How to Make Vietnamese Pho Dry at Home: A Complete Recipe for 6 People
Vietnamese cuisine is famous for its comforting noodle soups, fresh herbs and carefully balanced flavours. While a steaming bowl of traditional Phở is known around the world, there is another delicious way to enjoy Vietnamese rice noodles: Phở Khô, also known as Vietnamese dry Phở or dry rice noodles.
Instead of serving the rice noodles completely submerged in broth, Phở Khô focuses on a combination of silky flat rice noodles, savoury sauce, fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables and your choice of protein.
Depending on the style and recipe, Phở Khô (Pho Dry) may also be served with a separate bowl of warm broth on the side.
The result is a completely different experience from traditional Phở soup.
The noodles are coated in a flavour-packed sauce. Fresh herbs and vegetables add texture and freshness. The protein brings savoury richness. A separate broth can be enjoyed between bites, adding another layer to the meal.
In this guide, you will learn how to make homemade Vietnamese Pho Dry for 6 people, including how much noodle, meat, vegetables and sauce you need, how to prepare the noodles and how to assemble each bowl.
And if you are looking for Vietnamese food in Wilston, Brisbane, you can enjoy Vietnamese favourites at Ming Ming's Kitchen.
What Is Pho Dry?
Phở Khô literally refers to dry Phở.
Instead of placing the noodles directly into a large bowl of broth, the rice noodles are served separately and mixed with sauces and toppings.
The dish commonly includes:
Flat Phở rice noodles
Beef, chicken or another protein
Fresh herbs
Bean sprouts
Vegetables
Shallots or fried garlic
Savoury sauce
Optional broth served separately
The exact ingredients can vary depending on the region, restaurant and family recipe.
Some versions focus heavily on a savoury soy-based sauce, while others include a richer meat sauce or broth on the side.
This flexibility is one of the reasons dry Phở is such an exciting dish to make at home.
What Is the Difference Between Pho Soup and Pho Dry?
Both dishes use Vietnamese flat rice noodles, but they are served very differently.
Traditional Phở Soup
Traditional Phở is served with:
Flat rice noodles
Hot aromatic broth
Beef or chicken
Fresh herbs
Onion and spring onion
The noodles sit directly in the broth.
Phở Khô or Pho Dry
Dry Phở is served with:
Flat rice noodles
Sauce mixed directly through the noodles
Fresh herbs and vegetables
Protein
Optional separate bowl of broth
The noodles are not submerged in soup.
Instead, they are tossed with flavourful ingredients before eating.
This gives Phở Khô a richer, more concentrated noodle flavour.
What Does Phở Khô Taste Like?
A good bowl of Phở Khô should have a balance of:
Savoury
Slightly sweet
Fresh
Aromatic
Rich
Light textures
Crunchy vegetables
The sauce coats the soft rice noodles.
Fresh herbs bring brightness.
Bean sprouts provide crunch.
The meat adds savoury depth.
Fried shallots or garlic can add another layer of aroma and texture.
Because the sauce is concentrated, every bite of noodles can be full of flavour.
Homemade Phở Khô Recipe: Serves 6 People
This recipe makes approximately 6 generous servings.
The ingredients can be adjusted depending on how much protein and vegetables you would like in each bowl.
Preparation Time
Approximately 40–50 minutes
Cooking Time
Approximately 30–45 minutes
Total Time
Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
Serves
6 people
Ingredients for Vietnamese Phở Khô for 6 People
Phở Noodles
You will need:
1.2–1.5 kg fresh flat Phở noodles
OR
600 g dried flat rice noodles
As a general guide, allow approximately:
200–250 g fresh noodles per person
100 g dried noodles per person
If you are serving many additional toppings, you can reduce the noodle quantity slightly.
Protein for 6 People
For a beef Phở Khô, you can prepare:
800 g beef brisket, chuck or another slow-cooking beef cut
400–500 g thinly sliced tender beef
Alternatively, you can use one type of beef only.
For approximately 6 people, allow:
200–250 g raw meat per person when the meat is one of the main components of the dish.
You can also make variations using:
Grilled chicken
Lemongrass beef
Slow-cooked beef
Pork
Tofu
Mixed proteins
Vegetables and Fresh Herbs
For 6 people, prepare approximately:
500–600 g bean sprouts
2 bunches fresh herbs
1 bunch coriander
6 spring onions
2 medium onions
2–3 limes
2–3 fresh chillies, optional
Depending on your preferred style, you may also add:
Cucumber
Pickled vegetables
Lettuce
Vietnamese mint
Thai basil
Mint leaves
Prepare everything before cooking the noodles.
This makes assembly much easier.
Ingredients for the Phở Khô Sauce
For approximately 6 servings, you will need:
6 tablespoons soy sauce
4 tablespoons oyster sauce
3 tablespoons fish sauce
3 tablespoons sugar
6 tablespoons warm water or light broth
3 tablespoons cooking oil
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2–3 shallots, finely chopped
1 teaspoon black pepper
Optional:
Chilli oil
Fresh chilli
Sesame oil
The sauce can be adjusted depending on your preferred flavour.
If you like a sweeter dry noodle dish, add a little more sugar.
If you prefer a more savoury flavour, increase the soy sauce gradually.
How to Make Vietnamese Pho Dry at Home
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
If using slow-cooked beef, begin preparing it first.
Place approximately 800 g beef brisket or chuck into a pot.
Cover with water or light broth.
Add:
1 small onion
A few slices of ginger
A small amount of salt
Bring the liquid to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer until the beef becomes tender.
Depending on the cut, this may take approximately:
1.5–2.5 hours
For a faster version, you can use pre-cooked beef or tender beef that can be quickly stir-fried.
Once tender, remove the beef and allow it to rest.
Slice thinly.
Reserve some cooking liquid if you would like to serve a light broth on the side.
Step 2: Prepare the Phở Khô Sauce
Heat 3 tablespoons cooking oil in a pan.
Add:
4 cloves finely chopped garlic
2–3 finely chopped shallots
Cook over medium-low heat until fragrant.
Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add:
6 tablespoons soy sauce
4 tablespoons oyster sauce
3 tablespoons fish sauce
3 tablespoons sugar
6 tablespoons warm water or light broth
1 teaspoon black pepper
Stir everything together.
Allow the sauce to gently simmer for approximately 2–3 minutes.
Taste the sauce.
It should be:
Savoury
Slightly sweet
Aromatic
Rich but not overly salty
Adjust if necessary.
Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Fresh Vegetables
Wash all fresh herbs and vegetables carefully.
For 6 people, prepare:
500–600 g bean sprouts
Fresh herbs
Coriander
Sliced spring onion
Thinly sliced onion
Lime wedges
Chilli
Keep everything fresh and separate until serving.
This allows everyone to add the ingredients they enjoy.
Step 4: Cook the Phở Noodles
For 6 people, prepare:
1.2–1.5 kg fresh noodles
OR
600 g dried noodles
If using dried noodles, follow the instructions on the package.
Avoid overcooking.
Rice noodles can become soft very quickly.
Once cooked, drain the noodles well.
Rinse lightly if required.
Divide the noodles into six bowls.
Step 5: Toss the Noodles With the Sauce
Before adding all the toppings, pour some of the prepared Phở Khô sauce over each bowl.
For each person, begin with approximately:
3–4 tablespoons of sauce
Gently toss the noodles.
The goal is for the noodles to be evenly coated without becoming overly wet.
You can always add more sauce later.
This step is important because the noodles should absorb the savoury flavours.
Step 6: Add the Beef
Divide the prepared beef between the six bowls.
For each bowl, add approximately:
130–150 g cooked beef
You can also add thinly sliced tender beef, depending on your preferred style.
Arrange the beef over the noodles.
Step 7: Add the Fresh Ingredients
Top each bowl with a combination of:
Bean sprouts
Fresh herbs
Coriander
Spring onion
Sliced onion
Fried shallots
Fried garlic
Add lime and chilli on the side.
The fresh ingredients help balance the rich sauce.
Step 8: Serve With Optional Broth
Although Phở Khô is a dry noodle dish, some styles are served with a separate bowl of clear broth.
This broth can be made using:
Beef cooking liquid
Beef bones
Onion
Ginger
Salt
Fish sauce
Serve approximately:
250–350 ml of warm broth per person
For 6 people, prepare approximately:
1.5–2 litres of broth
The broth can be enjoyed separately between bites of noodles.
This creates a beautiful contrast between the flavourful dry noodles and the lighter soup.
How Much Phở Khô Do You Need Per Person?
When cooking Phở Khô for a group, these quantities can be used as a general guide.
Noodles
200–250 g fresh noodles
OR
100 g dried noodles
Meat
Approximately 200–250 g raw meat before cooking
Bean Sprouts
Approximately 80–100 g
Sauce
Approximately 3–5 tablespoons
Optional Broth
Approximately 250–350 ml
Shopping List for Phở Khô for 6 People
Noodles
1.2–1.5 kg fresh Phở noodles
OR
600 g dried flat rice noodles
Meat
800 g slow-cooking beef
400–500 g thinly sliced tender beef
Vegetables and Herbs
500–600 g bean sprouts
2 bunches mixed Vietnamese herbs
1 bunch coriander
6 spring onions
2 medium onions
2–3 limes
Fresh chilli
Sauce
Soy sauce
Oyster sauce
Fish sauce
Sugar
Garlic
Shallots
Black pepper
Tips for Making the Best Homemade Phở Khô
Do Not Overcook the Noodles
The noodles are the centre of the dish.
They should be soft but still have structure.
Overcooked noodles can become sticky and break apart.
Add the Sauce Gradually
Do not pour all the sauce into the noodles at once.
Start with a smaller amount.
Toss well.
Add more if necessary.
Prepare Everything Before Cooking the Noodles
Phở Khô is best assembled quickly.
Prepare:
Sauce
Meat
Herbs
Vegetables
Garnishes
before cooking the noodles.
This helps ensure the noodles stay fresh.
Balance Fresh and Rich Flavours
The sauce is rich and concentrated.
Fresh herbs, lime and bean sprouts help balance the dish.
Do not skip the fresh ingredients.
Serve Immediately
Dry noodles can absorb sauce quickly.
For the best texture, assemble and serve immediately.
Common Mistakes When Making Phở Khô at Home
Using Too Much Sauce
Too much sauce can make the noodles overly salty and heavy.
Start gradually.
Overcooking the Rice Noodles
This is one of the most common problems.
Follow the package instructions and check the noodles regularly.
Not Draining the Noodles Properly
Excess water can dilute the sauce.
Drain the noodles well before mixing.
Preparing the Dish Too Far in Advance
Once the noodles are mixed with sauce, they can become sticky.
Prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but assemble the bowls just before serving.
Can Phở Khô Be Made Vegetarian?
Yes.
A vegetarian version of Phở Khô can be made using:
Tofu
Mushrooms
Vegetables
Vegetarian soy sauce
Mushroom sauce
Replace fish sauce and oyster sauce with suitable vegetarian alternatives.
Fresh herbs and vegetables can remain the same.
This makes Phở Khô a flexible dish that can be adapted for different dietary preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vietnamese Phở Khô
What Is Phở Khô?
Phở Khô is a Vietnamese dry noodle dish made using flat Phở rice noodles mixed with sauce and served with protein, fresh herbs and vegetables.
Some versions are served with a separate bowl of broth.
Is Phở Khô Served With Soup?
The noodles themselves are served dry rather than submerged in soup.
However, some styles of Phở Khô include a separate bowl of clear broth on the side.
What Noodles Are Used for Phở Khô?
Flat Vietnamese Phở rice noodles are traditionally used.
These can be purchased fresh or dried.
Is Phở Khô the Same as Phở Soup?
No.
Traditional Phở is served in a bowl of broth.
Phở Khô is served with sauce mixed through the noodles.
Can I Make Phở Khô Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the sauce, meat and vegetables ahead of time.
However, the noodles are best cooked and assembled just before serving.
Enjoy Vietnamese Dry Phở and More at Ming Ming's Kitchen
Making homemade Phở Khô is a wonderful way to experience Vietnamese rice noodles in a different style.
Instead of focusing entirely on broth, this dish celebrates the combination of soft flat noodles, savoury sauce, tender meat, fresh herbs and crunchy vegetables.
It is flavourful, fresh and highly customisable.
If you are in Wilston or Brisbane and would rather enjoy Vietnamese food prepared for you, visit Ming Ming's Kitchen.
At Ming Ming's Kitchen, guests can enjoy Vietnamese favourites featuring fresh herbs, aromatic sauces, comforting noodles and bold flavours.
Whether you are visiting for lunch, dinner or a meal with family and friends, Vietnamese food is best enjoyed around the table.
Visit Ming Ming's Kitchen in Wilston, Brisbane, and discover delicious Vietnamese flavours, comforting noodle dishes and more.
