Name: Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: ½ pound beef tenderloin, sliced thinly; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 medium yellow onion, quartered; 1 large knob of ginger, peeled and quartered; 4 cloves garlic, cut in half; 4 cups beef broth; 4 cups water; 1 cinnamon stick; 1 whole star anise; 1 clove; ½ teaspoon coriander; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 2 teaspoons hoisin sauce; 2 teaspoons soy sauce; 8 ounces rice stick noodles (pad thai noodles); Lime wedges; Sriracha sauce; Bean sprouts

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 55 reviews

If you’ve ever craved a comforting bowl of clear, fragrant broth with tender beef and soft noodles, you absolutely need to try this Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup Recipe. It’s been my go-to for cozy nights or when I want to impress friends with something special, yet surprisingly simple. Once you see how the layers of warm spices and fresh beef come together, you’ll understand why I’m obsessed—and trust me, you’ll love it too!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deep, Layered Flavors: The broth is infused with warm spices and aromatic veggies that develop complexity without being overpowering.
Tender Beef Every Time: Quick searing locks in juices, and gentle simmering makes the beef melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Perfectly Balanced Toppings: Add fresh lime, crunchy sprouts, and a kick of sriracha to tailor the soup to your tastes.
Easy to Make at Home: Uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps that anyone can follow for a restaurant-quality meal.

Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup Recipe plays a special role, from the fragrant spices that bring warmth to the broth to the fresh beef that adds savory richness. When shopping, look for quality beef tenderloin and fresh aromatics to maximize flavor.

Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup Recipe - Ingredients

Beef tenderloin: Thin slices cook quickly and stay tender, giving you melt-in-your-mouth bites.
Sesame oil: Adds a subtle nutty aroma when searing the beef, enhancing depth in the soup.
Yellow onion: Slowly caramelized to bring natural sweetness that balances the savory broth.
Ginger: Fresh ginger brings a bright, slightly spicy fragrance that cuts through richness.
Garlic: Adds essential savory notes to the broth base.
Beef broth: The foundation of your soup, so choose a good quality, low-sodium broth for control.
Water: Used to lighten the broth so flavors shine without being too intense.
Cinnamon stick: Provides subtle warmth and an earthy backdrop.
Star anise: That iconic licorice aroma that brings true authenticity.
Clove: Just a little for depth and complexity.
Coriander: Adds citrusy, floral hints that brighten the soup.
Fish sauce: A must-have for umami richness and that classic Vietnamese flavor.
Hoisin sauce: Adds sweet and tangy balance to the broth.
Soy sauce: Gives gentle saltiness and depth.
Rice stick noodles: Soft and silky, these noodles soak up the broth beautifully.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup Recipe is—once you’ve mastered the base, it’s fun to tweak it to suit your cravings or dietary needs. You can easily customize toppings, protein cuts, or spice levels for your perfect bowl.

Protein Swap: Tried this once with brisket instead of tenderloin for a heartier texture, and my family went crazy for the richer beef flavor.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the beef and use mushroom broth with tofu and extra veggies; it’s surprisingly satisfying and full of umami.
Spicy Kick: Add fresh sliced chilies or a splash of chili oil to dial up the heat just how you like it.
Herb Boost: Toss in fresh Thai basil, cilantro, or mint with your garnishes to brighten every spoonful.

How to Make Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup Recipe

Step 1: Searing the Beef to Lock in Juices

Start by heating sesame oil over medium-high heat—this helps the beef develop a lovely crust and adds depth to the overall flavor. You only want to sear the beef tenderloin slices briefly, just enough to color the edges; since they’ll finish cooking in the broth, no need to overcook here. This step creates a caramelized base that screams “homemade goodness.”

Step 2: Toaster Aromatics for a Flavorful Broth

Remove the beef and toss in your quartered onion, peeled ginger, and garlic halves into the same pot. Stir occasionally to let them soften and toast until fragrant and golden around the edges. This slow toasting releases the natural sugars and oils that make your broth sing.

