Slow-Simmered Beef Pho with Charred Star Anise Broth

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-12 · Updated 2026-06-12

A fragrant Vietnamese noodle soup featuring tender beef slices in a richly spiced star anise broth. This Vietnamese-inspired soup recipe, ready in about 285 minutes, pairs beef bones, onion, ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef bones
• 1 large, halved onion
• 3-inch piece, halved lengthwise ginger
• 4 whole star anise
• 1 large cinnamon stick
• 5 whole cloves
• 3 whole cardamom pods
• 1 tbsp rock sugar
• 1/4 cup fish sauce
• 12 cups water
• 14 oz rice noodles
• 12 oz, thinly sliced beef sirloin
• 2 cups bean sprouts
• 1 cup Thai basil leaves
• 1 lime, cut into wedges lime wedges
• 1/4 cup jalapeño slices
• 3 stalks, thinly sliced green onions
• 1/2 cup cilantro leaves

The stock pot we’d simmer this in → Best Stock Pots for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Place 2 lbs beef bones, 1 large halved onion, and 3-inch halved ginger on a baking sheet and char under the broiler for 8 minutes until slightly blackened and fragrant.
2. Step 2: Transfer the charred bones, onion, and ginger to the stockpot; add 4 whole star anise, 1 large cinnamon stick, 5 whole cloves, and 3 whole cardamom pods. Pour in 12 cups water, bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Skim foam off the surface every 15 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add 1 tbsp rock sugar and 1/4 cup fish sauce to the broth. Simmer uncovered for at least 4 hours to develop deep flavor, adding water if needed.
4. Step 4: Meanwhile, soak 14 oz rice noodles in warm water for 30 minutes until pliable, then drain.
5. Step 5: Just before serving, bring the broth to a boil. Meanwhile, arrange 12 oz thinly sliced beef sirloin on a plate.
6. Step 6: Divide soaked noodles among 6 bowls. Top with raw beef slices, then ladle hot broth over to gently cook the meat.
7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 cups bean sprouts, 1 cup Thai basil leaves, 1/4 cup jalapeño slices, 3 sliced green onions, 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, and lime wedges. Serve immediately.