Simmered Beef and Rice Noodle Soup with Star Anise

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

Hearty broth infused with star anise, tender beef, and rice noodles for a comforting bowl. This vietnamese-inspired soups ready in about 40 minutes pairs beef sirloin, rice noodles, beef broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice beef into thin strips. Dice tomatoes, mince garlic, and grate ginger.
  2. Step 2: In a large pot, combine beef broth, 2 whole star anise, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add sliced beef and diced tomatoes, and simmer for 5 minutes until beef is cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Add rice noodles and simmer for 5-7 minutes until noodles are tender. Stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp lime juice, then remove star anise. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Simmered Beef and Rice Noodle Soup with Star Anise take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Simmered Beef and Rice Noodle Soup with Star Anise?

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 sirloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Simmered Beef and Rice Noodle Soup with Star Anise?

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 Simmered Beef and Rice Noodle Soup with Star Anise 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 Simmered Beef and Rice Noodle Soup with Star Anise?

Vietnamese soups 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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