
Pho is a Vietnamese soup that consists of broth, rice noodles, meat, and herbs. It is a popular street food in Vietnam and can be made keto-friendly by using certain ingredients and avoiding others. For example, when making pho soup at home, one can use store-bought pho broth, pre-spiralized kohlrabi noodles, and beef or chicken. When eating out, one can ask for extra meat, no noodles, and veggies on the side. Some common pho toppings like fried shallots, peanuts, and dumplings can add unnecessary calories and carbs, so it's best to stick to fresh herbs and lime.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you eat pho soup on a keto diet? | Yes, with some modifications. |
| Type of dish | Vietnamese soup |
| Typical ingredients | Broth, rice noodles, meat (beef, chicken), herbs, spices |
| Keto-friendly alternatives | Kohlrabi noodles, zucchini noodles (zoodles), extra meat, extra bean sprouts |
| Toppings to avoid | Fried shallots, peanuts, fried dumplings, fried noodles, hoisin sauce, sriracha |
| Nutritional info (per bowl) | 257 kcal, 14 g carbs, 28 g protein, 9 g fat, 900 mg sodium, 340 mg potassium, 3.5 g fiber, 8 g sugar |
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What You'll Learn
- Keto pho soup is possible with store-bought broth and zoodles
- Traditional pho toppings like fried shallots, peanuts, and noodles are high-calorie
- Hoisin sauce and sriracha can contain sugar and carbs
- Keto pho soup is a good source of nutrition and comfort
- Making keto pho soup yourself ensures it's keto-friendly

Keto pho soup is possible with store-bought broth and zoodles
Pho is a Vietnamese soup traditionally made with rice noodles, tender cuts of meat (usually beef), and a rich, savoury broth made with fish sauce, warming spices, and aromatics such as cinnamon, ginger, star anise, garlic, and cloves. When served in restaurants, it often comes with toppings such as bean sprouts, green onions, hot sauce, lime wedges, chilis, and fresh herbs like basil and cilantro.
However, traditional pho can be high in carbs due to the rice noodles and certain toppings. To make keto pho soup, you can substitute the rice noodles with zoodles (zucchini noodles) or kohlrabi noodles. You can either buy pre-spiralized zoodles or kohlrabi noodles, or make your own using a vegetable spiralizer.
You can also use store-bought pho broth, which is generally not super high in carbohydrates, or make your own low-carb broth using bone broth, chicken broth, or beef broth with pho seasonings.
Ingredients:
- Store-bought pho broth
- Zucchini, spiralized into zoodles
- Steak (flank steak or sirloin steak)
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, basil)
- Shallot
- Green onions
- Bean sprouts
- Lime wedges
- Optional toppings: scallions, hot sauce, chilis
Instructions:
- Place the steak in the freezer for 30 minutes to make it easier to slice thinly.
- Heat a pot over medium-high heat and add spices such as star anise, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, cloves, coriander seeds, and ground ginger. Toast for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the store-bought pho broth and bring to a boil.
- Spiralize the zucchini and place the zoodles in serving bowls.
- Thinly slice the steak and place over the zoodles.
- Once the broth comes to a boil, pour it over the prepared bowls. The hot broth will cook the steak instantly.
- Top with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and other desired toppings.
This keto pho soup recipe is a delicious and healthy option, providing the flavours and comfort of traditional pho while adhering to the guidelines of the ketogenic diet.
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Traditional pho toppings like fried shallots, peanuts, and noodles are high-calorie
Pho is a popular Vietnamese soup that typically includes bone broth, rice noodles, meat, and a variety of herbs and spices. It is a fragrant and comforting dish, especially during colder months. While pho can be enjoyed as part of a keto diet, certain adjustments are necessary to align with the diet's low-carbohydrate approach.
When preparing keto-friendly pho, it is recommended to substitute rice noodles with low-carb alternatives such as zucchini noodles (zoodles), kohlrabi noodles, or shirataki noodles. These vegetable-based noodles provide a similar texture and eating experience without the high carbohydrate count. By replacing rice noodles with low-carb options, the overall calorie count of the dish can be significantly reduced.
In addition to noodle substitutions, those on a keto diet can further reduce the calorie and carbohydrate content of pho by opting for fresh herbs, lime, and dried spices as toppings. While traditional pho may include fried toppings and garnishes, choosing healthier options helps keep the dish keto-friendly. It is also important to be mindful of portion sizes and the amount of added fats and oils used in preparation to maintain the dish's alignment with keto diet guidelines.
Preparing keto pho at home allows for greater control over ingredients and their nutritional content. By making pho from scratch, individuals can ensure that hidden sugars, starchy carbohydrates, and high-calorie additives are avoided. With careful ingredient selection and modifications, pho can be transformed into a delicious and nutritious keto-friendly meal.
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Hoisin sauce and sriracha can contain sugar and carbs
While pho is a Vietnamese soup that is known for its fragrant broth, rice noodles, and a medley of herbs and spices, it can be made keto-friendly with a few adjustments.
