Pho Bo (Beef Noodle Soup) Recipe

Name: Pho Bo (Beef Noodle Soup)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 lbs beef bones (ask your butcher to cut them into manageable pieces); 1 12 lbs beef short ribs or 1 12 lbs beef brisket; 16 cups water (4 quarts); 1 large yellow onion, peeled and quartered; 6 -8 cloves, whole; 1 cinnamon stick; 2 tablespoons salt; ¼ cup fish sauce; 2 tablespoons sugar; thinly sliced raw sirloin beef, if desired (optional); 1 lb rice noodles, uncooked (Banh Pho, small size); boiling water

Servings: persons

3 lbs beef bones (ask your butcher to cut them into manageable pieces)
1 12 lbs beef short ribs or 1 12 lbs beef brisket
16 cups water (4 quarts)
1 large yellow onion, peeled and quartered
6 -8 cloves, whole
1 cinnamon stick
2 tablespoons salt
¼ cup fish sauce
2 tablespoons sugar
thinly sliced raw sirloin beef, if desired (optional)
1 lb rice noodles, uncooked (Banh Pho, small size)
boiling water

1
Bring water to a simmer, add bones and beef, simmer with onion, ginger, fish sauce and sugar for 1.5 to 2 hours.
2
Strain foam and fat frequently, but be careful to not stir too much as you don't want to cloud the broth.
3
Remove brisket/short ribs; shred meat and set aside for service.
4
Add anise, cloves and cinnamon stick in a cheesecloth or spice bag.
5
Simmer broth with spices for another 30-45 minutes.
6
Remove spice bag, onion and ginger.
7
Strain broth well, keep boiling hot.
8
Cook noodles in boiling water, stirring with chopsticks or spoon to keep from clumping, just until soft (about 45-60 seconds).
9
Remove from water, place in bowl.
10
Top with cooked beef, thin slices of rare beef, cilantro and green onions if desired.
11
Mix noodles in broth.

1434

kcal

Calories

Fat

114

Carbs

111

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 3 lbs beef bones (ask your butcher to cut them into manageable pieces), 1 12 lbs beef short ribs or 1 12 lbs beef brisket, 16 cups water (4 quarts), 1 large yellow onion, peeled and quartered, and more.

Yes, Pho Bo (Beef Noodle Soup) falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Pho Bo (Beef Noodle Soup)

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions