Pho-Inspired Beef Soup with Star Anise and Ginger

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

A fragrant beef broth soup infused with star anise and ginger, filled with tender sliced beef and fresh herbs for a warming Vietnamese-style meal. This vietnamese-inspired beef ready in about 210 minutes pairs beef bones, water, inch piece, sliced fresh ginger 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: 20 min Cook: 190 min Serves 6 Vietnamese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large stockpot, combine 3 lbs beef bones and 12 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Skim any foam for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 3-inch sliced fresh ginger, 4 whole star anise pods, 1 cinnamon stick (3 inches), 4 whole cloves, and 1 halved yellow onion to the pot. Simmer uncovered for 3 hours, adding water if needed to maintain level.
  3. Step 3: After simmering, strain the broth through a fine sieve into a clean pot. Stir in 3 tbsp fish sauce and 1 tbsp white sugar. Keep broth hot.
  4. Step 4: Soak 8 oz flat rice noodles in hot water for 8 minutes until pliable, then drain. Divide noodles among bowls.
  5. Step 5: Arrange 8 oz thinly sliced beef sirloin over noodles. Ladle hot broth over the beef to cook it gently.
  6. Step 6: Serve bowls with 1 cup fresh bean sprouts, 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, lime wedges, and sliced jalapeño on the side for garnish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pho-Inspired Beef Soup with Star Anise and Ginger take to make?

Total time is about 210 minutes (20 min prep + 190 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 Ginger?

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 Ginger?

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 Ginger 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 Soup with Star Anise and Ginger?

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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