Herb-Crusted Beef Pho with Fragrant Broth

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant, clear beef broth infused with star anise and cinnamon, served with tender slices of beef, rice noodles, and fresh herbs for a balanced, aromatic bowl of comfort. This asian-inspired soups ready in about 165 minutes pairs beef bones, beef chuck, medium onions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 135 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large stockpot, combine 2 lbs beef bones, 2 medium onions (halved), 4 inches ginger (sliced), 2 whole star anise, 2 cinnamon sticks, 8 cloves, 4 cardamom pods, and 1 tbsp coriander seeds. Add 8 cups cold water and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, skimming off foam for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 hours, skimming occasionally until broth is rich. Strain broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot, discarding solids.
  3. Step 3: Return broth to pot and stir in 3 tbsp fish sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp salt. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until flavors meld.
  4. Step 4: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, add 8 oz rice noodles, and cook for 5 minutes until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  5. Step 5: Thinly slice 1 lb beef chuck against the grain. Place 2 oz cooked noodles in each bowl, top with 3 oz raw beef slices, pour hot broth over until beef cooks through, and garnish with 1/4 cup cilantro, 1/4 cup fresh basil, 1 cup bean sprouts, and serve with lime wedges.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Crusted Beef Pho with Fragrant Broth take to make?

Total time is about 165 minutes (30 min prep + 135 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 Herb-Crusted Beef Pho with Fragrant Broth?

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 Herb-Crusted Beef Pho with Fragrant Broth?

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 Herb-Crusted Beef Pho with Fragrant Broth 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 Herb-Crusted Beef Pho with Fragrant Broth?

Asian 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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