Oxtail Pho Recipe (Instant Pot and Stovetop)

A bowl of pho noodles with chopsticks propped across wrapped around some noodles.

5 from 1 vote

Oxtail Pho Recipe (Instant Pot and Stovetop)

Oxtail pho is a deliciously pho recipe that infuses the beef bone nutrients into the broth, making for an especially delicious bowl of pho.

Prep Time10

Cook Time1

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Vietnamese

Diet: Low Calorie

Servings:

Calories: 526kcal

Author: Clara

Equipment

1 Instant Pot (Optional)

Ingredients

Stock Ingredients

4 oz Oxtail
½ Yellow Onion
3-4 slices Ginger
2-3 Fennel seeds
1 Star Anise Pod
1 Cinnamon Stick
2 Cloves
2 Coriander Seeds

Noodles and Garnishes

50 g Rice noodles
Cilantro and Scallions (For garnish)
Lime, jalapeno, chili (Optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Instant Pot Instructions

Parboil the oxtail – Fill the Instant pot with water and add in the oxtails, ensuring there is enough water to fully cover the oxtails. Turn the Instant Pot onto sauté mode and bring the water to a boil and let simmer for about 5 minutes until the water turns cloudy with debris rising to the surface. Turn off saute mode, drain the water, and remove the oxtail pieces from the pot.
Toast the spices and char the aromatics – Spray the instant pot with cooking spray. Cut the ginger and yellow onion so that it has a flat surface area and add to the instant pot. Place the cinnamon stick, coriander, cloves, and star anise in the instant pot and turn on sauté mode. Toast until you smell the fragrance of the spices and the aromatics that have been charred. You can also choose to roast the aromatics in an open flame on the stove.
Make the stock – In the instant pot, add about 2 cups of water and the oxtail. Close the lid and pressure cook at high pressure for 45 minutes and let it naturally release for 10 minutes.
Prepare the noodles and garnishes – While the stock is cooking, cut the garnishes in preparation for putting together the noodle bowl. Slice the chili peppers, limes, and scallions. And cook the pho noodles according to the package instructions.
Adjust the stock – Once the stock has reached its cooking time, turn the quick-release knob and let the pressure fully release before opening the lid. Add the fish sauce and sugar and stir thoroughly.
Serve and enjoy – In a large bowl, add the noodles, add the hot broth, garnish with cilantro, green onions, chili, and lime, and enjoy!

Stovetop Instructions

Parboil the oxtail – Fill a large pot with water and add in the oxtails, ensuring there is enough water to fully cover the oxtails. Bring the water to a boil and let simmer for about 5 minutes until the water turns cloudy with debris rising to the surface. Drain the water, and remove the oxtail pieces from the pot.
Toast the spices and – In a skillet, toast the cinnamon stick, coriander, cloves, and star anise until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Char the aromatics – Cut the ginger and yellow onion so that it has a flat surface area and roast it in a skillet or on an open flame on the stove.
Make the stock – In a large pot, add about 4 cups of water and the oxtails, along with the toasted spices and charred aromatics. Bring to a simmer and let simmer for at least 4 hours.
Prepare the noodles and garnishes – When the stock is about to be ready, cut the garnishes in preparation for putting together the noodle bowl. Slice the chili peppers, limes, and scallions. And cook the pho noodles according to the package instructions.
Adjust the stock – Once the stock has reached its cooking time, add the fish sauce and sugar and stir thoroughly.
Serve and enjoy – In a large bowl, add the noodles, add the hot broth, garnish with cilantro, green onions, chili, and lime, and enjoy!

Notes

Substitutions and Variations

Use short ribs – If you can't find oxtail, short ribs would be a great substitute.

Enhance the broth flavor – Add a cube of beef bouillon to the stew to enhance the beefy flavor of the dish.

Expert Tips

Parboil the oxtail – Parboiling the bones will remove any impurities from the bones and help achieve a more nutritious broth. Not doing so will result in an unappetizing broth with all kinds of floating debris. Don't skip this step!

Nutrition