Authentic Pho Bo with Beef Bones & Star Anise

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant Vietnamese broth simmered for hours with beef bones and aromatic spices, featuring tender rice noodles and perfectly seared flank steak for an authentic Hanoi experience. This vietnamese-inspired asian ready in about 285 minutes pairs beef bones (marrow), beef flank steak, star anise for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 680 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 2.9 (12 ratings) Prep: 45 min Cook: 240 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 680 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 lbs beef bones in a large pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a gentle boil. Skim off foam for 10 minutes, then add 3 star anise and 1 cinnamon stick.
  2. Step 2: Simmer uncovered for 4 hours, skimming occasionally, until broth is rich and golden — reduce to 4 cups.
  3. Step 3: Slice 12 oz flank steak thinly against the grain, then sear in a hot skillet for 1 minute per side until browned but still pink inside.
  4. Step 4: Cook 8 oz rice noodles in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water.
  5. Step 5: Strain broth to remove solids, then pour over noodles in bowls. Top with seared steak, 1 cup bean sprouts, and 1/4 cup cilantro.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Pho Bo with Beef Bones & Star Anise take to make?

Total time is about 285 minutes (45 min prep + 240 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 with Beef Bones & Star Anise?

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 (marrow) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Pho Bo with Beef Bones & Star Anise?

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 with Beef Bones & Star Anise for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 with Beef Bones & Star Anise?

Vietnamese asian 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes