Pho Bo with Slow-Simmered Beef Broth and Fresh Rice Noodles

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

Classic Vietnamese beef noodle soup featuring aromatic broth simmered for hours, tender beef slices, and fresh herbs. This vietnamese ready in about 285 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.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 45 min Cook: 240 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 450°F. Place 2 lbs beef bones, 1 large halved onion, and 3-inch sliced ginger on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes until browned and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Transfer bones, onion, and ginger to a large stockpot. Add 12 cups water, 4 star anise, 1 large cinnamon stick, 5 cloves, and 3 cardamom pods. Bring to boil, then reduce to simmer for 4 hours, skimming foam every 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: After simmering, strain broth through a fine mesh sieve into a clean pot. Stir in 1/4 cup fish sauce, 1 tbsp rock sugar, and 1 tbsp salt. Keep broth hot.
  4. Step 4: Prepare 8 oz rice noodles by soaking in hot water for 10 minutes until tender, then drain.
  5. Step 5: To serve, divide noodles into 4 bowls. Top each with 2 oz thinly sliced raw beef sirloin and 1/4 cup bean sprouts.
  6. Step 6: Ladle hot broth over the beef and noodles; the heat will cook the beef slices. Garnish with 2 tbsp Thai basil, sliced green onions, a few jalapeño slices, and a lime wedge per bowl.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pho Bo with Slow-Simmered Beef Broth and Fresh Rice Noodles take to make?

Total time is about 285 minutes (45 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 with Slow-Simmered Beef Broth and Fresh Rice Noodles?

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 with Slow-Simmered Beef Broth and Fresh Rice Noodles?

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 with Slow-Simmered Beef Broth and Fresh Rice Noodles 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 with Slow-Simmered Beef Broth and Fresh Rice Noodles?

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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