Authentic Vietnamese Pho Bo with Herbs

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant beef broth with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and tender slices of beef. This vietnamese-inspired asian ready in about 115 minutes pairs Rice noodles, cut into 1-inch cubes Beef shank, Star anise for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

★ 3.1 (11 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 90 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine 300 g beef shank, 2 star anise, 1 cinnamon stick, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Simmer for 1.5 hours until beef is tender.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cups water and 1/2 cup rice noodles. Cook for 10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a bowl, assemble 4 cups torn romaine lettuce, 1/4 cup chopped mint, and 1/2 cup bean sprouts. Top with 2 sliced limes and 4 sliced green onions.
  4. Step 4: Serve hot broth with 200 g rice noodles, 300 g beef slices, and herbs. Garnish with lime and green onions.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Vietnamese Pho Bo with Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 115 minutes (25 min prep + 90 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 Vietnamese Pho Bo with Herbs?

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 rice noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Vietnamese Pho Bo with Herbs?

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 Vietnamese Pho Bo with Herbs 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 Vietnamese Pho Bo with Herbs?

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.

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