Savor the Flavor: Low Carb Beef Pho Recipe
Welcome to my kitchen! I’m excited to share with you my low carb beef pho recipe. This dish is perfect for anyone looking for a tasty and healthy meal, especially those following a low carb or keto diet.
I’ve been cooking Vietnamese and Asian cuisine for years, and I’ve learned that pho is one of the most iconic dishes in Vietnamese cuisine – it’s loved by people all over the world. But, traditional pho recipes often contain high amounts of carbohydrates due to the rice noodles used in the broth.
That’s why I’ve created this low carb version of beef pho by replacing rice noodles with shirataki noodles or zucchini noodles (zoodles). The result? A hearty and flavorful soup that doesn’t skimp on taste while keeping carbs in check.
Moreover, this low carb beef pho recipe is perfect for anyone looking to lose weight without sacrificing flavor. It’s a perfect comfort food that won’t break your daily carb intake limit.
So dust off your chef hat, grab your apron, and get ready to make one of the best soups you’ve ever tasted – my delicious low carb beef pho!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hold onto your hats, folks! This low carb beef pho is about to knock your socks off. If you’re on a low-carb or keto diet and have been missing out on the Vietnamese food scene, this recipe will not disappoint you.
First of all, let me tell you about the health benefits of this dish. With only 10 grams of net carbs per serving, this low carb beef pho provides not only a delicious meal but also an excellent opportunity for those wanting to lose weight but without sacrificing a tasty meal. Even if you’re not on a diet plan, this dish is perfect for maintaining a healthy lifestyle without compromising taste.
But wait! There’s more. This bowlful of goodness does not contain rice noodles. Instead, we use zoodles (or miracle noodles), making it even suitable for those who follow a gluten-free or Paleo meal plan. It’s also entirely customizable to suit your being vegan or vegetarian needs as well.
Now let me tell you about the taste. Oh my goodness – so much flavor; I don’t even know where to begin. Picture lean slices of roast beef in delicious beef broth with aromas of ginger powder and cinnamon stick simmering away slowly to make an authentic Vietnamese pho soup. Topped with bean sprouts, cilantro leaves, and fresh green onions – I’m already salivating.
And let’s not forget about the sauces. A splatter of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sambal oelek, sriracha sauce squeeze of lemon juice, and some fish sauce all come together perfectly to create this Vietnamese taste bud sensation.
What’s more impressive is how easy it is to prepare this dish. The ingredients list may seem intimidating at first glance but bear with me—if you invest in quality items upfront and keep them stocked up in your pantry, you can whip up this hearty low carb beef pho soup at home in no time.
For a fraction of the price of dining out, you’ll have the pleasure of experiencing a delicious, low-carb, healthy option at home.
If you’re looking for a comforting, delicious, and filling meal that falls in line with your healthy eating habits – this low carb beef pho is the perfect solution. So go ahead and give it a try; your tummy will thank you.
Ingredient List
Before we dive into how to make this delicious low carb beef pho recipe, let’s check out the ingredient list that we’ll be using:
Broth
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1 large onion, peeled and quartered
- 5 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 beef bouillon cubes
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
Beef
- 1 lb roast beef or sirloin steak, very thinly sliced
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
Toppings
- Bean sprouts
- Sliced green onion
- Cilantro leaves
- Lemon wedges
Optional:
– Soy sauce
– Hoisin sauce
– Sriracha sauce or sambal oelek.
Note: If you’re familiar with traditional Vietnamese Pho recipe, you might notice some ingredients were left out due to its high carbohydrates. But this low carb version of Pho soup contains only 10 grams net carbs per serving, making it a great option for everyone who loves Pho but are watching their carb intake.
The Recipe How-To
Now let’s get to the good stuff – how to make this fantastic Low Carb Beef Pho! Don’t worry if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, I’ve broken down the recipe into easy-to-follow steps that anyone can do.
Step 1: Preparing the Pho Broth
The key to any great pho soup is a flavorful broth. In a large pot, add 8 cups of beef broth, 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of fish sauce, 2 beef bouillon cubes, 1 cinnamon stick, and 1 inch piece of ginger sliced. Bring to a boil and then lower the heat and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes.
Step 2: Adding Flavorful Ingredients
While the broth is simmering, slice up 1 large onion and add it to a dry pan over medium-high heat. Cook until they’re slightly charred around the edges. Then, add in 5 cloves of smashed garlic, toasted onion, and garlic will enhance the umami flavor. Add these into your pot and continue simmeing.
Step 3: Preparing the Steak
Take 1 lb of sirloin steak or roast beef and grill it or pan-sear it until browned on both sides. When it’s cooked through, transfer it onto a cutting board and once its cool enough to handle slice thinly against the grain.
