If using dry noodles, soak them in warm water for 20–30 minutes. Bring a separate pot of water to a boil and cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to prevent sticking.
Description - Step 3
Prepare Butter Garlic
Melt butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, taking care not to burn it. Remove from heat and set aside to drizzle over the finished pho for aromatic richness.
Description - Step 4
Cook Protein
Slice chicken thinly. Poach chicken gently in the hot broth until cooked through. For beef, briefly dip thin slices in hot broth until just cooked (rare to medium). This ensures tender, juicy protein in each bite.
Description - Step 5
Assemble Pho Bowls
Divide cooked noodles into serving bowls. Arrange protein slices on top, then sprinkle green onions, cilantro, and bean sprouts. Pour hot broth over the noodles and protein, then drizzle with butter garlic for a luxurious, aromatic touch.
Description - Step 6
Serve and Garnish
Serve immediately with lime wedges, Thai basil, chilli slices, hoisin sauce, and Sriracha. Adjust seasoning with fish sauce or lime juice to balance savoury, tangy, and spicy notes.
Search
Login
Vietnamese
Intermediate
Soup
?fmt=webp)