Step 3: Building Your Broth

Pour in your beef broth and water, and add the aromatic spices — cinnamon stick, star anise, clove, and coriander—along with fish sauce, hoisin, and soy sauce. Bring the pot to a gentle boil so all those flavors marry beautifully. The broth is really the heart and soul of this recipe, so be patient and allow it to develop fully.

Step 4: Simmering the Beef & Cooking Noodles

Put the seared beef back into the pot and reduce to a simmer so it gets tender without toughening up. While the beef cooks, boil your rice stick noodles following package directions, then drain and set them aside. This timing ensures your noodles stay perfectly tender without turning mushy.

Step 5: Cleaning Up & Serving

Before plating, scoop out and discard the onion, garlic, ginger, and whole spices from the broth; this keeps your soup silky and smooth. Then, ladle the rich broth onto a bowl filled with noodles and sliced beef. Finish with your favorite garnishes, and you’re in noodle soup heaven.

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Pro Tips for Making Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup Recipe

Thin Slicing the Beef: I like to pop my beef in the freezer for 15 minutes before slicing—it makes cutting super easy and perfectly thin.
Toast Spices and Aromatics: Don’t skip toasting your onion, ginger, and garlic; it transforms the broth with a beautifully layered flavor.
Simmer Gently: Keep your soup at a low simmer to avoid toughening the beef and ensure clear broth.
Don’t Overcook Noodles: Add noodles fresh each time you serve or cook right before serving to avoid sogginess.

How to Serve Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup Recipe

Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

When I serve this soup, I pile on fresh lime wedges for a bright zing, bean sprouts for a fun crunch, and a drizzle of sriracha for heat—I often keep these on the table so everyone can customize their bowl. Sometimes fresh basil or cilantro makes an appearance when I have it on hand; those herbs bring a fresh, fragrant lift that really rounds out the soup.

Side Dishes

My favorite pairing is a light Vietnamese spring roll or crispy fried shallots sprinkled on top for extra texture. A simple cucumber salad with a tangy dressing is also amazing to balance the richness of the broth.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like serving this soup in rustic bowls with colorful garnishes arranged neatly on the side—like lime slices, fresh herbs, chili slices, and bean sprouts on a platter. It turns a simple soup into a beautiful, interactive meal where everyone customizes their bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover broth and cooked beef together in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep noodles separate because they can get mushy sitting in broth. When I’m ready to eat, I reheat the broth gently and add freshly cooked noodles for that just-made texture.

Freezing

Freezing the broth and beef without noodles works well—I usually pour it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawing, I defrost it slowly in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove with fresh noodles added last-minute.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the broth and beef gently on low heat—high heat can make the beef tough. Meanwhile, boil fresh noodles separately and combine when serving so your soup tastes fresh and delicious, not like leftovers.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! While beef tenderloin is perfect for its tenderness and quick cooking, you can use other cuts like brisket or chuck. Just be mindful to adjust cooking times accordingly—tougher cuts may need longer simmering to become tender.
Is this recipe authentic pho?

This recipe is inspired by classic Vietnamese beef noodle soups but simplified to make it approachable at home. True pho broth often involves long simmering with bones and more seasoning layers. That said, this version captures many signature flavors and is delicious in its own right.
Can I prepare this soup vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Replace beef broth with mushroom or vegetable broth, omit the beef, and consider adding tofu or hearty veggies like mushrooms and bok choy. Use soy sauce and skip fish sauce or substitute it with a vegan alternative.
How do I avoid cloudy broth?

Keep your broth at a gentle simmer and avoid rapid boiling. Skim any foam or impurities that rise to the top during cooking, and carefully strain out the solids before serving to keep it clear and beautiful.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup Recipe enough if you want a soul-warming meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s approachable for home cooks but delivers flavors that feel special and authentic. Give it a try for your next family dinner or when you want to impress guests with something comforting yet elegant. Once you make it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again—just like me!