Comfort Bowl Low Carb Keto Pho Recipe

Low carb keto pho transforms traditional Vietnamese soup into a deliciously satisfying meal without compromising nutrition or taste.

Dieters craving authentic flavors will appreciate this innovative culinary adaptation that replaces carbohydrate-heavy ingredients with clever, nutrient-dense alternatives.

Tender strips of steak float alongside spiralized zucchini, mimicking classic noodle textures while maintaining metabolic balance.

Bright herbs and zingy lime add complexity and freshness to each spoonful, elevating this keto-friendly recipe beyond standard soup expectations.

Protein-packed and low in net carbohydrates, this dish proves healthy eating can be both exciting and deeply gratifying.

What Makes This Keto Pho So Comforting

• Revolutionize Your Comfort Food: This low-carb keto pho transforms traditional high-carb noodle soup into a guilt-free, nutrition-packed meal that satisfies deep cravings without compromising health goals.
• Speed and Simplicity Win: The recipe offers quick preparation techniques like freezing steak for easier slicing and using zucchini noodles, making gourmet cooking accessible even for busy home chefs with limited culinary skills.
• Flavor Explosion in Every Spoonful: Toasting whole spices before brewing creates an intense, aromatic broth that delivers complex Vietnamese-inspired flavors, with customizable garnishes allowing personal taste preferences to shine through.
• Protein-Packed Wellness Meal: By using lean steak and bone broth, this dish provides high-quality protein, supports low-carb dietary needs, and delivers a warming, nutritious meal that feels both indulgent and health-conscious.

Gather These Essentials for Your Pho

• Steak: Lean cut perfect for quick cooking, best when thinly sliced against the grain for tender texture.
• Beef Bone Broth: Rich, flavorful foundation providing deep meaty essence and keto-friendly protein.

• Star Anise, Cardamom Pods, Cinnamon Sticks, Cloves, Coriander Seeds, Ground Ginger: Aromatic spices creating complex, traditional Vietnamese flavor profile, toasting enhances their natural oils and intensity.

• Zucchini: Low-carb vegetable spiralized into noodle-like strands, providing light and fresh base for the dish.

• Fish Sauce: Umami-rich condiment adding depth and authentic Southeast Asian character.
• Sweetener: Optional keto-friendly sugar substitute for balanced flavor.

• Thai Basil, Cilantro, Lime Wedges, Chili Pepper Slices, Scallions, Sriracha: Fresh herbs and condiments offering customizable heat, brightness, and additional flavor layers.

How to Prepare Pho Without the Carbs

Step 1: Chill The Beef

Place your chosen cut of beef in the freezer for about half an hour. This quick cooling trick makes slicing super smooth and precise.

Step 2: Awaken The Spices

• Star anise
• Cardamom pods
• Cinnamon sticks
• Whole cloves
• Coriander seeds
• Ground ginger

Dance these spices around the hot surface for 2-3 minutes until their incredible fragrance fills your kitchen.

Step 3: Build The Flavor Foundation

• Beef bone broth
• Fish sauce

Bring this liquid magic to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 30 minutes. Your kitchen will smell incredible.

Step 4: Create Veggie Noodles

While the broth develops its deep flavor, transform zucchini into delicate spirals. Distribute these green ribbons evenly across serving bowls.

Step 5: Transform The Beef

Pull the partially frozen beef from the freezer. Using a sharp knife, slice against the grain into paper-thin pieces. Artfully arrange these slices atop the zucchini noodles.

Step 6: Refine The Broth

Stir in a touch of sweetener if desired. Season with salt to taste. Strain the broth, removing the whole spices, and transfer to a clean pot.

Step 7: Assemble With Passion

Pour the steaming hot broth directly over the beef and zucchini noodles. The heat will gently cook the meat to tender perfection.

Step 8: Customize And Celebrate

• Thai basil
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Chili pepper slices
• Chopped scallions
• Sriracha sauce

Serve immediately and savor every delicious bite of your low-carb dish!

Tips That Make Your Pho Even Better

• Freeze Before Slicing: Chilling the steak for 30 minutes firms up the meat, making razor-thin cuts effortless and precise.
• Awaken Spice Aromatics: Dry-toasting spices in a hot pan releases intense flavors, transforming your broth from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Prioritize Broth Quality: Select a bone broth with deep, robust beef flavor – the foundation of an authentic, mouthwatering pho experience.
• Master Steak Cooking Technique: Pour scalding hot broth directly over thinly sliced steak to achieve perfect, tender meat without overcooking.
• Elevate with Fresh Garnishes: Sprinkle just-picked Thai basil, squeeze lime, and add chili moments before serving to maximize vibrant, zesty flavors.

