Low Sodium Pho Dac Biet (Special Vietnamese Noodle Soup)

Experience the bold, savory flavors of Vietnam with this Low Sodium Pho Dac Biet, a lighter take on the beloved special Vietnamese noodle soup. This recipe combines a rich, aromatic broth—created by slow-simmering roasted beef bones, brisket, and a medley of fragrant spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cardamom—with tender cuts of beef, chicken, and melt-in-your-mouth tendon. Infused with ginger, onions, and a hint of low-sodium fish sauce, the broth achieves deep, complex flavors without an overload of salt. Served over silky rice noodles and topped with fresh herbs, crisp bean sprouts, lime, and spicy serrano peppers, this heartwarming dish offers a customizable feast perfect for any time of year. Ideal for those seeking a healthier version of traditional pho, this recipe is sure to satisfy both your cravings and your dietary needs.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:270 mins

Total Time:300 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Beef bones (preferably knuckle bones)
• 1 pound Beef brisket
• 1 pound Chicken breast
• 0.5 pound Beef tendon
• 4 pieces Whole star anise
• 1 piece Cinnamon stick
• 4 pieces Whole cloves
• 1 tablespoon Coriander seeds
• 2 pieces Cardamom pods
• 3 inches Ginger (sliced)
• 2 medium Onions (halved)
• 3 tablespoons Fish sauce (low sodium)
• 1 piece Rock sugar
• 14 ounces Rice noodles (pho)
• 0.5 pound Thinly sliced raw beef sirloin
• 2 cups Beansprouts
• 1 cup Fresh Thai basil
• 1 cup Fresh cilantro
• 1 cup Fresh mint
• 2 pieces Lime (cut into wedges)
• 2 pieces Serrano peppers

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the beef bones and brisket on a baking sheet. Roast for 30 minutes until browned.

Step 2

In a large pot, bring 8 quarts of water to a boil. Add the roasted bones and brisket, boiling for 5 minutes to cleanse impurities. Drain, rinse the bones and meat, and clean the pot.

Step 3

Return the bones and brisket to the pot. Add the chicken breast and 8 quarts of fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Step 4

Toast star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, coriander seeds, and cardamom pods in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add to the simmering broth.

Step 5

Add ginger and onions to the broth. Simmer the broth gently, uncovered, for 3 hours. Skim off foam and fat periodically.

Step 6

Remove the chicken breast after 20-25 minutes once cooked. Allow to cool and then slice thinly.

Step 7

After 3 hours, remove the brisket, let cool slightly, and slice thinly. Strain the broth and discard the solids. Return the clear broth to the pot.

Step 8

Add fish sauce and rock sugar to the broth. Taste and adjust seasoning, keeping it low sodium.

Step 9

Cook pho noodles according to package instructions, usually soaking them in hot water until tender, then drain.

Step 10

To assemble a bowl, place a portion of noodles in a bowl, add sliced brisket, chicken, raw sirloin, and tendon.

Step 11

Ladle hot broth over everything to cook the raw sirloin. Garnish with beansprouts, basil, cilantro, mint, lime wedges, and serrano peppers.

Step 12

Serve hot with additional herbs and lime on the side for customization.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3595.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3793.7

Total Fat 132.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 50.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.4g
Cholesterol 1315.4mg	0%
Sodium 5179.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 187.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 33.1g	0%
Total Sugars 25.4g
Protein 466.6g	0%

Vitamin D 36.3IU	0%
Calcium 1043.5mg	0%
Iron 59.6mg	0%
Potassium 6040.2mg	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: 31.3%

Protein: 49.1%

Carbs: 19.7%