Low-Carb Vietnamese Pho (Bone Broth-Based)

Here’s another family-favorite recipe that’s absolutely delicious and incredibly easy to make! This low-carb Vietnamese pho (pronounced fuh, like “fun” without the “n”) is packed with bold flavors and perfect for when you’re craving a comforting, nourishing meal—without the carbs. The slow-cooked, aromatic broth, tender beef, and fresh herbs make this dish unbelievably satisfying.

I love using shirataki noodles in this recipe because they soak up the rich broth beautifully, but zucchini noodles work just as well for a fresh, light twist. The best part? It’s a set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker meal! Just toss everything in before your day starts, and by dinnertime, you’ll have a steaming, flavorful bowl of pho ready to enjoy.

This is also a fantastic meal prep recipe—simply store the broth separately and reheat it with fresh toppings for a quick and delicious meal anytime. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this slow cooker pho is sure to become a favorite!

Servings: 4-6
Cook Time: 8-10 hours

Ingredients

For the Broth:

• 2 lbs beef bones (marrow and knuckle bones)

• 1 large onion, halved

• 1 piece of ginger (about 5 inches), sliced

• 3 cinnamon sticks

• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds

• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds

• 4 star anise pods

• 5 cloves

• 2 cardamom pods

• 1 tablespoon salt

• 2 tablespoons fish sauce

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 8 cups water

For Serving:

• 1 lb thinly sliced beef sirloin or eye of round

• 14 oz dried rice noodles (bánh phở)

• Fresh herbs: Thai basil, cilantro, and mint

• Bean sprouts

• Lime wedges

• Thinly sliced green onions

• Sliced jalapeño or Thai chili peppers (optional)

• Hoisin sauce and Sriracha (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Aromatics:

   • Char the onion and ginger: Place the halved onion and sliced ginger on a baking sheet and broil in the oven until they develop a slight char, approximately 10 minutes. This step enhances the depth of flavor in the broth.

2. Toast the Spices:

   • In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the cinnamon sticks, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, star anise, cloves, and cardamom pods until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning.

3. Assemble the Broth in the Slow Cooker:

   • Place the beef bones into the slow cooker.

   • Add the charred onion and ginger.

   • Add the toasted spices.

   • Pour in 8 cups of water.

   • Add salt, fish sauce, and sugar.

4. Cook the Broth:

   • Set the slow cooker to LOW and cook for 8-10 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and develop a rich, aromatic broth.

5. Strain the Broth:

   • After cooking, strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pot or bowl to remove the solids, leaving a clear, flavorful broth.

6. Prepare the Noodles and Toppings:

   • Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

   • Arrange the fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, green onions, and sliced chili peppers on a serving platter for easy access.

7. Assemble the Pho Bowls:

   • Divide the cooked noodles among serving bowls.

   • Top each bowl with slices of raw beef.

   • Ladle the hot broth over the beef and noodles, ensuring the beef is submerged to cook it to a tender, medium-rare doneness.

8. Serve:

   • Allow each person to customize their pho by adding fresh herbs, bean sprouts, a squeeze of lime, and optional sauces to taste.

Notes:

• Bone Preparation: For a clearer broth, you can parboil the beef bones before adding them to the slow cooker. To do this, place the bones in a pot, cover with water, bring to a boil for about 10 minutes, then drain and rinse the bones to remove impurities. This step is optional but recommended for a cleaner broth.

• Noodle Alternatives: For a low-carb option, consider substituting traditional rice noodles with shirataki noodles or zucchini noodles.

• Flavor Adjustments: After straining the broth, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional fish sauce or salt as needed.

This method is adapted from traditional Vietnamese pho recipes, utilizing a slow cooker for convenience while maintaining authentic flavors.

Enjoy your homemade pho!

Total Macros Per Serving:

• Calories: ~490 kcal

• Protein: ~52g

• Carbs: ~7g

• Fat: ~33g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

✔ Super easy – Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work!
✔ Low-carb friendly – Uses shirataki noodles or zucchini noodles instead of rice noodles.
✔ Rich in nutrients – Slow-cooked bones provide collagen and minerals.
✔ Perfect for meal prep – Store the broth separately and reheat anytime!

No need for complicated steps—just set it, forget it, and enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of low-carb pho anytime! 💛