As I stood in my kitchen, the intoxicating aroma of spices began to fill the air, transporting me straight to the bustling streets of Vietnam. Today, I’m excited to share my Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho recipe—a colorful tapestry of flavors that’s not just a dish, but an experience in a bowl. With the magic of the Instant Pot, you can transform a traditional, time-consuming meal into a quick weeknight favorite. This comforting soup is loaded with tender beef, nutritious ingredients, and the freedom to customize your toppings, making it a perfect choice for both family dinners and cozy gatherings. Want to learn how this aromatic comfort food can bring a taste of adventure right to your table? Let’s dive in! Why is Pho the Ultimate Comfort Food? Aromatic Journey: The Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho fills your kitchen with enchanting scents, creating an irresistible dining experience. Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes under pressure, you can enjoy a warm bowl without the hours of simmering traditionally required. Customizable Toppings: Personalize your pho with fresh herbs, zesty lime, or spicy jalapeños, making every bowl uniquely yours! Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe caters to all occasions and satisfies diverse palates. Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein and wholesome ingredients, it’s a guilt-free indulgence that leaves you feeling good. For more quick and delicious recipes, check out my Savory Ground Beef Cabbage Stir Fry or indulge in the flavors of a classic Italian Beef Sandwich. Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho Ingredients For the Broth Beef Broth – The foundation of the soup providing depth and richness; using homemade broth will enhance flavor. Onion – Adds sweetness and complexity; shallots can be substituted for a milder taste. Ginger – Provides warmth and aromatic notes; remember, fresh is best! Star Anise – An essential aromatic spice contributing a sweet, licorice flavor; use less for milder flavors. Cinnamon Stick – Adds warmth and enhances the sweetness of the broth; avoid ground cinnamon to keep the broth clear. Coriander Seeds – Infuses a floral and citrusy note; whole cumin seeds can substitute for a different twist. Fish Sauce – Essential for umami flavor and saltiness; consider using soy sauce for a vegetarian option. Soy Sauce – Provides additional savory depth; tamari is a great gluten-free alternative. Sugar – Balances flavors; for a richer taste, use brown sugar instead of white. For the Noodles Dried Rice Noodles – The traditional choice for pho; gluten-free noodles can be used if needed. For the Protein Beef Sirloin – The star protein that cooks up tender and quickly; flank or ribeye are great alternatives. For the Garnishes Fresh Herbs – Enhances flavor and freshness; customize with your favorites like cilantro or mint. Bean Sprouts, Lime Wedges, Thai Basil, and Jalapeño Slices – These toppings add vibrant textures and flavors, making each bowl unique! Indulge in the heartwarming experience of Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho, a bowl of comfort that will soon become a cherished favorite in your home! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho Step 1: Prepare the Broth Begin by adding beef broth, quartered onion, sliced ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, coriander seeds, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar to your Instant Pot. Set the pot to sauté mode for 5 minutes to blend the flavors and stir occasionally. You will notice the enticing aromas starting to fill your kitchen as the ingredients warm up. Step 2: Pressure Cook the Broth Close the Instant Pot lid securely, and make sure the valve is set to the sealing position. Select the Pressure Cook setting and set the timer for 10 minutes. The pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure, so be patient and watch for the pressure indicator to rise, signifying it’s ready to cook your flavorful broth. Step 3: Release Pressure Once the cooking time is complete, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes; then carefully release any remaining pressure by turning the valve to venting. You’ll hear a hissing sound as the steam escapes. Afterward, open the lid and gently remove the solid spices and onion, leaving behind a beautifully fragrant broth in the Instant Pot. Step 4: Cook the Beef Thinly slice your beef sirloin and add it to the broth in the Instant Pot. Stir gently to ensure the meat is submerged in the steaming broth. Close the lid once more and set the pressure cook time to 0 minutes. The residual heat will cook the beef perfectly, making it tender and succulent, and you’ll be ready for the next step in no time. Step 5: Prepare the Noodles While the beef cooks, prepare your dried rice noodles according to the package instructions; this usually involves boiling them until al dente, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain the noodles and rinse them gently under cold water to stop the cooking process. Your noodles should be ready just as the beef finishes cooking! Step 6: Final Pressure Release Once the beef has cooked, perform a quick pressure release by carefully turning the valve to venting again, and once it’s safe, open the