Step 4: Preparing Noodle
If you would like traditional noodle in your pho then make sure to cook some rice noodles or use miracle noodles or shirataki noodles for low-carb options. Each package will contain different instructions but be sure to soak them in cold water for at least an hour before adding them into your bowl.
Step 5: Serving and Pairing
Finally, it’s time to serve the pho! Take an individual serving of noodle and place them into a bowl. Ladle the broth over until it’s fully submerged then add your beef slices on top. Then comes the fun part – toppings! I prefer to pile on bean sprouts, green onion, cilantro, and adding a dash of lemon juice to give it a little zest. Don’t forget to add hoisin sauce, sriracha sauce, or sambal oelek if you would like some heat.
Step 6: Enjoy!
This recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy the authentic taste of Vietnamese pho without sacrificing their low-carb lifestyle. It’s also great for weight loss diets, as one serving has only about 10 grams of net carbs, and low calories. You can also make-ahead, store and reheat it easily, making this a convenient and tasty meal anytime of the day.
Now that you know how to make an amazing Low Carb
Substitutions and Variations
As a chef, I understand that sometimes you have to make adjustments to a recipe to suit your taste. Hence, in this section, I will share some substitutions and variations that you can experiment with when making this low carb beef pho.
Firstly, if you’re not a fan of beef or would like to switch things up, you can use chicken instead. The process for making chicken pho is quite similar to the beef pho. Use chicken broth instead of beef broth and chicken breasts or thighs instead of the beef sirloin.
Another idea is to try out different types of noodles. If you’re on a low-carb diet or keto, using traditional rice noodles may not be an option. Instead, you can opt for shirataki noodles or miracle noodles. Alternatively, you can also use zucchini noodles (zoodle) or spaghetti squash as a noodle substitute.
For those who prefer vegetarian options, you can substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth and replace the roast beef with tofu cubes or tempeh strips.
Lastly, if you’re short on time but still crave that authentic Vietnamese flavor, you can use pre-made bone broths like VitaClay Chef Beef Bone Broth.
Remember, these are just some ideas and there are many other substitutions and variations you can try out. Don’t be afraid to put your creative hat on and experiment with flavors!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your low carb beef pho soup is ready, it’s time to dig in and enjoy! This dish can be served as either a light meal or as a substantial dinner. You can serve the dish with freshly squeezed lemon juice, bean sprouts, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro.
The beauty of this low carb version of a traditional Vietnamese beef noodle soup is that you don’t need the noodles. You can leave them out entirely to make this a low-carb and keto-friendly meal. Instead of noodles, you may also use Miracle Noodles, zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for a lighter and more nutritious option.
For an authentic Vietnamese experience, you can serve beef pho with different types of sauces. Soy sauce, fish sauce, hoisin sauce, sriracha sauce or sambal oelek are great choices to customize your dish according to your taste. It is best to have these sauces on the side so guests can adjust the flavor to their liking.
As for the perfect pairing, I recommend white wine or light beer such as lager or pale ale which have lower bitterness compared to other beer styles. For those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks, iced tea or lemon water could be refreshing options without adding unnecessary calories.
With all these variations in serving and pairing options, you’re guaranteed to love your low carb beef pho soup even more. So go ahead and savor every spoonful while enjoying the flavors and textures of this authentic Vietnamese masterpiece!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Alright, so you’ve got your delicious low carb beef pho soup ready to go, and now it’s time to think ahead. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking to serve the soup at a dinner party, it’s important to know how to properly store and reheat it.
Storing your beef pho soup is an easy process. Start by transferring the soup into an airtight container once it has cooled down. The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When storing in the freezer, it’s best to divide larger batches into smaller portions for easier reheating.
Reheating your low carb beef pho soup is where things really start to get exciting. My personal preference is to bring the soup back up to a boil on the stovetop, as this helps restore its original flavor and consistency. If you’re short on time, however, microwaving works just as well – just be sure to stir the soup every minute or so to prevent any uneven heating.
One thing to keep in mind when reheating your low carb beef pho soup is that the noodles will likely become soft and mushy over time. If you want to avoid this, try adding them in fresh after reheating the broth itself.
Finally, I always recommend making a double batch of this soup whenever possible – it’s just that good! By doing so, you’ll have plenty of leftovers ready to go for those busy weeknights or lazy Sunday afternoons. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you later!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you are ready to cook the Low Carb Beef Pho Recipe, I want to give you some tips to make sure your dish is perfect. It’s always important to keep in mind that cooking is an art and there’s a lot of room for variations and creativity. However, when it comes to traditional dishes like pho, there are some steps that should not be skipped if you want to achieve the right texture and flavor. Here are some tips to help you make the best Low Carb Beef Pho:
1. Don’t rush the broth
The broth is the heart of pho soup; without it, pho wouldn’t exist as we know it today. When making pho, it’s essential to simmer the bones, meat and spices for at least 4 hours. The longer you simmer, the better your broth will be. This is why I recommend using a slow cooker or VitaClay Chef which makes it easier to control the heat intensity, resulting in a more flavorful broth.
