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Print / PDFHanoi Pho Recipe
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- Prep Time
- 30 mins
- Cook Time
- 6 hrs
- Total Time
- 6 hrs 30 mins
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef bones (marrow and knuckle)
- 1 piece onion (halved and charred)
- 1 piece ginger (2-inch, sliced and charred)
- 5 pieces star anise (aromatic spice)
- 4 cloves cloves (whole for fragrance)
- 2 sticks cinnamon (adds warmth)
- 1 pod cardamom (enhances flavor)
- 1 tbsp coriander seeds (for earthy notes)
- 1 tbsp salt (to taste)
- 1 tbsp sugar (balances flavors)
- 2 tbsp fish sauce (brings umami)
- 1 lb rice pho noodles (chewy texture)
- 1 lb thinly sliced beef sirloin (tender protein)
- to taste Fresh herbs (Thai basil, cilantro, mint)
- to taste Bean sprouts (for crunch)
- to taste Lime wedges (for tang)
- to taste Sliced chili (add heat with option for chili sauce)
- to taste Thinly sliced onion (for garnish)
- to taste Green onion (sliced for freshness)
Equipment
- 1 Large pot — For simmering the broth.
- 1 Strainer — To strain the broth.
- 1 Knife — For slicing the beef and vegetables.
Method
- 1
Step 1: Roast onion and ginger directly over flame until charred. This adds a wonderful depth of flavor!
- 2
Step 2: Blanch beef bones in boiling water for 5 minutes; drain and rinse. This helps to remove impurities.
- 3
Step 3: Toast star anise, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and coriander seeds until fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
- 4
Step 4: In a large pot, combine bones, charred onion, ginger, spices, salt, and 4 quarts water; bring to a boil.
- 5
Step 5: Reduce heat and simmer for at least 6 hours, skimming foam occasionally. Patience is key here!
- 6
Step 6: Season broth with sugar and fish sauce; adjust to taste. This is where the magic happens!
- 7
Step 7: Soak or briefly boil rice pho noodles until tender; drain. They should be just right for serving!
- 8
Step 8: Place noodles in bowls; top with raw beef slices and sliced onion/green onion. It’s looking good!
- 9
Step 9: Ladle hot broth over beef to cook slices. Watch the magic unfold as the beef cooks!
- 10
Step 10: Serve with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chili on the side. Enjoy your homemade Hanoi Pho!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbs | 50g |
Why You’ll Love This hanoi pho
- Experience the rich, aromatic flavors of Vietnam in every bowl.
- Enjoy a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Customize your toppings for a personal touch that suits your taste.
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it a weeknight favorite.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients to make a delicious bowl of Hanoi Pho!

- 2 lbs beef bones – marrow and knuckle
- 1 onion – halved and charred
- 1 piece ginger – 2-inch, sliced and charred
- 5 star anise – aromatic spice
- 4 cloves – whole for fragrance
- 2 cinnamon sticks – adds warmth
- 1 cardamom pod – enhances flavor
- 1 tbsp coriander seeds – for earthy notes
- 1 tbsp salt – to taste
- 1 tbsp sugar – balances flavors
- 2 tbsp fish sauce – brings umami
- 1 lb rice pho noodles – chewy texture
- 1 lb thinly sliced beef sirloin – tender protein
- Fresh herbs – Thai basil, cilantro, mint
- Bean sprouts – for crunch
- Lime wedges – for tang
- Sliced chili – add heat with option for chili sauce
- Thinly sliced onion – for garnish
- Green onion – sliced for freshness
How to Make Hanoi Pho
Get ready to dive into the delicious world of Hanoi Pho! This recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time, a hearty 6 hours of cooking, and a little extra time for soaking the noodles. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Roast Onion and Ginger
Roast onion and ginger directly over flame until charred. This adds a wonderful depth of flavor!
Step 2: Blanch Beef Bones
Blanch beef bones in boiling water for 5 minutes; drain and rinse. This helps to remove impurities.
Step 3: Toast Spices
Toast star anise, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and coriander seeds until fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
In a large pot, combine bones, charred onion, ginger, spices, salt, and 4 quarts water; bring to a boil.
Step 5: Simmer the Broth
Reduce heat and simmer for at least 6 hours, skimming foam occasionally. Patience is key here!
Step 6: Season the Broth
Season broth with sugar and fish sauce; adjust to taste. This is where the magic happens!
Step 7: Prepare Noodles
Soak or briefly boil rice pho noodles until tender; drain. They should be just right for serving!
Step 8: Assemble Bowls
Place noodles in bowls; top with raw beef slices and sliced onion/green onion. It’s looking good!
Step 9: Ladle Broth
Ladle hot broth over beef to cook slices. Watch the magic unfold as the beef cooks!
Step 10: Serve with Sides
Serve with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chili on the side. Enjoy your homemade Hanoi Pho!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | Vietnamese |
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Cook Time | 360 minutes |
| Total Time | 390 minutes |
| Dietary | Beef-based |
| Serves | 6 |
| Best Served | Hot with fresh garnishes! |
Pro Tips for Making Hanoi Pho
- Choose high-quality beef for a richer flavor.
- Simmer the broth for at least 4 hours for depth.
- Use fresh herbs like basil and cilantro for brightness.
- Serve with lime wedges for a zesty kick.
- Don’t skip the charred onion and ginger for aroma.
How to Serve this hanoi pho
- Garnish with fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, and mint for a burst of flavor.
- Serve with lime wedges for a zesty kick.
- Add bean sprouts for a crunchy texture.
- Pair with a side of chili sauce for those who like it spicy.
- Enjoy with a refreshing iced tea or coconut water to balance the flavors.
- For a twist, try adding a drizzle of hoisin sauce for sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your Hanoi Pho later is easy and convenient:
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the pho to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer to airtight containers.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Keep broth separate from noodles and toppings for best results.
Freezing
- Cool the pho completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze broth and noodles separately if possible.
- Label with date; use within 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating
- Thaw frozen pho in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat broth in a pot over medium heat until simmering.
- Add noodles and toppings just before serving.
- Microwave can be used, but stovetop is preferred for texture.
Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.
Final Thoughts
As you savor your homemade Hanoi Pho, let the warm, aromatic flavors transport you to the bustling streets of Vietnam! This simple yet rewarding recipe is perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying solo. So grab your chopsticks, dive into that delicious bowl, and relish every slurp. Happy cooking!
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.
What is the difference between pho and Hanoi Pho?
How do you pronounce ‘Pho’ correctly?
What part of Vietnam has the best pho?
What are the key ingredients in Hanoi-style pho?
Kitchen notes
Nutrition & sources
Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.
Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.
For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.






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