Spicy Oxtail & Shrimp Pho Recipe

If you’re craving a bowl that bursts with flavor, warmth, and a perfect kick of heat, this Spicy Oxtail & Shrimp Pho is an absolute must-try. Combining the rich, slow-cooked tenderness of oxtail with the delicate sweetness of fresh shrimp, all swimming in a fragrant, spicy broth, this Vietnamese-inspired soup is both comforting and exciting in every sip. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply want to treat yourself to a nourishing meal, this recipe hits all the right notes with its vibrant herbs, hearty noodles, and that unforgettable balance of spice and umami.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential for creating the deep, complex flavors that make Spicy Oxtail & Shrimp Pho so irresistible. Each element plays a crucial role, whether it’s building the soul of the broth, adding fresh brightness, or bringing texture and flair to the final dish.

• Oxtail (2–3 lb): The star protein that provides rich, gelatinous flavor to the broth as it simmers slowly until falling off the bone tender.
• Onion (1, halved): Charred to develop smoky depth that intensifies the broth’s aroma.
• Ginger (3-inch piece, halved): Adds warmth and subtle spice with its aromatic sharpness once nicely blackened.
• Beef broth (6 cups): Forms the savory base for the soup, enriching the oxtail’s flavors.
• Star anise (3): Classic pho spice that delivers a sweet-licorice note balancing the heat.
• Cinnamon stick (1): Infuses warm sweetness and complexity into the broth.
• Cloves (4): Small but mighty aromatic punches that deepen the flavor profile.
• Fish sauce (2–3 tbsp): Adds umami and savory saltiness essential for authentic pho.
• Chili paste or Sriracha (1–2 tsp): The fiery heart of the “spicy” element; adjust according to your heat preference.
• Sugar (1 tbsp): Balances all the savory and spicy notes by adding a touch of sweetness.
• Salt: To taste, rounding out the flavors perfectly.
• Shrimp (½ lb, peeled and deveined): Adds a fresh, succulent seafood twist to the hearty beef base.
• Rice noodles (8 oz): Traditional pho noodles that soak up the broth and provide essential texture.
• Fresh herbs (Thai basil, cilantro, mint): Bright and fragrant, these herbs elevate aroma and flavor.
• Bean sprouts: Offer crunch and freshness to every bite.
• Lime wedges: The perfect acidic lift that brightens the soup just before eating.
• Thinly sliced chili or jalapeño: For an added spicy punch at serving.
• Green onions (sliced): Garnish for a mild onion flavor and color contrast.

How to Make Spicy Oxtail & Shrimp Pho

Step 1: Char Aromatics

Start by charring the onion and ginger either under the broiler or in a hot pan until their edges are slightly blackened. This technique amps up their natural flavors and adds a beautiful smoky depth that will infuse into your broth, giving it an unforgettable aroma and taste.

Step 2: Make the Broth

In a large pot, sear the oxtail pieces until they develop a golden-brown crust – this caramelization is key for the broth’s rich flavor. Then add the charred onion and ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, beef broth, fish sauce, chili paste or Sriracha, and sugar. Let this luxurious mixture simmer gently for two and a half to three hours, until the oxtail meat is fall-apart tender. During simmering, skim off any excess fat if you prefer a lighter broth, but leaving some fat in keeps it delightfully silky.

Step 3: Prepare Noodles & Shrimp

While your broth finishes cooking, prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions, usually by soaking or boiling briefly, then draining. Just before serving, add the shrimp directly into the hot broth and let it poach for 2 to 3 minutes—shrimp cook quickly and should stay tender, not rubbery.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

To serve, divide the cooked rice noodles into individual bowls, ladle over generous amounts of the spicy broth along with pieces of tender oxtail and plump shrimp. Garnish with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, slices of chili, lime wedges, and green onions for an irresistible presentation and mouthwatering flavor combo.

How to Serve Spicy Oxtail & Shrimp Pho

Garnishes

Garnishes are what make Spicy Oxtail & Shrimp Pho come alive with freshness and texture. Thai basil, cilantro, and mint bring aromatic brightness, while crunchy bean sprouts add fantastic contrast. Lime wedges offer a zesty balance to the richness, and sliced chilies add customizable heat. Don’t forget the thinly sliced green onions for a final pop of color and mild sharpness.

Side Dishes

This pho is so filling it can easily be a meal on its own, but if you want to go all out, crispy spring rolls or a light cucumber salad complement the flavors beautifully. A small serving of pickled vegetables also pairs well, cutting through the richness with tang and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the pho with a soft-boiled or fried egg on top for added richness. You could also drizzle a little chili oil or add freshly sliced jalapeños at the table to let guests dial up the spice themselves. Serving in rustic bowls with wooden chopsticks and a soup spoon invites an authentic and cozy dining experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the broth separately from the noodles and shrimp. Keep the broth in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Noodles tend to soak up the liquid and become mushy if stored together, so keep them dry until reheating.

Freezing

The broth freezes wonderfully, so consider making a large batch ahead of time. Once cooled, transfer the broth to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Shrimp and noodles do not freeze well, so add fresh ones when serving after thawing the broth.

Reheating

Reheat the broth gently on the stove until steaming hot. Cook fresh noodles per package instructions and add fresh shrimp to the hot broth just before serving to keep them tender and flavorful. Assemble the bowls afterward with your favorite garnishes.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef instead of oxtail?

Absolutely! While oxtail is prized for its rich, gelatinous broth, you can also use beef shank or short ribs for a similar depth of flavor. Just adjust cooking times to ensure the meat becomes tender.

How spicy is the Spicy Oxtail & Shrimp Pho?

The heat level can be customized easily by adjusting the amount of chili paste or Sriracha. For a milder soup, use less chili paste and avoid adding sliced fresh chilies until serving.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

This recipe relies heavily on beef broth and oxtail, so it’s challenging to veganize without losing its essence. However, you can create a vegetarian version by substituting vegetable broth and omitting the shrimp and oxtail, focusing more on mushrooms and tofu.

Why do we char the onion and ginger?

Charring develops smoky, caramelized notes that deepen the broth’s umami and complexity—a classic step in authentic pho-making that elevates the flavor significantly.

Can I prepare this pho if I don’t have star anise or cinnamon?

While star anise and cinnamon offer signature pho aromas, if you don’t have them, you can skip them or substitute with other warming spices like a pinch of ground cloves or allspice. The flavor will be different but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly wonderful about a bowl of Spicy Oxtail & Shrimp Pho – it’s comforting, flavorful, and just the right amount of spicy to wake up your taste buds. This recipe makes it easy to bring that magic into your own kitchen, and I promise once you’ve tasted it, you’ll want to make it again and again. So grab your broth pot, get ready to fill your bowl with goodness, and enjoy every soul-satisfying sip and bite!