Slow-Simmered Beef Phở with Star Anise and Cinnamon

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant, slow-simmered Vietnamese beef noodle soup infused with star anise and cinnamon, served with tender beef slices and fresh herbs. This vietnamese-inspired soups ready in about 380 minutes pairs beef bones, large, halved onion, inch piece, halved lengthwise 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.

★ 4.6 (10 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 360 min Serves 6 Vietnamese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 3 lbs beef bones in a large stockpot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil for 10 minutes, then drain and rinse bones to remove impurities.
  2. Step 2: Return cleaned bones to the pot with 12 cups fresh water. Add 1 large halved onion and 3-inch halved ginger piece, 4 star anise, 2 cinnamon sticks, 5 cloves, and 3 cardamom pods. Simmer gently uncovered for at least 6 hours, skimming foam occasionally.
  3. Step 3: After simmering, strain broth through a fine sieve. Stir in 1/4 cup fish sauce, 1 tbsp rock sugar, and 1 tbsp salt. Keep broth hot.
  4. Step 4: Soak 12 oz rice noodles in warm water for 30 minutes or until pliable, then drain.
  5. Step 5: Bring a separate pot of water to a rapid boil and briefly blanch noodles for 30 seconds until tender, then drain.
  6. Step 6: Arrange slices of 1/2 lb thinly sliced beef sirloin in serving bowls. Pour hot broth over the beef to cook it instantly.
  7. Step 7: Add noodles to bowls and top with 2 cups bean sprouts, 1 cup fresh Thai basil, 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, 1/2 cup sliced green onions, sliced jalapeños, and lime wedges. Serve immediately with extra lime and chili on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Beef Phở with Star Anise and Cinnamon take to make?

Total time is about 380 minutes (20 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 Slow-Simmered Beef Phở with Star Anise and Cinnamon?

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 Slow-Simmered Beef Phở with Star Anise and Cinnamon?

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 Slow-Simmered Beef Phở with Star Anise and Cinnamon 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 Slow-Simmered Beef Phở with Star Anise and Cinnamon?

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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