Main Course · Dinner · Asian ·

Lemon-Thyme Infused Vietnamese Pho with Star Anise

Name: Lemon-Thyme Infused Vietnamese Pho with Star Anise
Prep time: 70 min
Cook time: 210 min
Total time: 280 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Beef bones, 2 pounds; Onions, 2, halved; Ginger, 3-inch piece, sliced; Garlic, 4 cloves, smashed; Star anise pods, 5; Cinnamon sticks, 2; Water, 6 cups; Fish sauce, 1 tablespoon; Lemon, zested and juiced; Fresh thyme sprigs, 3; Rice noodles, 8 ounces; Beef sirloin, 1 pound, thinly sliced; Bean sprouts, 2 cups; Fresh basil leaves, 1 cup; Cilantro leaves, 1 cup; Jalapeño, 1, thinly sliced; Lime wedges; Hoisin sauce; Sriracha

Discover the delightful fusion of traditional Vietnamese Pho and aromatic lemon-thyme flavors, perfect for any time of year.

4.6(929 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·February 6, 2026

Lemon-Thyme Infused Vietnamese Pho with Star Anise — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

1 h 10 min

Cook

3 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Broth

For the Noodle Soup

For Garnish and Accents

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 712 kcal
Protein: 68.75 g
Carbs: 63 g
Fat: 25 g
Fiber: 6 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 2849 kcal
Protein: 275 g
Carbs: 252 g
Fat: 100 g
Fiber: 24 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Beef bones 2 pounds	800	140	0	40	0
Onions 2, halved	88	2	20	0	4
Ginger 3-inch piece, sliced	18	0	4	0	1
Garlic 4 cloves, smashed	18	1	4	0	0
Star anise pods 5	20	0	8	1	4
Cinnamon sticks 2	12	0	4	0	3
Water 6 cups	0	0	0	0	0
Fish sauce 1 tablespoon	15	2	1	0	0
Lemon zested and juiced	12	1	4	0	1
Fresh thyme sprigs 3	1	0	0	0	0
Rice noodles 8 ounces	800	16	176	2	4
Beef sirloin 1 pound, thinly sliced	910	104	0	56	0
Bean sprouts 2 cups	62	6	12	1	4
Fresh basil leaves 1 cup	22	2	4	0	2
Cilantro leaves 1 cup	2	0	0	0	0
Jalapeño 1, thinly sliced	4	0	1	0	0
Lime wedges	0	0	0	0	0
Hoisin sauce	60	1	14	1	1
Sriracha	5	0	1	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Broth

1
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
Roast Ingredients
Place beef bones, onions, and ginger on a baking sheet. Roast for 30 minutes.
Tip: Toasting the spices brings out deeper flavors and enhances aroma.
3
Combine in Pot
Transfer roasted items to a large pot with garlic, star anise, cinnamon sticks, and water.

Infusing with Herbs

1
Simmer Broth
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 2 hours.
2
Add Flavors
Add fish sauce, lemon zest, lemon juice, and thyme. Simmer for another 30 minutes.
3
Strain Broth
Strain the broth to remove solids, and return the clear broth to the pot.
Tip: Ensure all bones and solid ingredients are removed to keep the broth clear.

How to Make Lemon-Thyme Infused Vietnamese Pho with Star Anise

Total time: 4 h 40 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Cooking the Noodles
Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2
Preparing the Beef
Arrange beef slices on serving bowls. Pour hot broth over the beef to cook it.
3
Assembling the Pho
Add cooked noodles, bean sprouts, basil, and cilantro into bowls. Pour the infused broth over top.