Slow-Simmered Beef Pho with Star Anise and Cinnamon Broth

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant Vietnamese noodle soup featuring tender slow-cooked beef in a rich, aromatic broth infused with star anise and cinnamon bark. This vietnamese-inspired soups ready in about 285 minutes pairs beef brisket, beef bones, large, halved onion 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.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 45 min Cook: 240 min Serves 6 Vietnamese cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 450°F. Place 1 large halved onion and 3-inch halved ginger on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes until charred at edges, then set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large stockpot, add 2 lbs beef bones and 1.5 lbs beef brisket, cover with 5 quarts cold water, and bring to a boil over high heat. Boil vigorously for 15 minutes, then drain and rinse bones and pot to remove impurities.
  3. Step 3: Refill pot with 5 quarts fresh water, add roasted onion and ginger, 4 whole star anise, 2 cinnamon sticks, 5 cloves, 3 cardamom pods, 1/4 cup fish sauce, 1 tbsp rock sugar, and 2 tsp salt. Simmer gently over low heat, uncovered, for 4 hours, skimming any foam occasionally.
  4. Step 4: After 4 hours, remove bones and brisket. Slice brisket thinly against the grain and keep warm.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, soak 8 oz rice noodles in warm water for 30 minutes, then blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes until tender, and drain.
  6. Step 6: To serve, divide noodles into bowls, top with sliced brisket, 1 cup bean sprouts, 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil, 3 sliced green onions, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeño. Ladle hot broth over and serve with 4 lime wedges on the side.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 285 minutes (45 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 Slow-Simmered Beef Pho with Star Anise and Cinnamon Broth?

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 brisket from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Beef Pho with Star Anise and Cinnamon Broth?

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 Pho with Star Anise and Cinnamon Broth 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 Pho with Star Anise and Cinnamon Broth?

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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