Beef pho

The iconic Vietnamese soup: a fragrant spiced broth, rice noodles, thin slices of beef and fresh herbs. Comforting and aromatic, it is a complete yet light dinner.

Preparation: 20 min  |  Cooking: 40 min  |  Servings: 4  |  Difficulty: Medium

Calculated per serving from Anses Ciqual 2025 values for each ingredient, based on the quantities listed. Household measures (spoonfuls, pieces) use average weights. 151 kcal · 22 g protein · 12 g carbohydrate · 2 g fat

Ingredients

• 300 g of beef (fondue-style slices)
• 200 g of rice noodles
• 1 onion
• 1 piece of ginger
• 1 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 bunch of coriander and mint

Method

1. Make the broth: water, charred onion and ginger, star anise and cinnamon.
2. Simmer for 30 minutes and strain.
3. Cook the noodles and divide them between bowls with the raw beef, sliced very thinly.
4. Pour over the boiling broth (which cooks the beef) and add herbs and beansprouts.

Nutritional benefits

Beef provides protein and iron, rice noodles supply gluten-free carbohydrate, and the aromatic broth contains very few calories. Fresh herbs add vitamins and freshness. A complete, fragrant and comforting soup meal, lighter than a dish in sauce. Naturally lactose-free.

Variations and substitutions

• Make it with chicken (pho ga).
• Vegetarian: use vegetable stock and tofu.
• Spice it up with chilli, sriracha and lime.
• Add beef meatballs.

Storage and preparing ahead

Keep the broth and noodles separate; the broth keeps for 3 days and can be frozen.

💡 Good to know

Very thinly sliced beef cooks in the bowl on contact with the boiling broth: pour it in while it is bubbling and serve straight away.

Read also

Discover more high-protein recipes · healthy & balanced recipes · dairy-free recipes · gluten-free recipes.

The foods in this recipe: beef · rice noodles · onion · ginger · star anise.

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