Pho-Inspired Beef and Rice Noodle Soup with Star Anise Broth

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

A fragrant, slow-simmered beef broth infused with star anise and cinnamon, served with tender beef slices and delicate rice noodles. This vietnamese-inspired beef ready in about 270 minutes pairs marrow and knuckle bones beef bones, water, large, halved onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 240 min Serves 6 Vietnamese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 lbs beef bones in a large stockpot and cover with 12 cups cold water. Bring to a rolling boil for 10 minutes, then drain and rinse bones to remove impurities.
  2. Step 2: Return bones to the pot with 12 cups fresh water. Add 1 large halved onion and 3-inch sliced ginger, then bring to a boil.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 whole star anise pods, 1 cinnamon stick, 4 cloves, and 1 tbsp rock sugar. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 4 hours, skimming foam occasionally.
  4. Step 4: After simmering, strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into a clean pot. Stir in 3 tbsp fish sauce and keep the broth hot.
  5. Step 5: Prepare 8 oz flat rice noodles by soaking in warm water for 20 minutes, then drain.
  6. Step 6: To serve, place a handful of noodles into each bowl. Top with thin slices of 8 oz raw sirloin.
  7. Step 7: Ladle the steaming hot broth over the noodles and beef, cooking the beef slices gently.
  8. Step 8: Garnish each bowl with 1 cup bean sprouts, 1/2 cup fresh basil, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and jalapeño slices to taste.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pho-Inspired Beef and Rice Noodle Soup with Star Anise Broth 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-Inspired Beef and Rice Noodle Soup with Star Anise 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 water from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pho-Inspired Beef and Rice Noodle Soup with Star Anise 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-Inspired Beef and Rice Noodle Soup with Star Anise Broth 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-Inspired Beef and Rice Noodle Soup with Star Anise 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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