Slow-Simmered Beef Pho with Star Anise Broth

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant Vietnamese beef noodle soup featuring a deeply aromatic star anise and cinnamon broth simmered for hours to develop rich flavors. This vietnamese-inspired vietnamese ready in about 390 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 450 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.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 360 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Char 1 large halved onion and 3-inch halved ginger over an open flame or under a broiler until slightly blackened, about 5 minutes per side, then rinse under hot water to remove soot.
  2. Step 2: In a large stockpot, add 3 lbs beef bones and 5 quarts cold water. Bring to a rapid boil over high heat and boil for 10 minutes to remove impurities, then drain and rinse the bones to ensure a clear broth.
  3. Step 3: Return cleaned bones to the pot along with the charred onion, ginger, 5 star anise, 2 cinnamon sticks, 4 cloves, and 3 cardamom pods. Add 1/4 cup fish sauce, 1 tbsp rock sugar, and 2 tsp salt.
  4. Step 4: Simmer the broth uncovered on low heat for 6 hours, skimming any foam occasionally, until the broth is rich and fragrant.
  5. Step 5: About 15 minutes before serving, soak 12 oz rice pho noodles in hot water for 10 minutes until pliable, then drain.
  6. Step 6: Blanch the soaked noodles in boiling water for 30 seconds, then divide into 4 bowls.
  7. Step 7: Thinly slice 8 oz raw beef sirloin and arrange on top of noodles.
  8. Step 8: Ladle the boiling hot broth over the beef and noodles to gently cook the beef slices.
  9. Step 9: Serve with 1 cup bean sprouts, 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil, 4 lime wedges, 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños, and 1/4 cup chopped green onions on the side for garnish.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 390 minutes (30 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 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 bones from drying out.

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

Vietnamese vietnamese 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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