lid. Your Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho should be filled with a clear, fragrant broth and perfectly tender beef slices, ready to be plated. Step 7: Assemble Your Bowls Divide the cooked rice noodles evenly into bowls, creating a satisfying base for your pho. Ladle the hot beef and broth mixture generously over the noodles, ensuring to include the tender beef slices. The aromatic broth will envelop the noodles, making each bowl a delightful sight. Step 8: Add Garnishes Finally, serve your Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho hot, garnished with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, Thai basil, and jalapeño slices. These vibrant toppings will enhance the texture and flavor, making every spoonful a unique and personalized experience. What to Serve with Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho? Delight in a captivating culinary experience by pairing your aromatic bowl of pho with these delectable accompaniments! Crispy Spring Rolls: These crunchy bites filled with shrimp or veggies offer a delightful contrast to the warm soup, adding an exciting crunch. Vietnamese Iced Coffee: A deliciously strong coffee sweetened with condensed milk that beautifully complements the savory flavors of the pho while offering a refreshing finish. Thai Basil Salad: Fresh herbs and crunchy veggies tossed in a zesty dressing create a bright, vibrant side that pairs perfectly with the fragrant broth. Steamed Dumplings: Soft and savory dumplings filled with pork or vegetables add a hearty texture that marries well with the lightness of the pho. Grilled Lemongrass Chicken Skewers: Flavorful and tender, these skewers infused with citrusy lemongrass uplift the meal’s profile and add an impressive element. Pickled Vegetables: A side of tangy pickles can balance out the rich broth, enhancing the overall experience by adding brightness and acidity. Jasmine Rice: Lightly fragrant rice can be a comforting side, perfect for soaking up the leftover broth, adding a satisfying element to your meal. Coconut Cream Mousse: For dessert, this light and dreamy mousse provides a refreshing sweetness that rounds off your meal beautifully and offers a satisfying finale. Expert Tips for Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho Thinly Slice Beef: Ensure your beef sirloin is sliced paper-thin to guarantee even cooking and tenderness. This is key for a delightful Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho. Natural Pressure Release: Don’t skip this step! Allowing a natural release deepens the broth’s flavor, resulting in an aromatic and rich soup. Customize Garnishes: Feel free to mix and match your garnishes based on personal preferences. This creates an interactive dining experience for everyone! Taste for Balance: Before serving, taste your broth and adjust seasoning as needed. A touch more fish sauce or sugar can elevate the overall flavor. Keep Noodles Al Dente: Avoid overcooking your rice noodles. They should be tender but firm, ensuring they hold up beautifully in your pho without becoming mushy. How to Store and Freeze Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho Fridge: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To enjoy them later, simply reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the pho in portions for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to use freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn and preserve flavor. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stove. Add additional broth to retain the soup’s beloved consistency. Toppings: Store garnishes separately in the fridge, so they stay fresh and vibrant. Add them right before serving to maintain their crispness and flavor! Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho Variations Feel free to get creative and make this delightful Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho your own with these tempting variations! Vegetarian/Vegan: Swap the beef for tofu or mushrooms, creating a hearty alternative that still captures the essence of pho. The flavors are equally delicious, and you’ll still enjoy a comforting bowl! Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free rice noodles instead of traditional noodles, ensuring that everyone can relish in this tasty soup without worry. Trust me, that chewy texture will still be there. Beef Cut Swap: Experimenting with beef? Try flank or ribeye instead of sirloin, giving your pho a different texture and burst of flavor. Each cut brings its own story to your bowl of pho! Herb Variations: Customize your garnish with fresh mint leaves or cilantro, adding a cooling element to balance the warm broth. This little twist elevates the experience and allows you to explore new flavor profiles. Extra Heat: Spice things up by adding sliced Thai bird chilies or a drizzle of sriracha to your bowl. The added heat can be the perfect kick for spice lovers looking for that extra zing. Flavor Boost: For an aromatic twist, consider infusing the broth with lemongrass or even a tablespoon of hoisin sauce for a hint of sweetness. It’s a subtle change that makes a big impact! If you’re looking for more hearty beef recipes, why not try my easy Savory Ground Beef Cabbage Stir Fry for another delicious twist on comfort food? Noodle Alternatives: Use rice