Instant Pot Pho

Introduction

Classic Vietnamese pho—fragrant, savory, and brimming with aromatics—usually takes hours to develop its signature depth of flavor. With this Instant Pot Pho recipe, you can enjoy all the richness and comfort of traditional pho in a fraction of the time. Using high pressure to coax flavors from beef bones, spices, and fresh vegetables, this shortcut version is just as soul-satisfying and sure to impress.

Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a steaming bowl to wow friends and family, this Instant Pot Pho is the answer.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Pho

The beauty of this recipe is its combination of speed and authentic flavor. The Instant Pot rapidly unlocks the deep, complex broth that makes pho so beloved, without the need for a day-long simmer. The result? Hearty noodles, meltingly tender beef, and a broth bursting with star anise, cinnamon, ginger, and more—all ready in about an hour.

This dish is endlessly customizable with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime, and chili, ensuring every bowl is perfectly tailored to individual tastes.

The Secret to Deep Pho Flavor Fast

Traditional pho’s magic comes from roasted bones, charred aromatics, and a nuanced blend of spices. Using the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart, you can efficiently mimic that classic technique at home. Begin by briefly broiling onion and ginger to char them—essential for that signature smoky-sweet note.

Next, pressure cook bones, spices, and aromatics together to extract maximum flavor in record time. The Instant Pot’s sealed environment locks in the intricate layers that make pho’s broth legendary.

Prepping Your Pho Ingredients Efficiently

Pho shines with a variety of vibrant toppings and thinly sliced vegetables. Here’s where the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper can help you save prep time—quickly and evenly slice onions, jalapeños, or herbs for beautiful presentation and optimal texture.

For the beef, keep it tender by slicing it extra thin, ideally while it’s still a little frozen. Assemble all your garnishes ahead so everyone can customize their bowl.

Assembling and Serving Your Instant Pot Pho

Once your broth is strained and shimmering, it’s time to layer up a truly comforting bowl. Place cooked rice noodles and beef in each bowl, ladle over the hot broth to cook the meat to perfection, then arrange your favorite toppings—think scallions, cilantro, basil, and bean sprouts.

Keep leftovers fresh and handy with Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup), especially for meal prep or delicious next-day lunches.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

Enhance the pho experience with fresh lime wedges, hoisin sauce, and a side of sliced chili for those who crave extra heat. If you’re sending pho to work or school, a leakproof container like a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green is the perfect companion for transporting all your toppings separately until you’re ready to enjoy.

Pair each bowl with a glass of iced tea, or keep your drink chilled with a Stanley Quencher ProTour Flip Straw Tumbler, 30 oz, Rose Quartz for a refreshing balance.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 6 generous servings. Each bowl of pho provides lean protein, nourishing broth, and an array of fresh vegetables. Calories/background nutrition will vary based on cut of beef and the amount of noodles and toppings, but expect around 350–400 calories per serving—a hearty yet healthful meal.

Instant Pot Pho (Recap)

Pho’s soul-soothing broth and fresh garnishes make it a standout, and the Instant Pot brings this favorite Vietnamese noodle soup to your table in under an hour. With smart shortcuts and the right prep tools, you get all the comfort, complexity, and customizable fun of pho—perfect for gatherings or a satisfying meal at home.

Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart to sauté. Meanwhile, place onion and ginger on a baking sheet and broil in the oven until lightly charred, turning as needed.
2. Add the charred onion and ginger to the pot along with beef bones. Sauté for 5 minutes to develop flavor, then add water to cover.
3. Skim any foam with a ladle. Add fish sauce, sugar, salt, star anise, cloves, cinnamon, and coriander seeds.
4. Lock the lid, set to manual, and cook at high pressure for 45 minutes. Allow a natural release for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
5. Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl. Discard solids. Taste and adjust fish sauce or salt if needed.
6. Meanwhile, soak rice noodles in hot water per package instructions, then drain. Use a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to prep your toppings efficiently.
7. Divide noodles among bowls. Top with thinly sliced beef. Pour hot broth over beef to cook it gently.
8. Add your choice of toppings—bean sprouts, herbs, onions, jalapeño, lime. Serve immediately with hoisin and Sriracha on the side.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Enjoy the flavors of authentic pho—without the lengthy simmer—with this Instant Pot recipe that’s guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen!