Pho-Inspired Beef Broth (Pressure Cooker Beef Stew with Pho Spices)

This pho-inspired beef broth is what happens when a cozy beef stew and a bowl of pho meet somewhere in the middle.

It’s not traditional pho.
It’s not classic beef stew.
It’s something bold, comforting, and deeply flavorful that pulls inspiration from both.

We’re using tender chunks of beef, warm spices, fish sauce, fresh ginger, garlic, and a premade pho spice blend to create a rich broth that tastes like it simmered all day — but it’s made in the pressure cooker.

And honestly? It might be one of my favorite comfort meals lately.

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What This Recipe Is (And Isn’t)

Let’s set expectations clearly:

✔ Inspired by pho flavors
✔ Hearty and stew-like
✔ Packed with aromatics
✔ Made in a pressure cooker

✘ Not traditional Vietnamese pho
✘ Not served with rice noodles (unless you want to)

It’s a fusion moment — and it works.

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Why This Recipe Works

The key to building deep flavor fast is layering:

• Marinating the beef
• Browning it properly
• Sautéing aromatics in the same pan
• Using pho spice seasoning for warmth
• Letting pressure cooking tenderize everything

The result is tender beef in a rich, aromatic broth with subtle sweetness and depth.

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Ingredients Overview

The Beef

• 3 lbs beef, cut into 1-inch squares (I used beef brisket)

The Marinade

• 3 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Chinese 5-spice
• 1 tbsp fresh chopped ginger
• 1 tsp black pepper

The Broth

• 2 tbsp avocado oil (or high heat oil)
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh chopped ginger
• 1/2 cup minced lemongrass
• 2 tbsp fresh minced garlic
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles (10 oz)
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 3 carrots, chopped in large pieces
• ½ cup green onions
• 1 bag premade pho spice seasoning
• 4 cups water or beef broth
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Marinate Time: 20 minutes (or overnight if possible)
Cook Time (Pressure Cooker): 30 minutes
Pressure Build Time: 15 minutes
Natural Release: 10 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes

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How to Make Pho-Inspired Beef Broth

1. Cut & Marinate the Beef

Cut beef into large 1-inch cubes.

Mix together fish sauce, brown sugar, Chinese 5-spice, ginger, and black pepper. Toss the beef until coated.

Marinate at least 20 minutes — overnight if possible for deeper flavor.

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2. Brown the Beef

Heat oil in a heavy-bottom skillet over medium-high heat.

Brown the beef in small batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan — browning builds flavor.

Remove beef and transfer to the pressure cooker.

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3. Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, ginger, and green onions until lightly browned.

This step adds depth to the broth.

Transfer everything into the pressure cooker.

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4. Build the Broth

Add:

• Diced tomatoes
• Carrots
• Pho seasoning packet
• Salt
• Water or beef broth

Stir gently.

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5. Pressure Cook

Set to high pressure for 30 minutes.

It will take about 15 minutes to come to pressure before the timer starts.

When done:

• Let natural release for 10 minutes
• Then quick release remaining pressure

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6. Finish & Taste

Open lid carefully.

Taste and adjust:

• More fish sauce for saltiness
• More salt if needed

Garnish with fresh cilantro.

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How to Serve It

This dish is flexible:

• Serve as-is like a hearty stew
• Add rice noodles for more pho vibes
• Serve over jasmine rice
• Add lime wedges and jalapeños
• Top with extra green onions

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Variations & Add-Ins

You can easily customize this:

• Add star anise for more pho authenticity
• Add cinnamon stick for warmth
• Add mushrooms
• Add bok choy or spinach
• Add rice noodles at the end

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FAQs

Is this authentic pho?
No — this is pho-inspired and stew-like.

Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes. Simmer covered for 2–3 hours until beef is tender.

What cut of beef works best?
Brisket, chuck roast, or short ribs all work well.

Can I freeze it?
Yes — freeze up to 3 months.

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Pho-Inspired Beef Broth

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

Beef

• 3 lbs beef (brisket), cut into 1-inch cubes

Marinade

• 3 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Chinese 5-spice
• 1 tbsp fresh chopped ginger
• 1 tsp black pepper

Broth

• 2 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh chopped ginger
• 1/2 cup minced lemongrass
• 2 tbsp fresh minced garlic
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles (10 oz)
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 3 carrots, chopped
• ½ cup green onions
• 1 bag premade pho spice seasoning
• 4 cups water or beef broth
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Marinate beef in marinade ingredients for 20 minutes (or overnight).
2. Brown beef in batches and transfer to pressure cooker.
3. Sauté onion, garlic, ginger, and green onions, lemongrass; add to cooker.
4. Add remaining broth ingredients.
5. Cook on high pressure 30 minutes.
6. Natural release 10 minutes, then quick release.
7. Adjust seasoning and garnish.