As I peeled back the Instant Pot lid, an intoxicating aroma whisked me to a bustling Vietnamese street food stall, where hearty bowls of Pho delight every passerby. This Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho makes indulging in authentic flavors easier than ever, transforming tender beef and aromatic herbs into a comforting, robust meal just in time for a cozy dinner. Perfect for anyone strapped for time yet craving homemade goodness, this quick and easy noodle soup comes together in just 70 minutes without sacrificing depth of flavor. Plus, with customizable garnishes, you can make each bowl uniquely yours. Ready to slurp your way to savory bliss? Let’s dive into the recipe! Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho Simplicity at Its Best: With the Instant Pot, making this Vietnamese Beef Pho is a breeze! You’ll appreciate how effortlessly all ingredients come together for a comforting meal. Customizable Garnishes: Whether you love fresh herbs or prefer a spicy kick, the variety of garnishes allows you to tailor each bowl to your preference. Rich, Comforting Flavor: This recipe captures the heart of traditional Pho with tender beef and aromatic broth that will warm your soul in every bite. Quick Cooking Time: In just 70 minutes, you can serve a delightful home-cooked meal, eliminating the long wait typically associated with this beloved dish. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho will impress friends and family alike! Don’t forget to check out Ground Beef Enchiladas or Beef Pepper Rice for more delightful inspirations. Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho Ingredients For the Broth • Beef Broth – Essential for a rich, flavorful base; consider homemade or vegetable broth for a vegetarian alternative. • Onion – Adds natural sweetness and depth; quartered for easy removal after cooking. • Ginger – Fresh and zesty flavor; slice it to ensure maximum infusion into your broth. • Star Anise – Delivers a unique aromatic spice note; can be omitted if you don’t have it on hand. • Cinnamon Stick – Balances savory flavors and adds warmth; a must for that authentic Pho taste. • Coriander Seeds – Provides a citrusy complement to the spices; ground coriander works just as well. • Fish Sauce – For umami richness; replace with soy sauce if you prefer a vegetarian version. • Soy Sauce – Enhances the savory profile; easily adjustable for gluten-free options. • Sugar – To balance flavors; honey can be an excellent substitute, or simply omit for less sweetness. For the Protein and Noodles • Beef Sirloin – Tender and quick-cooking when sliced thin; flank or ribeye can also be delicious alternatives. • Dried Rice Noodles – The classic noodle for Pho; try different types for a fun twist. For the Garnishes • Green Onions – Adds freshness and crunch; slice them thinly for the best texture. • Bean Sprouts – A crunchy addition that brightens each bowl; add a generous handful! • Lime Wedges – A squeeze adds brightness and acidity; adjust to your taste preference. • Thai Basil – For an authentic taste; it’s aromatic and enhances the overall experience. • Jalapeño Slices – Add a spicy kick; perfect for those who enjoy a little heat in their Pho! Feel empowered to create your own variant while enjoying this Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho that makes comfort food feel easier than ever. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho Step 1: Prepare the Broth In the Instant Pot, combine beef broth, quartered onion, sliced ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, coriander seeds, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Stir gently to mix all ingredients well. Secure the lid and ensure the valve is closed, then set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook on high for 10 minutes. Listen for the beep to confirm it’s started cooking, filling your kitchen with enticing aromas. Step 2: Release Pressure After the cooking time completes, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, letting flavors deepen. Once that’s done, carefully switch the valve to manual release to vent any remaining pressure. When the float valve drops, open the lid and behold the aromatic broth. Use tongs to carefully remove the whole spices and aromatics, leaving you with a clear and flavorful base for your Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho. Step 3: Add Beef With the flavorful broth ready, add the thinly sliced beef sirloin into the pot to let it cook quickly. Seal the Instant Pot lid once more and set it to Pressure Cook for 0 minutes, as the residual heat will cook the beef perfectly. This quick method ensures the beef stays tender without becoming overcooked, allowing you to savor that melt-in-your-mouth texture in your pho. Step 4: Cook Noodles While the beef is cooking, prepare the dried rice noodles according to the package instructions in a separate pot of boiling water. Usually, this takes about 8-10 minutes. Make sure the noodles are al dente, as they will soak up the delicious broth later. Drain and set aside, ready to be paired with your aromatic beef and broth. Step 5: Serve and Garnish