Heart-Healthy Seafood Pho

Dive into a bowl of pure comfort with this Heart-Healthy Seafood Pho—a flavorful take on the classic Vietnamese noodle soup that’s perfect for guilt-free indulgence. This recipe swaps traditional high-sodium ingredients for a nourishing base of low-sodium broth infused with aromatic spices like star anise, cinnamon, and ginger. Succulent shrimp and tender scallops are cooked to perfection in the fragrant broth, creating a protein-packed dish that’s as healthy as it is satisfying. Served over silky rice noodles and topped with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime, this pho becomes a vibrant, customizable experience with every bite. Easy to prepare in under an hour, it’s ideal for a cozy weeknight meal or an impressive dinner option. Perfectly balanced and rich in umami, this seafood pho is your go-to recipe for heart-healthy dining with bold, authentic flavors.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 whole star anise
• 1 small piece licorice root (optional)
• 1 whole cinnamon stick
• 2 inches piece, thinly sliced ginger
• 1 medium, halved onion
• 1 large, sliced carrot
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 12 oz rice noodles
• 12 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 large scallops
• 2 cups bean sprouts
• 1 cup fresh cilantro
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 whole lime, cut into wedges
• 1 medium jalapeño, thinly sliced

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot, combine broth, water, star anise, licorice root if using, cinnamon stick, ginger slices, onion halves, and carrot slices.

Step 2

Bring the broth mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cover and continue to simmer for about 25 minutes to infuse the flavors.

Step 3

Remove the spices, ginger, onion, and carrot from the broth using a slotted spoon or strainer.

Step 4

Add fish sauce and sugar to the broth and stir to combine.

Step 5

Meanwhile, in a separate pot, bring water to a boil and cook the rice noodles according to package instructions until tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 6

Add shrimp and scallops to the simmering broth and cook for 3-5 minutes until the seafood is just cooked through and opaque.

Step 7

Divide the cooked rice noodles among serving bowls.

Step 8

Ladle the hot broth and seafood over the noodles in each bowl.

Step 9

Top each serving with bean sprouts, cilantro, mint, and basil.

Step 10

Serve with lime wedges and jalapeño slices on the side.

Step 11

Encourage diners to squeeze lime juice and add jalapeño slices to their pho for an extra layer of flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	4112.4 grams (4112.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1453

Total Fat 14.60g	19%
Saturated Fat 1.30g	7%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.80g
Cholesterol 472mg	157%
Sodium 7395mg	322%
Total Carbohydrate 204.60g	74%
Dietary Fiber 36.50g	130%
Total Sugars 46.00g
Protein 144.00g	288%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1216mg	94%
Iron 35mg	192%
Potassium 4700mg	100%

*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: 8.6%

Protein: 37.8%

Carbs: 53.6%