Slow-Simmered Braised Beef in Star Anise and Cinnamon Broth

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Rich and tender beef chunks slowly braised in a fragrant broth of star anise, cinnamon, and Vietnamese spices, perfect for a comforting meal. This vietnamese-inspired beef ready in about 200 minutes pairs cut into 2-inch cubes beef chuck, medium, halved onion, smashed garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 180 min Serves 6 Vietnamese cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot over medium heat, toast 4 star anise pods and 2 cinnamon sticks for 2 minutes until fragrant. Add 1 medium halved onion, 5 smashed garlic cloves, and 2-inch sliced ginger; sauté for 4 minutes until aromatic.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 lbs beef chuck cubes to the pot and sear on all sides for 5 minutes until lightly browned.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 6 cups water, 4 tbsp fish sauce, 3 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp whole black peppercorns. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 2.5 to 3 hours until the beef is tender and falling apart.
  4. Step 4: Skim any foam or fat from the surface during cooking. Adjust seasoning with extra fish sauce or sugar if needed.
  5. Step 5: Serve hot, garnished with 2 chopped scallions and a handful of chopped fresh cilantro, ideally with steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 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 Braised Beef in 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 medium, halved onion from drying out.

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

Vietnamese beef 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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