Soothing Low Carb Keto Pho Recipe: A Heartwarming Bowl of Joy

Slurping a steaming bowl of pho with zero guilt sounds like a dream, but this low-carb keto pho recipe makes it a delicious reality.

Vietnamese cuisine lovers rejoice as we decode a lighter version of the classic noodle soup.

Zesty broth, tender proteins, and aromatic herbs dance together in a bowl that keeps carbs at bay.

Spiralized vegetables replace traditional rice noodles, creating a satisfying alternative that won’t kick you out of ketosis.

Packed with rich, deep flavors, this recipe delivers all the comfort of traditional pho without the carbohydrate overload.

Spice lovers and health-conscious eaters will fall head over heels for this nourishing, low-carb twist on a beloved classic.

Get ready to savor every spoonful of this keto-friendly culinary adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

What You’ll Need for Low Carb Keto Pho

• Star Anise: Brings a warm, licorice-like essence that defines authentic pho’s complex flavor profile..
• Cardamom Pods: Adds a subtle, sweet-spicy note that elevates the broth’s depth..
• Cinnamon Sticks: Introduces a comforting warmth and rich undertone to the broth..
• Cloves: Provides a sharp, intense spiciness that complements the other aromatic spices..
• Coriander Seeds: Offers a citrusy, slightly nutty flavor that brightens the entire dish..
• Ground Ginger: Contributes a zesty, pungent kick that adds brightness to the broth..

• Beef Bone Broth: Creates a rich, collagen-packed foundation for the soup..
• Fish Sauce: Delivers an umami-packed depth and authentic Southeast Asian flavor..
• Sweetener: Balances the savory elements with a subtle hint of sweetness..

• Steak: Provides a tender, lean protein that cooks quickly in the hot broth..
• Zucchini: Serves as a low-carb, nutrient-dense noodle replacement for traditional rice noodles..

• Thai Basil, Cilantro: Adds fresh, herbal notes that brighten the entire dish..
• Lime Wedges: Brings a tangy acidity to cut through the rich broth..
• Chili Pepper Slices: Introduces a spicy kick for heat lovers..
• Scallions: Provides.

Tools to Craft an Authentic Low Carb Keto Pho

• Dutch oven or large pot: Essential for toasting spices and simmering broth.
• Spiralizer: Creates zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative to traditional pho noodles.
• Sharp knife: Needed for slicing steak thinly against the grain.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for slicing steak and preparing ingredients.
• Strainer: Used to remove whole spices from the finished broth.
• Serving bowls: Four bowls for assembling and serving the pho.
• Measuring spoons: Help with precise seasoning and spice amounts.

Cooking Instructions for Low Carb Keto Pho

• Chilled Meat Preparation

Tuck the steak into the freezer for a quick 30-minute chill to make slicing a breeze.

• Aromatic Spice Awakening

Warm a large pot and dance whole spices around until they release their intoxicating fragrance, filling the kitchen with exotic scents.

• Broth Magic

Pour rich beef bone broth into the spice-infused pot, adding a splash of umami-packed fish sauce. Let the liquid simmer gently, allowing flavors to mingle and develop depth.

• Veggie Noodle Base

Transform zucchini into delicate spirals, creating a light, fresh foundation for your low-carb feast.

• Delicate Meat Cuts

Retrieve the slightly frozen steak and slice it paper-thin, ensuring each piece will cook perfectly in the steaming broth.

• Final Broth Refinement

Strain the aromatic liquid, removing whole spices and creating a clean, intense base. Optional touch of sweetener can balance the flavors.

• Pho Assembly

Pour the piping hot broth over zucchini noodles, gently cooking the thin meat slices instantly.

• Herbaceous Finale

Scatter fresh herbs, squeeze lime, and add optional heat with chili peppers to create a personalized, vibrant bowl of comfort.

Add-In Options for Low Carb Keto Pho

• Expert Tips and Delicious Variations
• Replace beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein profile that keeps the dish low-carb and exciting.
• Roast whole spices briefly to intensify their flavors, releasing deeper aromatic notes that elevate the broth’s complexity without adding carbs.
• Experiment with other low-carb vegetable noodles like kohlrabi or turnip spirals to add variety and nutritional diversity to your pho base.
• Enhance the bone broth by adding a small piece of ginger, a star anise pod, or a splash of coconut aminos for extra umami without increasing carbohydrate content.

