Authentic Pho Bo

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant Vietnamese beef noodle soup with star anise, ginger, and fresh herbs, simmered to perfection. This vietnamese-inspired one pot ready in about 540 minutes pairs beef bones, carrots, celery stalks for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 60 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 Vietnamese cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine 1kg beef bones, 2 medium carrots, 2 celery stalks, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 3 star anise, and 1 cinnamon stick. Add 10 liters water and bring to a boil.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 4 hours, skimming foam and impurities as they rise. Add 2 tbsp fish sauce during the last hour.
  3. Step 3: In a separate pot, cook 200g rice noodles in boiling water until tender, then drain and rinse with cold water.
  4. Step 4: Serve soup in bowls, topped with 1/4 cup rice noodles, 1 tbsp shredded basil, 1 lime wedge, 1/4 cup bean sprouts, and a pinch of chili flakes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Pho Bo take to make?

Total time is about 540 minutes (60 min prep + 480 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Pho Bo?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef bones from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Pho Bo?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Pho Bo for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Authentic Pho Bo?

Vietnamese one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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