vermicelli noodles for a lighter version that cooks even faster. This option is great for those inclined toward a healthier, lower-carb meal! No matter how you choose to customize your Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho, the journey of flavors and aromas will surely create a cherished experience at your dinner table. Enjoy! Make Ahead Options These Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho components are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the broth up to 3 days in advance by cooking it entirely and allowing it to cool before refrigerating. To maintain quality, store the broth in an airtight container, and remember to leave out the fresh garnishes until you’re ready to serve. When it’s time for a cozy meal, simply reheat the broth, add thinly sliced beef, and pressure cook for 0 minutes to achieve perfectly tender meat. Serve over pre-cooked rice noodles, and add your favorite toppings for a steaming bowl of comfort with minimal effort! Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right beef for pho? Absolutely! For the best results, opt for cuts of beef like sirloin, flank, or ribeye. These are tender cuts that cook quickly and infuse the broth with rich flavor. When preparing your beef, slice it thinly against the grain to ensure it remains juicy and tender when cooked. How long can I store leftover pho in the fridge? You can refrigerate your Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, I recommend adding a splash of broth or water to ensure the soup maintains its delicious consistency. Can I freeze Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho? Yes, you can freeze your pho! For best results, portion it into airtight, freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stove, adding extra broth as needed to revive the flavors. What should I do if my broth tastes too salty? If you find that your broth is too salty, try balancing it out by adding a little more water or broth. Keep in mind that fresh herbs, lime juice, or bean sprouts can lighten the overall flavor and add freshness, helping to offset the saltiness. Tasting as you go is key to finding that perfect balance! Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe? Very much! If you’re making this dish for someone with dietary restrictions, consider using alternatives. For a vegetarian option, swap the beef for tofu or mushrooms and use soy sauce in place of fish sauce. For gluten-free needs, always ensure that your fish sauce and soy sauce alternatives are certified gluten-free and select gluten-free rice noodles. How do I prevent the rice noodles from getting mushy? When preparing the rice noodles, be sure to cook them until they are just al dente, usually about 5-7 minutes. After draining, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy in the broth. This little step makes a world of difference in texture! Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho: Quick Comfort in a Bowl Discover the flavors of Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho, an aromatic soup that's quick to prepare and perfect for any gathering. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsNatural Pressure Release 10 minutes minsTotal Time 40 minutes mins Servings: 4 bowlsCourse: SoupCuisine: VietnameseCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Broth8 cups Beef Broth Homemade broth enhances flavor.1 medium Onion Quartered.1 piece Ginger Sliced; fresh is best.2 star Star Anise Use less for milder flavor.1 stick Cinnamon Stick Avoid ground cinnamon.1 tablespoon Coriander Seeds2 tablespoons Fish Sauce Essential for umami.1 tablespoon Soy Sauce Tamari for gluten-free.1 tablespoon Sugar Brown sugar for richer flavor.For the Noodles8 ounces Dried Rice Noodles Gluten-free noodles can be used.For the Protein1 pound Beef Sirloin Thinly sliced.For the GarnishesFresh Herbs Customize with favorites like cilantro or mint.Bean SproutsLime WedgesThai BasilJalapeño Slices Equipment Instant Pot Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPrepare the broth by adding beef broth, quartered onion, sliced ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, coriander seeds, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar to your Instant Pot. Set to sauté mode for 5 minutes.Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, select Pressure Cook, and set the timer for 10 minutes.Once cooking is done, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes and then carefully vent any remaining pressure.Add thinly sliced beef sirloin to the broth, ensure it's submerged, close the lid, and set Pressure Cook to 0 minutes.Prepare dried rice noodles according to package instructions, usually boiling for 5-7 minutes, then drain and rinse.Perform a quick pressure release again and open the lid to reveal the broth and tender beef.Divide cooked noodles into bowls and ladle hot beef and broth over them.Garnish with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, Thai basil, and jalapeño slices before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 1500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 3mg NotesSlice beef paper-thin for tenderness and allow natural pressure release for deeper flavor. Customize garnishes to create a unique experience. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
