Instant Pot Pho Recipe

Instant Pot Pho is the ultimate shortcut to Vietnam’s most beloved noodle soup, capturing all its signature fragrance and depth in a fraction of the time. You’ll enjoy a gently spiced, crystal-clear broth, tender beef, and springy rice noodles, all finished with vibrant garnishes—pure comfort, minus the all-day wait!

Why You Should Make This Recipe

• Deep, Authentic Flavor Fast: The Instant Pot unlocks the soul of traditional pho broth in just a couple of hours—no need to simmer all day!
• Flexible and Family-Friendly: Pile your bowl with your choice of noodles, beef cuts, and toppings for a meal that pleases everyone at the table.
• Delightfully Clean Broth: A quick parboil and clever pressure-cooking make this broth astonishingly clear and aromatic.
• Impressive, Anytime Comfort: Whether it’s a lazy Sunday or a busy weeknight, you get restaurant-quality Instant Pot Pho at home anytime the craving strikes.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Each ingredient in Instant Pot Pho is chosen to build layers of savory depth, subtle sweetness, and classic spice—yet you’ll find many are pantry staples or easily swapped. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip them:

• Beef bones (marrow and/or knuckle): These are the backbone of your broth and provide that signature richness and body.
• Beef chuck: Adds tenderness and a meaty bite to each bowl; you can substitute brisket or even oxtail for variation.
• Ginger and onions: Charring unlocks smoky sweetness—essential for a true pho flavor!
• Scallions: They add a subtle, grassy note that brightens the gentle beefiness of the broth.
• Fish sauce: Provides salty, savory undertones and authentic umami—don’t skip, though soy sauce works in a pinch for a different flavor profile.
• Rock sugar (or granulated): Gives the broth its signature, gentle sweetness without overpowering the spices.
• Spices (star anise, cloves, cinnamon stick, black cardamom, fennel seeds, coriander seeds): These classic whole spices add warmth, complexity, and delicate fragrance.
• Pho rice noodles: Flat, chewy rice noodles are a must—look for dried ones, but fresh noodles are fabulous if available.
• Garnishes: Sliced onion, bean sprouts, Thai basil, and lime take every bowl from great to unforgettable.
• Optional extras: Sliced beef balls or thinly sliced eye round for extra protein and indulgence.

How to Make Instant Pot Pho

Step 1: Char the Aromatics

Start by charring your ginger and onions—either directly over a gas flame or simply right on your electric burner. Turn them with tongs until they’re lightly blackened all over and deeply fragrant (about 3 minutes), then rinse off the blackened skins. This smoky step will infuse your broth with the unmistakable foundation of pho’s aroma.

Step 2: Parboil the Bones

To ensure your broth is crystal-clear, place the beef bones and chuck in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a brisk boil for 5 minutes. You’ll see foam rise to the top—drain everything in a colander and rinse well under running water. It’s an extra step, but it transforms your soup!

Step 3: Build the Broth Base

Transfer the cleaned bones and your beef chuck (setting the chuck aside in the fridge for now) into the Instant Pot. Add the charred ginger and onions, scallions, fish sauce, sugar, and salt. This hearty mix sets the stage for deeply flavored, savory broth.

Step 4: Toast and Bundle the Spices

In a dry pan over medium-low heat, toast your star anise, cloves, cinnamon stick, black cardamom, fennel seeds, and coriander seeds until they’re fragrant—about 3 minutes. Tie them up in a piece of cheesecloth with kitchen string to keep your broth smooth, then add the bundle to the pot and pour in the water.

Step 5: Pressure Cook the Broth

Seal your Instant Pot and select “manual” high pressure for 120 minutes. When the time is up, let it release pressure naturally (about 15–30 minutes). This long, gentle pressure-cooking draws out every bit of flavor and extracts the collagen that makes pho broth so luscious.

Step 6: Add and Cook the Beef Chuck

Slip the beef chuck back into the Instant Pot and set it to the “meat/stew” setting for 30 minutes. Quick-release the pressure when done—at this point, your kitchen will smell irresistible.

Step 7: Strain and Adjust

Remove the bones and spice bundle, skim off any excess fat or impurities, and taste for seasoning—add more salt, sugar, or fish sauce as needed. Your Instant Pot Pho broth is done!

Step 8: Prep Noodles and Assemble Bowls

Boil your pho rice noodles according to the package, then swoosh them into bowls. Layer with slices of the beef chuck (and beef balls or eye round, if using), ladle over steaming broth, and get ready for the best part—garnishing!

How to Serve Instant Pot Pho

Garnishes

The magic of Instant Pot Pho is in the garnishes: load up each bowl with fresh bean sprouts, snappy Thai basil, slivers of raw onion, and a generous squeeze of lime. Don’t forget spicy sriracha, hoisin sauce, or fresh chiles for those who like extra heat!

Side Dishes

This soulful soup is hearty on its own but pairs perfectly with crispy spring rolls, a light Vietnamese cucumber salad, or a plate of Vietnamese pickles to round out the meal with crunch and tang.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Instant Pot Pho in wide bowls set on wooden boards with a build-your-own pho bar of toppings on the side. For a fun twist, offer small bowls of broth on its own as a starter, or serve in mini mugs for a cozy, casual vibe at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Extra pho broth keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days—just store noodles and garnishes separately so they stay fresh and springy.

Freezing

Broth (without the noodles or veggies) freezes exceptionally well—cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Instant Pot Pho is the ultimate freezer meal when cold-weather cravings strike!

Reheating

Heat broth gently in a saucepan until steaming (not boiling), then pour over freshly cooked or soaked rice noodles. Top with your favorite garnishes just before serving to keep everything crisp and bright.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something both comforting and utterly fresh, Instant Pot Pho is just the thing. I can’t wait for you to try your first sip of that rich, fragrant broth and see how easy it is to bring this Vietnamese classic home, any night of the week. Let me know how your bowl turns out—you’re going to feel like a pho master!

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