Pho-Inspired Beef and Herb Soup with Rice Noodles

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant, clear broth simmered with beef bones and spices, served over tender rice noodles and fresh Vietnamese herbs. This vietnamese-inspired beef ready in about 260 minutes pairs beef marrow bones, large onion, inch piece fresh ginger 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: 20 min Cook: 240 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Char 1 large onion and 3-inch piece of fresh ginger over an open flame or under a broiler until blackened, about 5 minutes each side. Rinse briefly and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Place 2 lbs beef marrow bones in a large pot and cover with 16 cups cold water. Bring to a boil and boil hard for 10 minutes to release impurities; drain and rinse bones and pot.
  3. Step 3: Return bones, charred onion, and ginger to pot with 3 whole star anise, 1 cinnamon stick, and 4 cloves. Add 3 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp rock sugar, and 1 tsp salt. Simmer gently, uncovered, for at least 4 hours, skimming foam occasionally.
  4. Step 4: About 15 minutes before serving, soak 8 oz dry rice noodles in warm water until softened, then drain.
  5. Step 5: To serve, divide noodles into 4 bowls. Arrange 8 oz thinly sliced raw beef sirloin over noodles. Ladle the boiling hot broth over the beef to cook it instantly.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, 1 cup bean sprouts, and lime wedges. Serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pho-Inspired Beef and Herb Soup with Rice Noodles take to make?

Total time is about 260 minutes (20 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-Inspired Beef and Herb Soup with 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 marrow bones from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pho-Inspired Beef and Herb Soup with 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-Inspired Beef and Herb Soup with 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-Inspired Beef and Herb Soup with Rice Noodles?

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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