2. Sauté your aromatics before adding them to the pot
To enhance the flavor of your broth, sauté the onion, garlic and ginger before adding them to the pot with beef broth. This step helps release their natural oils and flavors which ultimately gives your broth more depth.
3. Season your broth properly
Pho should have a balance of sweetness, saltiness and sourness. Add fish sauce, soy sauce, lemon juice or vinegar based on your taste preference.
4. Use quality ingredients
Pho is a simple dish, but it requires high-quality ingredients such as fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions for garnish, fresh beef meat or roast beef if you prefer grass-fed cuts. You can also opt for shirataki noodles or miracle noodles instead of rice noodles if you are looking for a low carb alternative.
5. Serve your pho hot
Pho should always be served hot, both because of the texture and to preserve the flavor. If you are planning to serve it later or store it in the fridge, I recommend keeping the noodles separate from the broth to prevent them from becoming mushy.
By following these tips and making small adjustments along the way, you will be able to make an amazing Low Carb Beef Pho that’ll impress your taste buds!
FAQ
Before we conclude this article, I want to address some frequently asked questions regarding this recipe. With everything from substitutions, dietary restrictions, and storage methods in mind, I’m confident that you’ll be able to create the perfect bowl of low carb beef pho soup with ease. So let’s dive into some of your most pressing concerns!
Can you eat pho on low carb diet?
Pho can be enjoyed on a keto diet as long as you use keto-friendly ingredients. The broth in pho is keto-friendly, but it’s important to choose low-carb vegetables and noodles that are suitable for a keto lifestyle. Rather than using traditional rice noodles, consider using keto-friendly alternatives such as hearts of palm noodles.
Is beef pho high in carbs?
Although pho is a healthy option, it does contain a significant amount of carbohydrates.
How many carbs are in pho with beef?
Let me break down the nutritional value of a typical serving size of homemade beef pho. This hearty bowl of soup contains around 215 calories, 5.47 grams of fat, and 25.2 grams of carbohydrates.
Is pho OK for weight loss?
A nourishing and weight-friendly meal that could aid satiety and provide a satisfying flavor is Pho, a Vietnamese soup dish. This dish is protein-rich, with low-calorie light flavor soup and displayed balance wherein a serving only contains 403 calories. It is composed of 29 grams of protein, 10 grams of fat, and 60 grams of carbs making it an excellent option for those who want to maintain their weight or lose weight in a healthier way.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Low Carb Beef Pho Recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is also low in carbs. With its rich and flavorful broth and tender slices of roast beef, this keto-friendly soup is sure to satisfy your cravings without compromising your dietary goals.
By using ingredients such as soy sauce, fish sauce, cinnamon, and ginger powder, this recipe delivers an authentic Vietnamese flavor that will transport you to the bustling streets of Hanoi. And with additional options for substitutions and variations, such as zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles, you can easily customize this pho soup to fit your preferences.
So whether you’re looking to lose weight, try out a new recipe, or simply enjoy a warm and comforting bowl of pho soup, this low carb beef pho recipe is the perfect choice. Give it a try and experience all the deliciousness of an authentic Vietnamese pho while staying true to your dietary needs.
Low Carb Beef Pho Recipe
Ingredients
In Broth
- 8 cups water
- 8 beef bouillon cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 tablespoon ground pepper
- 1/8 cup sliced onion
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
In Bowl
- 2 cups low-carb pasta, carb-free miracle noodles
- 1/2 lb roast beef (squat thin slices)
- 1 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups white onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup green onion, thinly sliced
Add Ins
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 tablespoon sambal oelek (or add more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (or add more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon chili oil (or add more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (or add more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or add more to taste)
- 1 cup bean sprouts (or add more to taste)
- 1/8 cup fresh jalapeno, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Combine all broth ingredients in a large pot.
- Heat on high until mixture comes to a rolling boil.
- Reduce to low and let simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Meanwhile, separate 'bowl' ingredients into either 2 or 4 bowls.
- Once broth is sufficiently simmered bring back to a boil and ladle on top of ingredients in bowls.
- Add into your own bowl whatever from the add in list you like, to taste. Adding more Sambal, Sriracha, jalepenos or chili oil will make it more spicy while adding more soy or Hoisin will make it more salty. Squeeze lemon into bowl and discard lemon after.
- Enjoy.