Name: Healthy Vietnamese Pho Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon coconut oil; 2 inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced; 1 large onion, peeled and quartered; 5 cloves garlic, smashed; 5 cinnamon sticks; 3 whole star anise; 10 cloves; 4 cardamom pods, smashed; 12 cups water; 2 cups beef broth; 2 tablespoon fish sauce (gluten free); 1 tablespoon palm sugar (omit for keto); 1 pound flank steak; 1 pound shirataki noodles; 4 ounces mung bean sprouts; 2 jalapeños, sliced; 1 cup fresh basil leaves; 1 lime, cut into wedges

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 81 reviews

If you’re craving a bowl of warm comfort that’s both nourishing and bursting with classic flavors, then you’re going to absolutely love this Healthy Vietnamese Pho Soup Recipe. It’s a vibrant, aromatic dish that brings together tender beef, fragrant spices, and fresh herbs in a light yet deeply satisfying broth. Whether you’re new to pho or a longtime fan, this recipe offers a wholesome twist that keeps all the soul of traditional Vietnamese pho while making it perfect for a health-conscious lifestyle.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a dark brown bowl with pieces of sliced white onions, some with light brown grilled marks, scattered inside. Alongside the onions, there are slices of pale yellow ginger with slightly browned edges, whole garlic cloves that have some light to medium brown roasted spots, and dark brown cinnamon sticks. Small dark brown seeds and cardamom pods add texture and detail. The bowl sits on a surface changed to a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple yet essential, each one playing a crucial role in building the rich flavor, inviting aroma, and fresh textures of this Healthy Vietnamese Pho Soup Recipe. From warming spices to fresh herbs, every element adds something special to the bowl.

1 tablespoon coconut oil: Adds a subtle tropical aroma and helps toast the spices for enhanced depth.
2 inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced: Brings spicy warmth and a slight zing to the broth.
1 large onion, peeled and quartered: Provides natural sweetness and caramelizes for rich undertones.
5 cloves garlic, smashed: Infuses the broth with a robust, aromatic base.
5 cinnamon sticks: Gives a warm, sweet spice that’s iconic in pho broth.
3 whole star anise: Adds a licorice-like fragrance that is distinctive and essential.
10 cloves: Offers deep, spicy notes that balance out the broth’s flavor.
4 cardamom pods, smashed: Contributes a complex citrusy and floral hint.
12 cups water: The perfect volume to create broth that’s light but full-flavored.
2 cups beef broth: Provides savory richness and body to the soup.
2 tablespoon fish sauce (gluten free): A pungent umami enhancer that brings the broth to life.
1 tablespoon palm sugar (omit for keto): Balances the savory with just the right touch of sweetness.
1 pound flank steak: Thinly sliced for tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef.
1 pound shirataki noodles: Low-carb noodles that seamlessly soak up the broth’s flavors.
4 ounces mung bean sprouts: Adds crunch and freshness to the final bowl.
2 jalapeños, sliced: For a hint of spicy heat that awakens the palate.
1 cup fresh basil leaves: Imparts a sweet herbaceous note that’s essential in pho.
1 lime, cut into wedges: Brings bright acidity and balances richness when squeezed on top.

How to Make Healthy Vietnamese Pho Soup Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Aromatics and Spices

Start by heating your large stock pot over medium heat. Add coconut oil followed by onion wedges, sliced ginger, smashed garlic, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and smashed cardamom pods. Sauté everything for about 10 minutes, stirring regularly to brown the onions evenly and coax out the incredible fragrance of the spices. This first step is crucial because it layers the flavor foundation that makes this soup unforgettable.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Next, pour in the water along with beef broth, fish sauce, and palm sugar. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat as needed to keep it at a slow simmer and allow the flavors to mingle for at least 60 minutes. Don’t be alarmed by the fish sauce aroma at this point—it might be funky, but it’s absolutely essential for that umami depth that defines pho.

Step 3: Prep the Flank Steak

While the broth simmers, flash-freeze the flank steak for 30 minutes. This makes it easier to slice it into paper-thin pieces against the grain, which ensures tenderness once it cooks in the hot broth. Thin slices are key so they cook quickly and remain juicy when added to the soup.

