Pho Bo

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

Vietnamese beef noodle soup with star anise, ginger, and herbs — a national treasure. This vietnamese ready in about 270 minutes pairs beef bones, flat rice noodles, beef sirloin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

★ 4.9 (387 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 240 min Serves 6 Vietnamese cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Char ginger and onion under broiler until blackened.
  2. Step 2: Simmer bones with charred aromatics, star anise, cinnamon 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Strain broth, season with fish sauce.
  4. Step 4: Cook noodles fresh, divide into bowls.
  5. Step 5: Top with raw sliced beef (it cooks in hot broth), serve with herbs and lime.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pho Bo 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 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 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 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 Pho Bo?

Vietnamese vietnamese 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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