Keto Pho

Short Description

Keto Pho is a low-carb twist on the classic Vietnamese noodle soup, swapping traditional rice noodles for fresh zucchini zoodles while keeping the same aromatic, spice-infused beef broth and tender slices of steak. It’s a warm, fragrant, and satisfying bowl that fits perfectly into a keto lifestyle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Low-carb comfort food: Enjoy pho without the carbs from rice noodles.
• Rich, aromatic broth: Infused with spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves.
• Quick-cooking protein: Thinly sliced steak cooks right in the hot broth.
• Customizable toppings: Tailor it to your taste with herbs, lime, and chili.
• Light yet filling: Perfect for keto, paleo, and gluten-free diets.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pho Broth

• 4 whole star anise
• 2 whole cardamom pods
• 2 whole cinnamon sticks
• 2 whole cloves
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 8 cups beef bone broth
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon monk fruit allulose blend sweetener (optional, to taste)
• Sea salt, optional, to taste

Pho Soup

• 12 ounces flank steak (trimmed; or sirloin)
• 2 large zucchini, spiralized into zoodles

Optional Pho Toppings

• Thai basil
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Red chili pepper slices or jalapeño slices
• Scallions
• Sriracha

Directions

1. Place steak in the freezer for 30 minutes to make slicing easier.
2. Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat without oil. Add star anise, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, cloves, coriander seeds, and ground ginger. Toast 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add bone broth and fish sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes.
4. While broth simmers, spiralize zucchini into noodles and divide among 4 serving bowls.
5. Remove steak from the freezer and slice very thinly against the grain. Arrange slices over zoodles in each bowl.
6. Once broth is done, stir in sweetener if using, and adjust salt to taste. Strain broth into another pot, discarding spices.
7. Pour hot broth over the steak and zoodles, ensuring the meat is submerged to cook through. Alternatively, stir steak into simmering broth before serving.
8. Garnish with desired toppings and serve immediately.

Servings And Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: ~15 minutes
• Cook time: ~30 minutes
• Total time: ~45 minutes

Variations

• Chicken pho: Use chicken bone broth and thinly sliced chicken breast.
• Extra vegetables: Add bean sprouts or bok choy for texture.
• Spicy broth: Add dried chili flakes or fresh Thai chilies while simmering.
• Herbal boost: Simmer extra cilantro stems or lemongrass in the broth for added aroma.
• Bone broth upgrade: Use homemade bone broth for richer flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store broth and toppings separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm broth until simmering, then pour over fresh zoodles and steak to preserve texture.

FAQs

Can I Make This With Chicken Instead Of Beef?

Yes—use chicken broth and thinly sliced chicken breast or thigh meat.

Do I Have To Use Zoodles?

No—shirataki noodles or kelp noodles also work for a low-carb option.

How Do I Keep Zoodles From Getting Soggy?

Pour broth over them just before serving instead of cooking them in the pot.

Can I Make The Broth Ahead Of Time?

Yes—make and refrigerate up to 3 days ahead, then reheat before serving.

Is Fish Sauce Necessary?

It adds authentic depth, but you can omit or replace with tamari for a different flavor.

Can I Use Pre-Sliced Beef?

Yes, as long as it’s thin enough to cook quickly in hot broth.

How Spicy Should Pho Be?

It’s customizable—serve mild and let diners add heat with chilies or sriracha.

Can I Freeze The Broth?

Yes—freeze broth without zoodles or toppings for up to 3 months.

What Cut Of Beef Works Best?

Flank steak is traditional, but sirloin or ribeye works well too.

Is This Recipe Paleo?

Yes—just ensure your sweetener and fish sauce are paleo-compliant.

Conclusion

Keto Pho delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional pho while keeping it low-carb and nutrient-dense. With fragrant spices, tender steak, and fresh herbs, it’s a warm, inviting bowl that’s perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep.

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