Once the beef is done, perform a quick pressure release and carefully ladle the steaming broth and tender beef over the cooked rice noodles in serving bowls. To elevate your Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho, pile on your favorite garnishes—sliced green onions, crunchy bean sprouts, fresh lime wedges, fragrant Thai basil, and spicy jalapeño slices. Each ingredient adds a unique touch to your cozy, comforting meal. What to Serve with Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho Indulging in a steaming bowl of Pho is just the beginning; let’s create a full meal experience that dances on your taste buds. Vietnamese Iced Coffee: This rich, sweet coffee is the perfect companion; its bold flavors provide a delightful contrast to the savory broth. Crispy Spring Rolls: These fresh rolls add a crunchy texture and a burst of flavor, perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce alongside your Pho. Herbed Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice infused with fresh herbs balances the dish, allowing the broth to shine while offering a satisfying side. Fresh Salad: A crunchy, vibrant salad with cucumbers, carrots, and cilantro brings freshness, cleansing the palate between slurps of the flavorful Pho. Chili Oil: Just a drizzle adds a delightful kick, enhancing the layers of flavor in your bowl and exciting your taste buds with each sip. Mango Sticky Rice: A sweet ending to your meal, this dessert combines soft, glutinous rice and ripe mango for a perfect sweet-and-savory contrast. Each of these options enhances your dining experience, creating a rich tapestry of textures and flavors that make your Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho the star of the meal! Storage Tips for Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep the flavors fresh and vibrant. Freezer: For longer preservation, freeze broth and cooked beef separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months to maintain texture when reheating. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen components in the fridge overnight, then reheat the broth gently on the stove and cook fresh noodles to serve with your Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho. Noodle Storage: If possible, store noodles separately to avoid them becoming mushy, allowing for a better dining experience when reheated. Expert Tips for Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho Quality Broth Matters: Choose a rich beef broth for the best flavor. Homemade or high-quality store-bought broth elevates your Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho. Thinner Slices: For perfectly tender beef, ensure your sirloin is sliced thinly. This allows for rapid cooking and avoids toughness in the finished dish. Spice Control: If you’re unsure about spices, start with less. You can always adjust seasoning and add more to enhance flavors in your broth. Prep Ahead: To save time, prep your aromatics like ginger and onion in advance. This way, you’ll have everything ready for a seamless cooking process. Garnish Freedom: Don’t hesitate to experiment with garnishes! Customize your bowl with your favorite additions, as they bring freshness and vibrancy to your Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho. Storage Tip: If you have leftovers, store the broth and noodles separately to maintain texture. Reheat gently to enjoy the delightful flavors again! Make Ahead Options These Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho components are ideal for busy weeknights! You can prepare the broth up to 24 hours in advance; simply cool it down, refrigerate it in an airtight container, and reheat before serving. Additionally, thinly slice your beef sirloin and store it separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain quality, keep the garnishes fresh by storing bean sprouts, green onions, and herbs in a separate container and using them on the day of serving. When it’s time to enjoy your pho, just combine the reheated broth with the beef in the Instant Pot, pressure cook for a minute, and serve over freshly cooked noodles for a delightful meal, made easy! Variations & Substitutions for Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho Feel free to get creative and make this comforting dish your own with these delightful twists! Vegan Option: Replace beef broth with vegetable broth and swap beef for mushrooms or tofu for a hearty vegan version. You’ll still enjoy the depth of flavor! Garnish Galore: Experiment with different garnishes! Consider adding hoisin sauce, sprigs of mint, or a splash of Sriracha for extra flavor. Each bowl becomes a personalized masterpiece. Noodle Alternatives: Switch out the traditional rice noodles for udon, soba, or even zucchini noodles for a fun and unique twist. Each type brings its own texture to the bowl! Spicy Kick: Add slices of serrano or habanero peppers for an extra layer of heat. Just remember to taste as you go to find your perfect spice level! Umami Boost: Enhance the umami factor by including a few drops of mushroom seasoning or adding dried shiitake mushrooms to your broth. They will infuse a lovely earthy flavor. Herb Variations: Instead of traditional Thai basil, try using cilantro or mint for a different herbal profile. Fresh herbs bring brightness and elevate your pho experience. Coconut Cream: For a creamy twist, stir in a tablespoon of coconut cream just before serving. It adds a luscious richness that complements the spices beautifully. Lime Zest: Grate some lime zest into the broth just before serving for an extra punch of bright flavor. It complements the tangy lime wedges many enjoy! Embrace the joy of cooking and share these variations with friends! If you’re craving more flavor-packed dishes, be sure to check out Garlic Butter Beef and Mexican Beef Soup. Happy cooking! Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho Recipe FAQs What kind of beef is best for Pho? For the best results in your Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho, I recommend using beef sirloin, which is tender and cooks quickly. You can also use flank steak or ribeye for a richer flavor. Just make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness! How should I store leftover Pho? Absolutely! Store your leftover Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho in airtight containers. The broth and noodles should be kept separately to prevent the noodles from getting mushy. In the refrigerator, they’ll be good for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the broth and beef separately for about 2 months. Can I freeze Pho broth? Yes! Freezing the broth is a great way to preserve flavors. I like to pour it into airtight containers or freezer bags, making sure to leave some space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you want to enjoy your Pho again, and reheat gently on the stove. How do I know when the beef is cooked properly in the Instant Pot? The key to perfect beef in your Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho is setting the cooking time to zero minutes for the beef sirloin. This allows it to cook in the residual heat, keeping it tender. After cooking, if it feels a bit underdone, you can let it sit covered for a few minutes. Another tip is to ensure the slices are very thin so they cook quickly and evenly. Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe? Very much so! If you’re cooking for someone with allergies or dietary restrictions, you can make this Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho vegetarian by replacing the beef broth with vegetable broth and the beef with mushrooms or tofu. Additionally, check your fish sauce and soy sauce for gluten-free options if needed. Can I customize the garnishes? Of course! One of the best parts about Pho is its flexibility. You can personalize your bowl with a variety of toppings like mint, hoisin sauce, or even different types of chili peppers. The more the merrier when it comes to garnishes, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination! Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho Experience comfort with Instant Pot Vietnamese Beef Pho, an easy way to enjoy authentic flavors in under 70 minutes. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hrNatural Pressure Release 10 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins Servings: 4 bowlsCourse: DinnerCuisine: VietnameseCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Broth8 cups Beef Broth Homemade or vegetable broth for a vegetarian alternative.1 Onion Quartered for easy removal.1 inch Ginger Sliced.2 pieces Star Anise Can be omitted.1 stick Cinnamon Stick Essential for authentic flavor.1 tablespoon Coriander Seeds Ground coriander can be used.2 tablespoons Fish Sauce Can be replaced with soy sauce.2 tablespoons Soy Sauce Adjust for gluten-free options.1 tablespoon Sugar Honey can substitute.For the Protein and Noodles1 pound Beef Sirloin Thinly sliced.8 ounces Dried Rice Noodles The classic noodle for Pho.For the Garnishes4 Green Onions Sliced thinly.2 cups Bean Sprouts Add a generous handful.2 Lime Wedges Adjust to taste.1 cup Thai Basil Aromatic and fresh.1 cup Jalapeño Slices For spice. Equipment Instant Pot Method InstructionsCombine beef broth, quartered onion, sliced ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, coriander seeds, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar in the Instant Pot. Stir gently, secure the lid, and set to Pressure Cook on high for 10 minutes.After cooking, allow pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes. Manually release remaining pressure, open the lid, and remove whole spices and aromatics.Add thinly sliced beef sirloin to the pot and seal the lid. Set to Pressure Cook for 0 minutes.Prepare dried rice noodles according to package instructions in boiling water. Drain and set aside.Perform a quick pressure release and ladle broth and beef over rice noodles in serving bowls. Top with garnishes. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 1500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg NotesFor best results, use high-quality beef broth and slice the beef thinly to ensure tenderness. Customize garnishes to your preference for added freshness. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
