Low Sodium Beef Pho

Experience the comforting flavors of Vietnam with this Low Sodium Beef Pho, a lighter take on the classic noodle soup without compromising on depth or richness. Perfect for those seeking a heart-healthy alternative, this recipe uses slow-simmered beef bone-in shanks to create a flavorful broth infused with fragrant spices like cinnamon, star anise, and cloves. Toasted aromatics and fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, and green onions bring undeniable freshness, while thinly sliced beef sirloin cooks delicately in the steaming broth. Served over tender rice noodles and customizable with bean sprouts, lime, and jalapeño, this pho is as nourishing as it is satisfying. Ready in just over four hours with minimal sodium and maximum flavor, it’s an ideal dish for cozy nights or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:240 mins

Total Time:270 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Beef bone-in shank
• 16 cups Water
• 1 large, halved Onion
• 4 inches, sliced Ginger
• 2 Cinnamon sticks
• 2 whole Star anise
• 4 whole Cloves
• 1 tablespoon Coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon Black peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon (low sodium) Fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons Sugar
• 8 ounces Rice noodles
• 1 pound, thinly sliced Beef sirloin
• 2 cups Bean sprouts
• 1 cup Fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup, chopped Fresh cilantro
• 4 sliced Green onions
• 1 cut into wedges Lime
• 1 thinly sliced Jalapeño pepper

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add the beef shanks. Sear for about 3-5 minutes per side until browned.

Step 2

Add 16 cups of water to the pot with the shanks and bring to a boil. Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface.

Step 3

Add the halved onion and sliced ginger to the pot.

Step 4

In a dry pan, toast the cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, coriander seeds, and peppercorns over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Place the toasted spices into the pot with the beef shanks.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 3-4 hours to develop a rich broth, skimming occasionally.

Step 7

Strain the broth to remove solids and return the liquid to the pot.

Step 8

Stir in the low sodium fish sauce and sugar to the broth, adjusting to taste.

Step 9

Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions, then rinse and drain them.

Step 10

Arrange the cooked noodles into serving bowls.

Step 11

Top the noodles with thinly sliced raw beef sirloin.

Step 12

Pour the hot broth over the beef and noodles in each bowl so the beef cooks in the hot liquid.

Step 13

Garnish each bowl with bean sprouts, basil, cilantro, green onions, lime wedges, and jalapeño slices as desired before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(6035.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3570.1

Total Fat 182.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 73.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 1040.6mg	0%
Sodium 9425.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 140.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.1g	0%
Total Sugars 44.3g
Protein 343.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 856.2mg	0%
Iron 48.4mg	0%
Potassium 5810.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.9%

Protein: 38.4%

Carbs: 15.7%