Serving a Bowl of Low Carb Keto Pho

• Enhance Your Pho Experience
• Customize Your Bowl: Top with fresh herbs like Thai basil and cilantro for a burst of bright, aromatic flavors that complement the rich beef broth.
• Add Texture and Heat: Sprinkle chili pepper slices and drizzle sriracha for a spicy kick that elevates the entire dish, creating a personalized dining adventure.
• Brighten with Citrus: Squeeze fresh lime wedges over the pho to add a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the broth and steak.
• Make It a Complete Meal: Pair with a small side salad of crisp mixed greens or cucumber slices to balance the warm, hearty soup and add extra nutrition.

Storing and Reheating Low Carb Keto Pho

• Prep Ahead Strategically: Slice steak and spiralize zucchini up to 24 hours in advance, storing separately in sealed containers in the refrigerator to streamline meal preparation.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover broth and zoodles separately to maintain optimal texture. Keep broth in an airtight container and zoodles in a separate sealed container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Transfer cooled broth to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently to prevent protein toughening.
• Revive Leftovers Perfectly: When reheating, add fresh zoodles and thinly sliced steak to prevent overcooking. Warm broth separately and pour over just before serving to maintain the dish’s vibrant flavors and textures.

Authentic Low Carb Keto Pho Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 34 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Vietnamese pho with a low-carb keto twist offers rich, aromatic beef broth packed with tender meat and zucchini noodles. Warm spices and fresh herbs elevate this nutritious meal that satisfies keto dieters while honoring traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 cups (1.9 liters) beef bone broth
• 12 oz (340 g) flank steak (trimmed; or sirloin)
• 2 large zucchini (courgettes), spiralized into zoodles
• 1 tbsp (15 g) coriander seeds
• 4 whole star anise
• 2 whole cardamom pods
• 2 whole cinnamon sticks
• 2 whole cloves
• 1 tsp (5 g) ground ginger
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) fish sauce
• 1 tbsp (15 g) monk fruit allulose blend (optional, to taste)
• Sea salt (optional, to taste)
• Thai basil
• Fresh cilantro (coriander)
• Lime wedges
• Red chili pepper slices (or jalapeño)
• Scallions (spring onions)
• Sriracha

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Instructions

1. Chill Preparation: Freeze steak for 30 minutes to enable precise, ultra-thin slicing against the grain.
2. Spice Infusion: Toast star anise, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander seeds, and ground ginger in a dry Dutch oven over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until aromas become intensely fragrant.
3. Broth Development: Add beef bone broth and fish sauce to toasted spices, bringing to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes to create a deeply layered flavor profile.
4. Noodle and Meat Assembly: Spiral zucchini into delicate noodles, distribute among serving bowls, and layer gossamer-thin steak slices strategically atop the vegetable base.
5. Flavor Refinement: Strain the broth to remove whole spices, adjust seasoning with optional sweetener, and ensure a perfectly balanced taste.
6. Final Composition: Pour steaming broth over raw steak and zucchini noodles, allowing the heat to gently cook the meat to tender perfection.
7. Garnish Explosion: Adorn with Thai basil, cilantro, lime wedges, chili pepper slices, scallions, and a sriracha drizzle to create a vibrant, multi-dimensional culinary experience.

Notes

• Prep Like a Pro: Freezing the steak for 30 minutes makes slicing ultra-thin a breeze, ensuring tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat.
• Spice Mastery: Toasting whole spices unlocks deep, complex flavors that transform an ordinary broth into a restaurant-quality experience.
• Zucchini Noodle Hack: Spiralizing creates perfect low-carb noodles that absorb broth beautifully without adding unnecessary carbohydrates.
• Garnish Game Changer: Fresh herbs and lime brighten the entire dish, adding layers of freshness and balancing the rich, deep broth flavors.

• Prep Time: 2 minutes
• Cook Time: 32 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Vietnamese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 70mg