Pho, a popular Vietnamese soup, can be quite time-consuming to prepare. However, with the help of an Instant Pot, you can now enjoy this flavorful and comforting dish in a fraction of the time. In this article, we will discuss the best Instant Pot Pho recipe and how to make it at home.

Ingredients:

– 2 pounds beef bones (marrow and/or joints)

– 1 pound beef brisket, thinly sliced

– 1 large onion, quartered

– 4-inch piece fresh ginger, halved lengthwise

– 5-star anise

– 1 cinnamon stick

– 3 whole cloves

– 1 black cardamom pod (optional)

– 6 cups low-sodium beef broth

– 2 tablespoons fish sauce

– 1 tablespoon brown sugar

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh rice noodles, cooked according to package instructions

– Toppings: sliced onion, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, jalapeño slices, bean sprouts, Thai basil leaves

Instructions:

1. Char onion and ginger: Turn on the Instant Pot’s “Sauté” function. Add quartered onion and halved ginger to the pot. Cook until lightly charred on all sides. Remove from pot and set aside.

2. Toast spices: Add star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom (if using) to the Instant Pot. Toast for about 1 minute or until fragrant. Transfer to a small bowl or plate.

3. Prepare beef bones: Place beef bones in the Instant Pot and add water until they are just covered. Using the “Sauté” function again, bring water to a boil for around 10 minutes to remove impurities from the bones. Discard water and rinse bones under cold running water.

4. Assemble and cook: Place charred onion, ginger, toasted spices, and beef bones back into the Instant Pot. Add beef broth, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Stir to combine. Close and lock the lid, making sure the vent is closed. Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes.

5. Release pressure and season: Once cooking is complete, use a natural release for 15-20 minutes before using a quick release for any remaining pressure. Remove the lid and skim off any fat from the surface of the broth. Strainthe broth through a fine-mesh strainer and discard solids. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Prepare bowls: Distribute cooked rice noodles evenly among bowls. Top with slices of beef brisket.

7. Serve: Ladle hot broth over the noodles and beef in each bowl. Serve with toppings on the side so guests can customize their pho to their liking.

In summary, this Instant Pot Pho recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly quick to make compared to the traditional method. The complex flavors of star anise, cinnamon, cloves, along with fish sauce and fresh herbs, combine to create a truly satisfying meal that you’ll want to make again and again!