When making keto pho, it is important to be mindful of the toppings and condiments used, as they can add unnecessary calories and carbs. Fried shallots, peanuts, fried dumplings, and fried noodles are common pho toppings that can increase the calorie count. Instead, stick to fresh herbs, lime, and dried spices.
Additionally, hoisin sauce and sriracha, which are commonly used as condiments in pho, can contain sugar and carbs. Hoisin sauce, in particular, is known to be high in sugar and carbohydrates. Therefore, it is recommended to use these condiments sparingly or skip them altogether.
To make keto pho, one can use store-bought pho broth or make their own. For the noodles, zucchini noodles or kohlrabi noodles are recommended as low-carb alternatives to rice noodles. As for the protein, thinly sliced beef, chicken, or pork can be used. The meat is cooked in the simmering broth, which cooks it through instantly. The soup is then garnished with herbs, green onions, bean sprouts, and lime wedges.
By making pho at home, one can ensure that it aligns with their keto diet goals and adjust the ingredients according to their dietary needs.
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Keto pho soup is a good source of nutrition and comfort
Soups are a great source of comfort and nutrition. Pho, a popular Vietnamese soup, is no exception. The traditional dish is made with rice noodles, meat, herbs, and a fragrant broth. While pho typically contains carbohydrates and sugars, it can be modified to fit within a keto diet.
Keto pho is a low-carb version of the traditional dish. It is made with zucchini or kohlrabi noodles, or no noodles at all, and typically includes meat such as beef or chicken. The keto version also uses a lighter broth, limiting ingredients such as hoisin sauce that can add unnecessary carbohydrates and sugars.
Keto pho is a good source of nutrition, providing protein, fat, and a range of vitamins and minerals. The soup is also a comforting option, especially during colder months. It is a restorative meal that can be made quickly and easily, making it a convenient option for those following a keto diet.
The flexibility of keto pho is a key advantage. The dish can be modified to fit individual dietary needs and preferences. For example, various types of steak can be used, including flank steak or sirloin steak. Additionally, keto pho can be made with different types of meat, such as chicken or pork.
Keto pho soup is a tasty and nutritious option for those following a keto diet. It provides comfort and warmth, especially during the winter, and can be easily modified to fit within the dietary guidelines of keto. With its flexibility and convenience, keto pho is a satisfying option for a low-carb meal.
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Making keto pho soup yourself ensures it's keto-friendly
Pho is a Vietnamese soup that is typically made with rice noodles, meat, and a medley of herbs and spices. While it is a delicious and nutritious dish, it may not always be keto-friendly due to the presence of high-carb ingredients. However, by making keto pho soup yourself, you can ensure that it aligns with your keto diet goals.
The key to making keto pho soup is to substitute high-carb ingredients with keto-friendly alternatives. For example, instead of using rice noodles, you can opt for zucchini noodles, also known as "zoodles", or kohlrabi noodles. Kohlrabi noodles can be purchased pre-spiralized or made at home using a vegetable spiralizer. Additionally, you can use spaghetti squash as a noodle substitute, but it requires roasting beforehand.
When it comes to meat, traditional pho recipes often call for thinly sliced beef. You can purchase pre-sliced beef rouladen or slice any cut of beef as thinly as possible using a meat slicer or sharp knife. Other keto-friendly options include "hot pot" pork shoulder or chicken thighs, while chicken breasts are best avoided due to their low-fat content.
To prepare the soup, you can use store-bought pho broth or make your own. Store-bought pho broth typically adds about 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving. For a lower-carb option, consider making your own broth using bone broth and seasonings such as star anise, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, lime, ginger, and salt.
By making keto pho soup yourself, you have the flexibility to choose ingredients that align with your keto diet. You can control the amount of carbohydrates and fats in your soup, ensuring that it fits within your dietary guidelines. Additionally, you can adjust the recipe to suit your personal preferences and taste. Whether you prefer a variety of herbs and spices or a more minimalistic approach, making keto pho soup at home allows you to customize your meal to your liking.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can eat pho soup on a keto diet, but you may need to make some modifications to the traditional recipe.
Traditional pho recipes are made with rice noodles, which are high in carbohydrates. To make pho soup keto-friendly, you can substitute rice noodles with low-carb alternatives such as zoodles (zucchini noodles), kohlrabi noodles, or shirataki noodles.
Yes, in addition to substituting rice noodles, you should also be mindful of other high-carb toppings and ingredients. Avoid fried toppings such as shallots, peanuts, fried dumplings, and fried noodles. Instead, stick to fresh herbs, lime, and dried spices. Also, be cautious with sauces and condiments like sriracha and hoisin sauce, as they can contain sugar and carbs.
Yes, there are several keto pho soup recipes available online that provide step-by-step instructions on how to prepare a delicious and keto-compliant pho soup. These recipes typically include substitutions for noodles and recommendations for low-carb toppings and ingredients.











































