Vietnamese Pho with Beef

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

A fragrant, herb-infused broth with tender beef slices, rice noodles, and fresh Vietnamese herbs. This vietnamese-inspired asian ready in about 120 minutes pairs rice noodles, beef shank, carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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.

★ 4.0 (11 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 90 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine 800ml water, star anise, cinnamon stick, ginger, and carrots. Simmer for 30 minutes until the broth is rich and aromatic.
  2. Step 2: Add beef shank and cook for 1 hour until tender. Stir in celery and fish sauce, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Cook rice noodles in boiling water for 3 minutes until al dente. Toss with broth, beef, and vegetables. Garnish with lime slices, basil, and cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vietnamese Pho with Beef take to make?

Total time is about 120 minutes (30 min prep + 90 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 Vietnamese Pho with Beef?

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 rice noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vietnamese Pho with Beef?

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 Vietnamese Pho with Beef 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 Vietnamese Pho with Beef?

Vietnamese asian 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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