Pho-Inspired Beef Bone Broth with Rice Noodles

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

A rich, aromatic beef bone broth simmered with traditional spices served over tender rice noodles for a comforting bowl of Vietnamese pho at home. This vietnamese-inspired beef ready in about 420 minutes pairs beef marrow bones, large onion, halved and charred, inch piece ginger, sliced 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: 60 min Cook: 360 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 450°F. Place 3 lbs beef marrow bones on a baking sheet and roast for 45 minutes until browned deeply.
  2. Step 2: In a large stockpot, add the roasted bones, 1 large halved charred onion, 4-inch sliced charred ginger, 4 star anise, 2 cinnamon sticks, 5 cloves, 3 cardamom pods, and 5 quarts water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
  3. Step 3: Simmer uncovered for at least 6 hours, skimming impurities every 30 minutes, until broth is amber and aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/4 cup fish sauce, 1 tbsp rock sugar, and 2 tsp salt to the broth, stirring until dissolved. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, soak 12 oz rice noodles in warm water for 30 minutes until soft, then drain.
  6. Step 6: To serve, divide noodles into 4 bowls, top with 2 oz thinly sliced sirloin beef per bowl. Ladle the hot broth over the beef and noodles to cook the beef gently.
  7. Step 7: Garnish each bowl with 1/4 cup bean sprouts, 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, 1 lime wedge, and sliced jalapeño to taste.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pho-Inspired Beef Bone Broth with Rice Noodles take to make?

Total time is about 420 minutes (60 min prep + 360 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 Bone Broth 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 Bone Broth 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 Bone Broth 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 Bone Broth 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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