Step 4: Strain the Broth and Prepare the Noodles

Use a skimmer or fine mesh strainer to remove the onions and spices, leaving you with a clear, aromatic broth. Add shirataki noodles to the broth and cook for 2 to 3 minutes following package instructions. Alternatively, if shirataki noodles aren’t available, zucchini noodles or traditional rice noodles work beautifully depending on your dietary needs.

Step 5: Add Steak and Serve

Turn off the heat and gently stir in the thinly sliced beef. Because it’s so thin, the residual heat in the broth will cook it perfectly without overcooking or tedium. Scoop the pho into bowls and let everyone add their favorite garnishes for a personalized experience.

How to Serve Healthy Vietnamese Pho Soup Recipe

A bowl of pho with clear light brown broth fills a black bowl with a yellow inner rim, showing layers of thin white noodles at the bottom, partially covered by slices of light brown cooked meat, white bean sprouts, and bright green slices of jalapeño peppers scattered on top. There is a wedge of fresh lime resting on the side along with bright green basil leaves sitting on the surface. In the background, out of focus, there is a white bowl holding lime wedges and sliced jalapeños on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The magic of this Healthy Vietnamese Pho Soup Recipe comes alive with fresh garnishes. Lay out crisp mung bean sprouts, sliced jalapeños, fresh basil leaves, and lime wedges. Each garnish brings brightness, texture, and a burst of fresh flavor that elevate the soup from good to unforgettable. The lime’s acidity beautifully balances the richness, while the jalapeño adds a playful kick.

Side Dishes

While pho is fulfilling on its own, serving it alongside light, complementary sides can enhance the meal. Consider simple steamed greens or a crisp cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar. These sides add refreshing counterpoints without overwhelming the delicate broth and fresh herbs.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the pho in rustic ceramic bowls that hold heat well, and place all your garnishes and condiments in small individual dishes so everyone can customize their bowl. For a fun twist, set up a pho bar with extra herbs, chilies, hoisin sauce, and sriracha so friends and family can tailor their perfect bowl while enjoying the wonderful aromas filling the room.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Pho, you can store the broth separately in airtight containers to keep it fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the beef and noodles separate if possible for best texture when reheating, as noodles tend to soak up liquid and get mushy over time.

Freezing

The broth freezes beautifully and retains its flavor without losing quality. Freeze it in meal-sized portions, leaving out the beef and noodles until you’re ready to serve. Defrost in the fridge overnight, and then add fresh noodles and meat when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the broth gently on the stove until steaming. Add fresh noodles and thinly sliced beef directly into the hot broth off the heat to cook the meat gently. Avoid boiling after adding the meat to keep it tender and juicy.

FAQs

Can I make this Healthy Vietnamese Pho Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace beef broth with vegetable broth and omit the flank steak. You can add tofu or mushrooms for protein and keep all the wonderful spices and garnishes for a perfectly satisfying vegetarian pho.

What if I don’t have all the spices listed?

While the spices are what give this pho its signature flavor, you can still create a delicious broth with just cinnamon, star anise, and cloves. Fresh ginger and garlic are a must-have. The more you use, the closer to authentic, but it’s still tasty with fewer spices.

Are shirataki noodles the best choice?

Shirataki noodles are an excellent low-carb option and soak up flavors wonderfully. However, traditional rice noodles or zucchini noodles are perfect alternatives depending on your preference.

How important is the fish sauce in this recipe?

Fish sauce is the umami powerhouse in pho. It might smell pungent when you first add it, but it transforms the broth into something savory and richly complex. Don’t skip it unless you have dietary restrictions!

Can I make pho broth in a slow cooker?

Yes! After toasting your aromatics on the stove, transfer them to a slow cooker and let the broth simmer on low for up to 12 hours. This long cooking time develops even deeper flavor and makes the cooking process effortless.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a bowl of pho that warms your soul and satisfies every craving. This Healthy Vietnamese Pho Soup Recipe brings all those moments right to your kitchen with fresh, wholesome ingredients and authentic flavors. I hope you’ll dive in and enjoy this beautiful, comforting dish as much as I do. Happy cooking and even happier slurping!