If you have ever craved an authentic, hearty, and soul-warming bowl of pho but wanted it ready in a fraction of the traditional time, then you are in for a treat! This Instant Pot Beef Pho Recipe brings the fragrant spices, tender sirloin, and silky rice noodles together in one magnificent dish that is both comforting and vibrant. Using the Instant Pot simplifies the cooking process while preserving the complex, rich flavors pho lovers adore. Whether you’re a pho newbie or a longtime enthusiast, this recipe will quickly become a cherished staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet essential ingredients are the heart of this Instant Pot Beef Pho Recipe. Each one plays a key role in layering flavors, creating broth depth, or adding freshness and crunch to the final bowl.
- 1 TBSP oil: Provides a base to sauté and bloom aromatic spices for a flavorful broth foundation.
- 1 large onion (quartered): Adds natural sweetness and depth as it caramelizes.
- 1 2 inch piece of peeled ginger: Infuses a warm, zesty brightness that’s quintessential to pho broth.
- 1 TBSP minced garlic: Boosts umami and aroma, balancing the richness of the beef.
- 2 star anise: Contributes a subtle licorice note that defines pho’s distinctive flavor.
- ½ cinnamon stick: Adds complexity with its warm and sweet spice profile.
- 1 black cardamom pod or 3 green cardamom pods: Brings smokiness and earthiness to the broth.
- 1 tsp whole coriander: Provides citrusy and nutty undertones, rounding out the spice mix.
- ½ tsp whole black peppercorn: Lends a gentle heat and sharpness for balance.
- 1 ½ lb sirloin steak (thinly sliced): The star protein, tender and quick-cooking for melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 2 TBSP fish sauce: Essential for umami and salty depth.
- 1 ½ tsp brown sugar: Balances savory and acidic elements with gentle sweetness.
- 1 TBSP fresh lime juice: Adds bright, refreshing acidity to brighten the broth.
- 6 cups beef broth: The flavorful liquid foundation, rich and meaty.
- 2 cups water: To adjust broth clarity and intensity.
- 8 oz rice noodles: Soft, chewy, and naturally gluten-free, perfect for pho.
- Thinly sliced radishes, carrot matchsticks, fresh Thai basil, fresh mint leaves: Fresh and crunchy garnishes that add bursts of flavor and color.
- 1 chili pepper or jalapeno (thinly sliced), lime wedges, Thai bird chilies, bean sprouts: Classic pho accompaniments to customize heat, tang, and crunch.
How to Make Instant Pot Beef Pho Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start your cooking adventure by setting the Instant Pot to SAUTE on HIGH. Add a tablespoon of oil, then toss in the quartered onion, peeled ginger, and minced garlic. Stir frequently as they cook for 4 to 5 minutes or until they reach a beautiful golden-brown color. This step is crucial because it releases the natural sugars and intensifies the depth of your broth, setting the stage for all the wonderful flavors to come.
Step 2: Add the Warm Spices
Next, stir in the star anise, cardamom pod(s), cinnamon stick, whole coriander, and black peppercorns. Let these toasty spices mingle with the aromatics for a minute or two until you can smell their intoxicating fragrance filling your kitchen. These spices are what give pho its signature perfume, and toasting them just brings that magic to life.
Step 3: Build and Pressure Cook the Broth
Pour in the beef broth, fish sauce, brown sugar, fresh lime juice, ½ teaspoon salt, and water. Gently stir everything together to marry the ingredients. Place the lid securely on your Instant Pot, ensuring the vent is sealed shut. Cancel the SAUTE function, then press PRESSURE COOK and set it on HIGH for 15 minutes. It will take about 15 minutes to come to pressure before the timer starts. Once finished, perform a QUICK RELEASE to unlock the lid safely. This method drastically reduces the traditional hours-long simmer but still delivers that rich, layered broth you expect from a great pho.
Step 4: Cook the Rice Noodles
While your broth is under pressure, prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, this means soaking or boiling them just until tender but firm to the bite. Perfect noodles are a must for a fantastic bowl of pho since they soak up the broth while maintaining satisfying texture.
Step 5: Strain and Return the Broth
To keep your pho broth silky and clear, place a large bowl on your workspace, then set a mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth over it. Carefully ladle the broth through the strainer to catch all solids like onion, ginger, and spices. Pour the strained broth back into the Instant Pot and turn the SAUTE setting back on HIGH to keep it hot and ready for serving.
Step 6: Cook the Beef and Assemble
Once your broth is hot and clear, add the thin slices of sirloin. The hot broth will cook the beef instantly, leaving it tender and juicy. Prepare your serving bowls by dividing the cooked rice noodles and ladling the steaming broth and beef on top. Your wonderful Instant Pot Beef Pho Recipe is nearly ready for those all-important garnishes!
How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Pho Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes bring that fresh, bright, and textural contrast to the hot, savory bowl of pho. Offer thinly sliced radishes and carrot matchsticks for crunch, and scatter fresh Thai basil and mint leaves to add herbal aromatic bursts. Thinly sliced chilies and lime wedges are a must, giving each diner the power to tailor heat and acidity to their taste buds. Don’t forget bean sprouts — they add a juicy snap that completes each mouthful beautifully.
