Slow-Simmered Pho Broth with Beef and Star Anise

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

A fragrant and clear beef broth simmered slowly with aromatic spices, served with tender beef slices and fresh herbs for a classic Vietnamese pho experience. This vietnamese-inspired beef ready in about 225 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 400 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.

★ 4.5 (14 ratings) Prep: 45 min Cook: 180 min Serves 6 Vietnamese cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 450°F. Place 3 lbs beef bones, 1 large halved onion, and 3-inch halved ginger on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes until browned and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Transfer bones, onion, and ginger to a large stockpot with 5 quarts water. Add 5 star anise, 2 cinnamon sticks, 4 cloves, and 3 cardamom pods. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and skim impurities off the surface for 3 hours.
  3. Step 3: After simmering, strain broth through a fine mesh sieve into a clean pot. Stir in 1/4 cup fish sauce, 1 tbsp rock sugar, and 2 tsp salt. Keep broth hot.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, cook 14 oz dried pho noodles in boiling water for 5-6 minutes until tender. Drain and divide among bowls.
  5. Step 5: Top noodles with 8 oz thinly sliced raw beef sirloin. Ladle hot broth over beef and noodles to cook beef gently.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 1 cup bean sprouts, 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, 4 lime wedges, and 1 sliced jalapeño for an aromatic, balanced bowl.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 225 minutes (45 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 Pho Broth with Beef and Star Anise?

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 Pho Broth with Beef and Star Anise?

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 Pho Broth with Beef and Star Anise 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 Pho Broth with Beef and Star Anise?

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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