Pho Bo Brisket Soup with Star Anise and Cinnamon Broth

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

A fragrant Vietnamese beef noodle soup featuring tender brisket slices in a richly spiced, clear broth infused with star anise and cinnamon. This vietnamese-inspired beef ready in about 225 minutes pairs cut into 1/2-inch slices beef brisket, beef bones, large, halved and charred onion 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: 195 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, parboil 2 lbs beef bones in boiling water for 10 minutes, then drain and rinse bones to remove impurities.
  2. Step 2: Refill pot with 12 cups fresh water, add cleaned bones, 1 large halved charred onion, 3-inch charred ginger piece, 4 whole star anise, 2 cinnamon sticks, and 5 cloves. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 3 hours, skimming foam occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb sliced beef brisket to the broth during last 45 minutes of simmering to cook tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup fish sauce, 1 tbsp rock sugar, and 1 tsp salt. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, soak 14 oz rice noodles in warm water for 30 minutes then drain. Blanch noodles in boiling water for 1 minute until soft, then drain.
  6. Step 6: Divide noodles among 4 bowls, top with sliced brisket, and ladle hot broth over.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 sliced green onions, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 cup bean sprouts, fresh Thai basil, sliced jalapeño, and lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pho Bo Brisket Soup with Star Anise and Cinnamon Broth take to make?

Total time is about 225 minutes (30 min prep + 195 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 Brisket Soup with Star Anise and Cinnamon 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 Pho Bo Brisket Soup with Star Anise and Cinnamon 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 Pho Bo Brisket Soup with Star Anise and Cinnamon 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 Pho Bo Brisket Soup with Star Anise and Cinnamon Broth?

Vietnamese beef 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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