Pho Bo Brisket with Star Anise and Fresh Herbs

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

Traditional Vietnamese beef noodle soup simmered with fragrant spices and tender brisket slices, garnished with fresh herbs and lime. This vietnamese-inspired beef ready in about 270 minutes pairs beef brisket, thinly sliced, beef bones, large onion, halved and charred 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: 240 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large stockpot, add 2 lbs beef bones, 1 large halved onion (charred over open flame or broiler for 5 minutes until blackened), 3-inch sliced charred ginger, 4 star anise pods, 2 cinnamon sticks, and 3 cloves. Cover with 5 quarts cold water and bring to a boil over high heat, skimming foam and impurities for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to low and simmer the broth gently for 4 hours, adding 4 tbsp fish sauce and 1 tbsp rock sugar during the last hour.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, soak 12 oz rice pho noodles in hot water for 15 minutes until tender, then drain.
  4. Step 4: Slice 1 lb beef brisket thinly against the grain and set aside.
  5. Step 5: To serve, divide noodles into 4 bowls, top with raw brisket slices and thinly sliced scallions, then ladle the steaming hot broth over the meat to cook it.
  6. Step 6: Garnish each bowl with 1 cup bean sprouts, 1/2 cup Thai basil leaves, 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, sliced jalapeño, and lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pho Bo Brisket with Star Anise and Fresh Herbs 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 Brisket with Star Anise and Fresh 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 beef brisket, thinly sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pho Bo Brisket with Star Anise and Fresh 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 Pho Bo Brisket with Star Anise and Fresh 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 Pho Bo Brisket with Star Anise and Fresh Herbs?

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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