There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of pho — fragrant broth, tender noodles, and a perfect mix of fresh herbs and spices. Traditionally, pho takes hours to simmer, but what if you could make it at home in minutes?
This homemade pho recipe in minutes gives you all the cozy comfort and authentic Vietnamese flavor without spending all day in the kitchen. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re craving something nourishing and light, this quick pho recipe is your fast track to deliciousness.
Let’s dive into how to make this easy, aromatic bowl of goodness right in your own kitchen!
🍜 What Is Pho?
Pho (pronounced “fuh”) is Vietnam’s beloved noodle soup — a harmonious blend of savory broth, flat rice noodles, herbs, and your choice of protein.
The traditional version can simmer for hours to extract deep flavors from bones and spices, but our quick homemade pho recipe cuts down the time while keeping all the rich, aromatic essence you love.
🥢 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the broth (shortcut version):
6 cups beef or chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 cinnamon stick
2 whole cloves
1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
2 garlic cloves, smashed
1 small onion, halved
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
For the noodles and toppings:
8 oz rice noodles (thin or medium width)
1 cup cooked shredded chicken, beef, or tofu
½ cup bean sprouts
Fresh herbs: cilantro, basil, and mint
1 lime, cut into wedges
Sliced green onions
Sliced chili peppers (optional)
Hoisin sauce and Sriracha for serving
🕒 Step-by-Step: Quick Pho in 20 Minutes!
Step 1: Infuse the Broth
In a large pot, add your broth, soy sauce, fish sauce, cinnamon stick, cloves, ginger, onion, garlic, and sugar.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes.
This infuses the broth with deep, authentic Vietnamese flavors — no hours-long simmering needed!
💡 Tip: For extra depth, lightly char the onion and ginger over an open flame before adding them to the pot.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
While the broth simmers, cook the rice noodles according to package instructions (usually 4–6 minutes).
Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Toppings
Lay out your toppings so everyone can customize their bowl:
Fresh herbs, lime wedges, bean sprouts, sliced chili, and green onions.
This “build-your-own pho” setup is perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Step 4: Assemble Your Pho
Strain the broth to remove the spices, onion, and ginger. Return it to the pot and bring to a gentle simmer.
In each serving bowl, place a handful of noodles, then top with your protein of choice (chicken, beef, or tofu).
Ladle hot broth over the noodles and meat, and watch the magic happen!
Add your favorite toppings and sauces — a squeeze of lime, fresh herbs, hoisin, and a touch of Sriracha.
🧄 Why You’ll Love This Homemade Pho Recipe
✅ Quick & easy — Ready in just 20 minutes!
✅ Authentic flavor — The perfect balance of sweet, salty, and aromatic.
✅ Healthy & comforting — Packed with protein, herbs, and warm broth.
✅ Customizable — Works beautifully with chicken, beef, tofu, or shrimp.
This homemade pho recipe in minutes is your shortcut to a soul-soothing, restaurant-quality dish right at home.
🥬 Pho Variations to Try
Here are some fun ways to customize your pho experience:
🍗 Chicken Pho (Pho Ga): Use chicken broth and shredded chicken breast.
🥩 Beef Pho (Pho Bo): Use thinly sliced raw beef (like sirloin) — pour hot broth over to cook instantly.
🍄 Vegetarian Pho: Swap broth for vegetable stock and use tofu or mushrooms for richness.
🍤 Shrimp Pho: Add cooked shrimp for a light, coastal twist.
🌿 Pro Tips for the Best Quick Pho
Don’t skip the fish sauce! It’s the secret to pho’s deep umami flavor.
Fresh herbs make the difference — always add basil, mint, and cilantro right before serving.
Balance your bowl — a squeeze of lime and a drizzle of hoisin bring it all together.
Make it ahead: Broth keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days — just add noodles fresh each time.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
To store:
Keep broth and noodles separate in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat:
Warm the broth on the stove until hot, then pour over cold noodles for a just-cooked taste.
To freeze:
Freeze just the broth for up to 3 months — perfect for quick lunches or cozy dinners later.
Conclusion: Pho Made Simple!
With this homemade pho recipe in minutes, you don’t need a long simmer or special tools — just a few simple ingredients and 20 minutes to create an unforgettable bowl of Vietnamese comfort.
It’s fragrant, nourishing, and endlessly customizable — ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something soothing and flavorful.
So grab your chopsticks, take a sip of that aromatic broth, and enjoy the magic of homemade pho — quick, delicious, and made with love. ❤️🍜