Pho-Inspired Beef Soup with Star Anise and Fresh Herbs

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

A fragrant Vietnamese beef broth simmered with star anise and cinnamon, served with tender beef slices and fresh herbs for a comforting bowl of pho. This vietnamese-inspired beef ready in about 260 minutes pairs beef bones, medium onion, halved, inch piece ginger, sliced 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 240 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large stockpot, char 1 medium halved onion and 3-inch sliced ginger over high heat for 5 minutes until blackened at edges. Add 2 lbs beef bones and 12 cups water; bring to a boil, then reduce to low and simmer.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 whole star anise, 1 three-inch cinnamon stick, 4 whole cloves, 3 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tbsp rock sugar to the pot. Simmer gently, uncovered, for 4 hours, skimming any foam periodically.
  3. Step 3: About 30 minutes before serving, soak 8 oz rice pho noodles in hot water until tender, then drain.
  4. Step 4: Arrange 8 oz thinly sliced sirloin beef on a platter. To serve, divide noodles into bowls, top with raw beef slices, then ladle the hot broth over the beef to cook it.
  5. Step 5: Garnish each bowl with 1 cup bean sprouts, 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 2 sliced scallions, lime wedges, and jalapeño slices if desired.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pho-Inspired Beef Soup with Star Anise and Fresh Herbs 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 Soup 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 bones from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pho-Inspired Beef Soup 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-Inspired Beef Soup 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-Inspired Beef Soup 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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