Slow-Simmered Pho Broth with Rice Noodles and Herb Garnish
A fragrant, clear beef broth slowly simmered with traditional spices, served with tender rice noodles and fresh herbs for a classic Vietnamese pho experience. This vietnamese-inspired soups ready in about 260 minutes pairs beef marrow bones, beef brisket, large, halved onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef marrow bones
- 1 lb beef brisket
- 1 large, halved onion
- 3-inch piece, halved ginger
- 4 whole star anise
- 1 large (3-inch) cinnamon stick
- 5 whole cloves
- 3 whole cardamom pods
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 1 tbsp rock sugar
- 1 tbsp salt
- 8 oz rice noodles (pho noodles)
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 4 wedges lime wedges
- 1/4 cup jalapeño slices
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 450°F. Place 2 lbs beef marrow bones and 1 lb beef brisket on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes until browned.
- Step 2: Transfer bones and brisket to a large stockpot and add 14 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer.
- Step 3: Char 1 large halved onion and 3-inch halved ginger over an open flame or under the broiler for 5 minutes until blackened, then add to the pot along with 4 star anise, 1 large cinnamon stick, 5 cloves, and 3 cardamom pods.
- Step 4: Simmer uncovered for at least 4 hours, skimming any foam or impurities from the surface every 30 minutes.
- Step 5: Remove bones, brisket, onion, ginger, and spices with a slotted spoon. Strain broth through a fine sieve and return to heat.
- Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup fish sauce, 1 tbsp rock sugar, and 1 tbsp salt, adjusting seasoning to taste.
- Step 7: Cook 8 oz rice noodles according to package instructions until tender, drain, and divide among bowls.
- Step 8: Thinly slice reserved cooked brisket and add atop noodles. Ladle hot broth over noodles and beef.
- Step 9: Serve with 1 cup bean sprouts, 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 4 lime wedges, and 1/4 cup jalapeño slices for garnish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Pho Broth with Rice Noodles and Herb Garnish take to make?
Total time is about 260 minutes (20 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 Pho Broth with Rice Noodles and Herb Garnish?
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 marrow bones from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Pho Broth with Rice Noodles and Herb Garnish?
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 Rice Noodles and Herb Garnish 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 Pho Broth with Rice Noodles and Herb Garnish?
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.
Related recipes
Slow-Simmered Vietnamese Beef Pho Broth with Rice Noodles
Ginger-Scented Vietnamese Pho Broth with Rice Noodles
Traditional Vietnamese Pho Broth with Rice Noodles
Pho Bo with Slow-Simmered Beef Broth and Rice Noodles
Low Simmer Ginger-Scallion Rice Noodle Soup
Authentic Vietnamese Pho Broth with Beef and Rice Noodles
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
