Oxtail Pho is a Vietnamese soup made from beef oxtail and rice noodles. It’s one of my favorite soups with its many incredible flavors and textures.

Oxtail pho in a small white bowl with extra broth on the side.

Traditional oxtail pho is made with beef or chicken and allowed to simmer on the stove with a variety of vegetables and herbs for a rich, sweet, yet pungent flavor.

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Preparation

We’ll need a few key ingredients to start.

The heart of this recipe relies heavily on the oxtail bone broth. Now, you can make it any way you want…

I, however, did not follow the traditional method, partially because living in a small rural community severely limits available ingredients.

So let’s get started, shall we?

Beef oxtail pho with fresh cilantro and mushrooms slices.

How to make Oxtail Pho

*See the recipe card below for exact measurements.

Step one: Oxtail bone broth

You will need:

  • Oxtail (which is a beef tail)
  • Ginger
  • Onion
  • Carrots
  • Garlic cloves
  • Coriander seeds
  • Cloves
  • Salt

The bone broth is actually going to be very simple.

  1. Chop up ginger, onion, and carrots and add to a skillet along with the garlic cloves.
  2. Drizzle with avocado oil and roast in the oven for ten to fifteen minutes.
  3. Add the oxtail, roasted veggies, and the rest of the ingredients to the dutch oven on the stovetop.
  4. Fill with water and bring to a boil. Let it continue to boil for ten minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to simmer, cover and let it go for four hours.
  6. Remove the meat and discard the veggies.

Step 2: Oxtail Pho Recipe

Now that the broth and meat are done, we can make the noodles and put the meal together.

  1. Using Ka-me Pho express rice noodles, bring the broth back to a boil and add the noodles.
  2. Let them cook for approximately 2 minutes or until soft.
  3. Strain the noodles and do not rinse.
  4. Divide the noodles and broth among the bowls and top with beef oxtail, a slice of lime, fresh cilantro and sliced mushrooms.
  5. Enjoy!
Vietnamese oxtail pho recipe on a white marble table.

Helpful cooking supplies:

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Get my full disclosure here.

Recipe Variations & Tips

All the flavors come together with every bite in this oxtail pho recipe.

What kind of broth should I use?

While this recipe uses oxtail bone broth, you can make your broth with any bones such as beef, chicken, or pork neck bones.

Pigs tail also makes a great broth for soup.

Do I have to use oxtail meat?

Certainly not. Especially since you only get one per beef.

Try making it with a beef tongue or beef brisket. Other options include thin sliced chicken or ham.

What about the spices?

The spices are indeed what make this a Vietnamese soup dish. So don’t skimp out on any of them.

Try adding fish oil, star anise, and daikon radishes to the mix for an authentic Vietnamese beef pho recipe.

Don’t forget the garnishings

In addition to the ingredients listed, add green onions, hot sauce, and a handful of bamboo shoots for a satisfying crunch.

Taking a bite of of a Vietnamese noodle soup.

What to do with the extra broth?

Unless you get your hands on multiple oxtails, you will most certainly have plenty of extra broth in the end.

Once the broth has cooled down, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer for up to six months.

When you are ready to use it, place the broth in the fridge a day or two ahead of time to thaw.

Here are a few great recipes to add your bone broth too.

Pho noodles with tender oxtail, fresh mushrooms slices with lime and cilantro.

why you will love this recipe

  • Naturally gluten-free
  • Made with healthy, nutritious ingredients
  • A warm, smooth, and hearty dish
  • A two-dish straightforward, easy recipe.

I hope you enjoy this delicious oxtail pho recipe! Let me know what you think by leaving a comment below.

Close up of a simple beef oxtail pho recipe.

What to try next:

Vietnamese oxtail pho recipe on a white marble table.

Savory Oxtail Pho

Laura Ascher
A simple oxtail pho recipe with delicious flavors and incredible texture.
5 from 4 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours 18 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 23 minutes
Course Main Dishes
Cuisine Vietnamese
Servings 4
Calories 347 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 oxtail
  • 1 small ginger sliced into 1″ pieces
  • 1 onion sliced
  • 2 large carrots split and halved
  • 5 cloves of garlic
  • 1 tablespoon of coriander seeds
  • 3 cloves
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons of salt
  • Pho noodles
  • Cilantro mushrooms & lime slices for garnishing

Instructions
 

  • Add ginger, onion, carrots, and garlic to a cast iron skillet. Drizzle with avocado oil and roast at 425°F for 12 minutes.
  • Place the oxtail and roasted vegetables into a 7 qt dutch oven.
  • Fill with 12 cups of water, coriander seeds, cloves, and salt.
  • Bring it to a boil, let it continue to boil for 10 minutes, then cover and reduce heat to simmer for 4 hours.
  • Remove the meat and discard vegetables.
  • Cook the noodles according to the instructions on the package. (don't rinse the noodles after straining)
  • Separate the noodles among the bowls, top with meat and broth, and add garnishings.

Notes

Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of fish sauce for a more authentic flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ozCalories: 347kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 29gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 77mgSodium: 3257mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6g
Tried this recipe?Mention @castironskilletcooking on Instagram
This website provides approximate nutrition information based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands, measuring methods and portion sizes per household. We recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer.

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5 from 4 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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