Slow-Simmered Vietnamese Beef Pho Broth with Fresh Herbs

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant, clear beef broth simmered for hours with spices and marrow bones, served with tender rice noodles and fresh herbs. This vietnamese-inspired soups ready in about 405 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 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: 45 min Cook: 360 min Serves 6 Vietnamese cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450°F. Place 3 lbs beef marrow bones and 1 lb beef brisket on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes, turning once halfway, until browned and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, char 1 large halved onion and 3-inch halved ginger over an open flame or under the broiler for 10 minutes until blackened on the edges.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the roasted bones, brisket, onion, and ginger into a large 8-quart pot and add 5 quarts of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then lower to a gentle simmer.
  4. Step 4: Tie 4 star anise, 2 cinnamon sticks, 5 cloves, and 3 cardamom pods in a cheesecloth sachet and add to the simmering broth along with 2 tbsp salt, 1/4 cup fish sauce, and 1 tbsp rock sugar.
  5. Step 5: Simmer uncovered for 6 hours, occasionally skimming off any foam or impurities until the broth is clear and aromatic.
  6. Step 6: Remove the bones, brisket, and spice sachet. Thinly slice the brisket against the grain and set aside.
  7. Step 7: Soak 14 oz rice noodles in warm water for 30 minutes, then blanch in boiling water for 1 minute until tender. Drain and divide among 6 bowls.
  8. Step 8: Arrange sliced brisket over noodles, ladle hot broth over to warm the meat and noodles.
  9. Step 9: Serve topped with 2 cups bean sprouts, 1 cup Thai basil, 1/2 cup cilantro, 3 sliced green onions, 1/4 cup jalapeño slices, and lime wedges for squeezing.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Vietnamese Beef Pho Broth with 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 Vietnamese Beef Pho Broth with 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 beef marrow bones from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Vietnamese Beef Pho Broth with 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 Vietnamese Beef Pho Broth with Fresh Herbs 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 Vietnamese Beef Pho Broth with 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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