If you've checked out the ultimate guide to pho , you understand that this Vietnamese noodle soup has a long, storied history and as many variations as there are stars in the sky. All versions of pho, from the northern Hanoi version to the southern Saigon variety, have one thing in common, however: They take a long time to perfect. Authentic pho has to simmer for around six hours or more to let the delicate flavors build and to bring out the delicious, umami profile.
If you're craving pho and don't have all day to stir a simmering stockpot, there is a shortcut. Like many shortcuts, it's not a perfect solution, but it will get the job done. The answer is pho bouillon cubes , which can be found at most Asian grocery stores and even on Amazon from the Bao Long brand .
The bouillon cubes are unlikely to capture pho's complexity of flavor. But, considering that the soup is largely a vehicle for toppings — they distinguish pho from its close cousin, ramen — the right add-ins will allow you to savor that soul-warming taste without all of the cooking time. The broth is simple, and you can hack it to amp up the flavor Pho bouillon cubes contain simple ingredients: salt, sugar, MSG, and star anise, which is one of the major seasonings in traditional pho broth.
To turbocharge your broth and give it a bit of better-rounded flavor, you could simmer it for a short time — even fifteen minutes would do the trick — with some cinnamon, cardamom, coriander, onion, and fish sauce . Yello.
