Description
Discover Tales Of A Kitchen’s authentic recipe for low sodium pho that lets you enjoy this comforting Vietnamese soup without compromising your health.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Low Sodium Pho Broth
- 2 lbs beef bones (or chicken carcass for a lighter option)
- 1 large onion, halved and charred
- 1 ginger root, sliced and charred
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 3 star anise
- 4 cloves
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
- 8 cups water
- 1 tbsp fish sauce (low sodium)
- 1 tsp tamari (optional, for umami)
For the Pho Assembly
- 200g rice noodles
- 1 lb lean beef, thinly sliced (sirloin or eye of round recommended)
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1 bunch fresh herbs, such as Thai basil, cilantro, and mint
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Optional toppings: sliced chili peppers, thinly sliced onion
Instructions
Prepare the Low Sodium Pho Broth
- Roast the aromatics: In a dry skillet, char the onion and ginger until fragrant and browned.
- Toast the spices: Add cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, coriander seeds, and fennel seeds to the skillet. Toast for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
- Simmer the broth: In a large pot, add beef bones, water, roasted aromatics, and toasted spices. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 2 hours, skimming any foam that rises.
- Enhance the flavor: Add low-sodium fish sauce and tamari. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cook the Noodles
- Boil water in a separate pot. Add rice noodles and cook according to package instructions.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking.
Assemble the Low Sodium Pho Soup
- Place cooked noodles in bowls.
- Top with thinly sliced beef.
- Pour the hot broth over the beef to cook it gently.
- Add bean sprouts, fresh herbs, and optional toppings. Serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- Herb and Garnish Combinations: Fresh herbs are essential for great-tasting low sodium pho. Mix cilantro, basil, and Thai basil for a burst of flavor. Add sliced onions, bean sprouts, and lime juice for extra taste.
- Umami-Rich Alternatives to Salt: Reducing sodium in pho means finding other savory ingredients. Use fish sauce, nutritional yeast, or tamari to add depth. These ingredients enhance flavor without too much salt.
- Proper Noodle Selection and Preparation: The right noodles are crucial for a good low sodium pho. Choose thin rice noodles that soak up broth well. Cook them right, so they’re still a bit firm.
Nutrition
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 20mg