Bowl of Instant Pot Vietnamese beef pho with fresh herbs and lime

Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Vietnamese Beef Pho is a beloved dish known for its rich, aromatic flavors. It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm bowl of comfort. Making pho at home can be easy and satisfying, especially using an Instant Pot. This method saves time without compromising taste, allowing you to enjoy a delicious bowl of pho in under an hour.

How to Make Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho

Ingredients:

  • 8 cups beef broth
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 2-inch piece of ginger, sliced
  • 3 star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
  • 8 ounces dried rice noodles
  • Sliced green onions, bean sprouts, lime wedges, Thai basil, and jalapeño slices for garnish

Directions:

  1. Add beef broth, onion, ginger, star anise, cloves, cinnamon stick, coriander seeds, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar to the Instant Pot.
  2. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing position.
  3. Select the Pressure Cook or Manual setting and set the timer for 10 minutes.
  4. Once the timer goes off, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
  5. Carefully open the lid and remove the onion, ginger, star anise, cloves, cinnamon stick, and coriander seeds.
  6. Add the sliced beef sirloin to the broth in the Instant Pot.
  7. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing again.
  8. Select the Pressure Cook or Manual setting and set the timer for 0 minutes (beef will cook in the residual heat).
  9. While the beef is cooking, prepare the rice noodles according to package instructions.
  10. Once the beef is done, do a quick pressure release and carefully open the lid.
  11. Divide the cooked rice noodles among serving bowls.
  12. Ladle the beef and broth over the noodles.
  13. Serve hot with sliced green onions, bean sprouts, lime wedges, Thai basil, and jalapeño slices for garnish.
  14. Enjoy your Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho!

How to Serve Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho

Serve your pho hot in bowls. Make sure to provide plenty of fresh garnishes on the side, like sliced green onions, lime wedges, bean sprouts, Thai basil, and jalapeño slices. This allows everyone to customize their bowls according to their taste.

How to Store Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho

If you have leftovers, let the pho cool completely before storing. Place the broth, beef, and noodles in separate airtight containers. The broth can stay in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the noodles should be consumed within a day to maintain texture. When reheating, warm the broth and add fresh noodles if desired.

Tips to Make Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho

  • Make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain. This helps it cook quickly and remain tender.
  • Use fresh herbs for garnish. They’re key to enhancing the flavor of your pho.
  • Adjust the amount of fish sauce and soy sauce to suit your taste preferences for saltiness.

Variation

For a different flavor, you can add other proteins like chicken or tofu. You can also customize the spices to include more heat or different herbs based on your preference.

FAQs

Can I use beef bones for more flavor?

Yes, using beef bones can enhance the broth’s flavor. Just make sure to cook it longer to extract the flavors fully.

Is pho gluten-free?

Rice noodles are gluten-free, but double-check the labels on the broth and sauces to ensure they do not contain gluten.

Can I freeze pho?

Yes, you can freeze the broth. Just make sure to store it without the noodles, as they do not freeze well. Thaw the broth and reheat when ready to enjoy again.