Slow-Simmered Beef Pho with Star Anise and Fresh Herbs

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant Vietnamese noodle soup featuring tender beef simmered with star anise and warm spices, garnished with crisp herbs and lime. This vietnamese-inspired soups ready in about 405 minutes pairs pounds beef marrow bones, pound beef brisket, large, halved yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

★ 4.4 (12 ratings) Prep: 45 min Cook: 360 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Char 1 large halved yellow onion and 3-inch halved ginger over an open flame or under a broiler until blackened on the surface, about 5 minutes, then rinse briefly.
  2. Step 2: Place 3 pounds beef marrow bones and 1 pound beef brisket in a large stockpot with 5 quarts cold water; bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and skim off foam for 10 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add the charred onion, ginger, 5 star anise, 4 cloves, 1 cinnamon stick, 3 cardamom pods, 1/4 cup fish sauce, 1 tablespoon rock sugar, and 2 teaspoons salt; simmer gently uncovered for 6 hours to extract deep flavors.
  4. Step 4: Remove the brisket after 2 hours, cool slightly, then thinly slice against the grain and set aside.
  5. Step 5: Strain the broth through a fine sieve into a clean pot, discarding solids; keep broth hot over low heat.
  6. Step 6: Soak 12 ounces dried rice noodles in warm water for 30 minutes until pliable, then blanch them in boiling water for 1 minute until tender; drain.
  7. Step 7: Divide noodles into 4 large bowls, top evenly with sliced brisket, 2 cups bean sprouts, 1 cup fresh Thai basil, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 4 sliced green onions, and 1/4 cup fresh red chili slices.
  8. Step 8: Ladle the steaming broth over noodles and garnish with lime wedges; serve with hoisin and sriracha sauces on the side for dipping or drizzling.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 405 minutes (45 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 Pho with Star Anise and Fresh Herbs?

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 pounds beef marrow bones from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Beef Pho with Star Anise and Fresh Herbs?

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 Fresh Herbs 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 Slow-Simmered Beef Pho with Star Anise and Fresh Herbs?

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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