The Best Way to Store Leftover Pho

Preserve Peak Flavor: Transfer cooled broth into glass mason jars with tight-sealing lids to maintain freshness and prevent flavor contamination. Refrigerated pho broth stays deliciously vibrant for 3-4 days when stored correctly.

Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Portion leftover broth into freezer-safe containers, leaving slight headspace for expansion. Freeze up to 2-3 months, ensuring maximum taste preservation. Avoid storing zucchini noodles during freezing to prevent texture breakdown.

Reheating Technique: Gently warm broth in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to distribute temperature evenly. Microwave works as backup option – heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between cycles.

Pho Variations to Customize Your Bowl

• Seafood Sensation: Replace beef with thinly sliced shrimp or scallops for a light, ocean-inspired version of this keto pho. Adjust cooking time to prevent overcooking delicate seafood.
• Chicken Comfort: Swap steak with thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs for a leaner protein option. Poach the chicken directly in the aromatic broth for extra flavor infusion.
• Vegetarian Veggie Voyage: Substitute meat with firm tofu or tempeh, sliced thin and quickly seared. Add extra mushrooms like shiitake or oyster for a meaty texture and umami depth in this plant-based adaptation.
• Spicy Southern Remix: Incorporate jalapeños, serrano peppers, and extra sriracha for a fiery kick. Garnish with fresh Thai chili slices and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to elevate the heat profile.

Wrapping Up the Pho Bowl Experience

Keto pho emerges as culinary magic, reimagining Vietnamese classic without carbohydrate overload.

Health-conscious warriors discover delightful flavor profiles dancing through zucchini noodles and rich bone broth.

Spices whisper exotic tales from traditional kitchens while creating low-carb symphony.

Protein-packed steak transforms each bowl into nutrient-dense masterpiece beyond conventional expectations.

Intricate layers of star anise, cardamom, and cinnamon create sensory expedition through Southeast Asian landscapes.

Bold souls craving authentic experiences can relish this recipe – share its magic, comment with passion, and spread keto love across digital realms.

Low Carb Keto Pho Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty Vietnamese pho gets a low-carb makeover with spiralized zucchini noodles replacing traditional rice noodles. Rich bone broth simmered with aromatic spices delivers authentic flavor while keeping carbohydrates minimal for keto dieters seeking comfort without compromise.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Spices and Aromatics:

• 4 whole star anise
• 2 whole cardamom pods
• 2 whole cinnamon sticks
• 2 whole cloves
• 1 tablespoon (15g) coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon (5g) ground ginger

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

• 8 cups (1.9 liters) beef bone broth
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15g) monk fruit allulose blend (optional, to taste)
• Sea salt (optional, to taste)

Main Ingredients and Garnishes:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) flank steak (trimmed; or sirloin)
• 2 large zucchini (courgettes), spiralized into zoodles
• Thai basil
• Fresh cilantro (coriander)
• Lime wedges
• Red chili pepper slices (or jalapeño)
• Scallions (spring onions)
• Sriracha

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Instructions

1. Chill the steak in the freezer for approximately 30 minutes to facilitate precise, thin slicing.
2. Create an aromatic spice foundation by carefully toasting star anise, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, cloves, coriander seeds, and ground ginger in a dry Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until their fragrances intensify.
3. Pour beef bone broth and fish sauce into the toasted spices, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil before reducing heat and allowing a gentle simmer for 30 minutes to develop complex flavors.
4. While the broth develops, transform zucchini into delicate spiraled noodles and distribute evenly among 4 serving vessels.
5. Extract the partially frozen steak and slice against the grain into gossamer-thin pieces, arranging them artfully atop the zucchini noodles.
6. Enhance the broth with optional sweetener, adjusting seasoning to taste, then carefully strain to remove whole spices, preserving the rich, nuanced liquid.
7. Ladle the steaming broth directly over the raw steak and zucchini noodles, ensuring the heat gently cooks the meat to a tender perfection.
8. Embellish with vibrant garnishes including Thai basil, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, chili pepper slices, chopped scallions, and a drizzle of sriracha for an explosion of complementary flavors.

Notes

• Preserve the vibrant herb freshness by adding Thai basil, lime, and chili right before serving, ensuring maximum flavor and crisp texture.
• Choose a robust, high-quality beef bone broth that delivers deep, authentic flavor whether homemade or store-bought.
• Heat spices in a dry pan to unlock their intense aromatics, transforming the broth into a fragrant and complex base.
• Partially freeze the beef for about 30 minutes to simplify ultra-thin slicing, allowing rapid cooking when introduced to steaming hot broth.
• Pour boiling broth directly over thinly sliced steak, creating instant cooking magic while maintaining tender, delicate meat texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 218
• Sugar: 4.3g
• Sodium: 1100mg
• Fat: 5.3g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Carbohydrates: 7.8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 32.9g
• Cholesterol: 50mg