Side Dishes
If you want to make your pho meal more festive and filling, consider light and complementary side dishes like fresh spring rolls, pickled vegetables, or a crisp cucumber salad with a touch of chili and lime. These brighten the meal and provide a satisfying balance alongside the warming pho broth.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your friends by serving the Instant Pot Beef Pho Recipe in individual rustic bowls, each personalized with a platter of garnishes for guests to customize. For an interactive twist, set up a pho bar where everyone adds their favorite herbs, sprouts, chilies, and sauces. You can also layer colors beautifully by placing noodles first, then beef, then pouring hot broth tableside for a delightful “wow” moment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pho broth and beef can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep noodles aside since they tend to clump and get mushy when refrigerated with broth.
Freezing
Pho broth freezes very well; just strain it before freezing for the best clarity and flavor. Freeze in portions so you can thaw just what you need. Avoid freezing the noodles or fresh herbs as they lose their texture and flavor upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftover broth gently on the stovetop to preserve its delicate flavors. Add fresh noodles and raw beef slices just before serving to maintain the dish’s fresh vibrancy and avoid overcooked beef.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this Instant Pot Beef Pho Recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin steak is tender and perfect for quick cooking, you can also try flank steak, brisket, or even beef shank for more gelatinous, hearty broth. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How do I make the broth clearer?
Straining your broth carefully through a cheesecloth-lined strainer removes solids and spices, resulting in a clear, beautiful broth that looks as good as it tastes.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Traditional pho relies on beef broth, but you can create a flavorful vegetarian version with mushroom or vegetable broth and substitute tofu or mushrooms for beef. Use soy sauce instead of fish sauce to keep it vegan.
Is it okay to add noodles directly into the broth when storing leftovers?
It’s best not to. Rice noodles will absorb too much liquid and become mushy if stored in broth. Store them separately and add fresh when reheating.
How long does the Instant Pot take to come to pressure?
It typically takes about 15 minutes to come to full pressure before the cooking timer starts, depending on the amount and temperature of your ingredients.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about crafting a bowl of pho that bursts with aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and tender beef, and this Instant Pot Beef Pho Recipe makes it accessible anytime you crave it. Its speed, simplicity, and breathtaking flavor make it a definite crowd-pleaser and a new favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create pho magic at home!
Print
Instant Pot Beef Pho Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Description
This Instant Pot Beef Pho recipe delivers a fragrant and flavorful Vietnamese classic in a fraction of the traditional cooking time. Tender sirloin slices and an aromatic broth made with star anise, cinnamon, cardamom, and coriander combine with fresh herbs and rice noodles for a comforting, authentic experience made easy with the Instant Pot.
Ingredients
Broth Ingredients
- 1 TBSP oil
- 1 large onion (quartered)
- 1 2-inch piece of ginger (peeled)
- 1 TBSP minced garlic
- 2 star anise
- 1/2 cinnamon stick
- 1 black cardamom pod or 3 green cardamom pods
- 1 tsp whole coriander
- 1/2 tsp whole black peppercorns
- 6 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 TBSP fish sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp brown sugar
- 1 TBSP fresh lime juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
Protein
- 1 1/2 lb sirloin steak (cut into thin strips)
Noodles & Garnishes
- 8 oz rice noodles
- Thinly sliced radishes
- Carrot matchsticks
- Fresh Thai basil
- Fresh mint leaves
- 1 chili pepper or jalapeno (thinly sliced)
- Lime wedges
- Thai bird chilies
- Bean sprouts
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: Set the Instant Pot to the SAUTE setting on HIGH. Heat the oil and add the quartered onion, peeled ginger piece, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, for 4-5 minutes until the onion and ginger are browned and fragrant.
- Add spices: Stir in star anise, cardamom pod(s), cinnamon stick, coriander seeds, and black peppercorns. Cook briefly until the spices become fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add liquids and seasonings, then pressure cook: Pour in the beef broth, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, salt, and water. Stir to combine. Press CANCEL to stop the saute function, ensure the Instant Pot lid is locked and the pressure valve is sealed, then select PRESSURE COOK on HIGH for 15 minutes. The pot will take about 15 minutes to come to pressure before the timer starts. When cooking is complete, carefully perform a QUICK RELEASE to release the pressure.
- Prepare rice noodles: While the Instant Pot is cooking, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Strain the broth: Place a large bowl on the counter. Use a mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth to strain the broth, catching the solids including onion, ginger, and spices. Pour the strained broth back into the Instant Pot and turn on SAUTE on HIGH to reheat.
- Add beef and assemble: Add the thinly sliced sirloin steak into the hot broth and cook just until the beef turns opaque, about 2–3 minutes. This ensures the meat stays tender and perfectly cooked.
- Serve: Divide cooked rice noodles among bowls. Ladle the hot beef broth and steak over the noodles. Garnish with thinly sliced radishes, carrot matchsticks, fresh Thai basil, mint leaves, chili pepper, lime wedges, Thai bird chilies, and bean sprouts as desired. Enjoy your fresh and aromatic Instant Pot Beef Pho!
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh whole spices and toast them slightly during sauteing.
- Adjust fish sauce and lime juice to taste for balance of salty and tangy flavors.
- Be careful not to overcook the thinly sliced beef—adding it at the end keeps it tender.
- You can substitute sirloin with flank steak or eye of round for similar results.
- If you prefer a spicier pho, add more fresh chilies or chili sauce as a topping.
