Authentic Vietnamese Pho-Inspired Beef and Rice Noodle Soup

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

A fragrant, clear beef broth simmered with star anise and cinnamon, served with tender slices of rare beef and soft rice noodles for a comforting bowl of pho. This vietnamese-inspired soups ready in about 270 minutes pairs beef bones, onion, ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 3.9 (10 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 240 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Char 1 large halved onion and 3-inch halved ginger under a broiler for 5 minutes until blackened. Place in a large stockpot with 2 lbs beef bones and 12 cups water, bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 whole star anise, 1 large cinnamon stick, and 4 whole cloves to the pot. Simmer uncovered for 4 hours, occasionally skimming foam for a clear broth.
  3. Step 3: After simmering, strain broth through a fine sieve into a clean pot. Stir in 4 tbsp fish sauce and 1 tbsp rock sugar, adjusting seasoning to taste.
  4. Step 4: Soak 8 oz rice noodles in warm water for 20 minutes, then blanch in boiling water for 1 minute until soft; drain.
  5. Step 5: Divide noodles into bowls. Top with thinly sliced 8 oz raw sirloin beef.
  6. Step 6: Pour hot broth over beef and noodles, cooking beef slices by the heat of the broth.
  7. Step 7: Serve with 1 cup bean sprouts, 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, lime wedges, and jalapeño slices on the side for garnish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Vietnamese Pho-Inspired Beef and Rice Noodle Soup take to make?

Total time is about 270 minutes (30 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 Vietnamese Pho-Inspired Beef and Rice Noodle Soup?

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 Vietnamese Pho-Inspired Beef and Rice Noodle Soup?

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-Inspired Beef and Rice Noodle Soup 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-Inspired Beef and Rice Noodle Soup?

Vietnamese soups 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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