High Protein Vietnamese Pho Broth

Savor the ultimate comfort food with this High-Protein Vietnamese Pho Broth, a nourishing twist on the classic pho recipe designed to fuel your body and delight your taste buds. This rich, aromatic broth is simmered for hours, extracting deep flavors from beef bones or chicken carcasses while being infused with charred onion, ginger, star anise, cinnamon, and other traditional spices. Packed with protein from optional tofu and tender slices of beef brisket or chicken breast, this pho is perfect for satisfying hearty appetites. Served over silky rice noodles and garnished with fresh herbs like Thai basil and cilantro, along with a splash of lime and a kick of chili, this dish delivers authentic Vietnamese flavors in every sip. Whether you're meal prepping for wellness or craving a soul-warming bowl of noodles, this high-protein pho recipe is a must-try for pho lovers and healthy food enthusiasts alike!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:300 mins

Total Time:320 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef bones or chicken carcasses
• 1 pound boneless beef brisket or chicken breast
• 2 medium yellow onion
• 4 inches fresh ginger
• 3 pieces whole star anise
• 4 pieces whole cloves
• 1 piece cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon rock sugar or granulated sugar
• 12 cups water
• 8 ounces tofu (optional for added protein)
• 8 ounces cooked rice noodles
• 1 cup fresh bean sprouts
• 1 cup fresh Thai basil
• 0.5 cup cilantro leaves
• 4 pieces lime wedges
• 1 piece sliced chilies (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the beef bones or chicken carcasses thoroughly under cold water to remove impurities. For extra clarity, you can blanch the bones in boiling water for 5 minutes, then rinse and drain.

Step 2

Char the onions and ginger directly over an open flame or on a hot, dry skillet until their surfaces are blackened. Peel the onions and slice the ginger lengthwise.

Step 3

In a large stockpot, add the bones, brisket or chicken breast, charred onions, and ginger. Pour in 12 cups of water and bring to a boil.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface. Simmer uncovered for 2 hours.

Step 5

After 2 hours, add the star anise, cloves, cinnamon stick, black peppercorns, fish sauce, salt, and rock sugar. If using tofu for additional protein, cube it and add it to the broth at this stage.

Step 6

Continue simmering the broth for another 2-3 hours, occasionally skimming the surface to remove impurities and ensure the broth remains clear.

Step 7

Remove the brisket or chicken breast after 3 hours of cooking, slice it thinly, and set it aside. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve to remove solids, leaving a clear and aromatic liquid.

Step 8

To serve, place cooked rice noodles in bowls and top with thinly sliced brisket or chicken breast. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and protein.

Step 9

Garnish with bean sprouts, Thai basil, cilantro leaves, lime wedges, and sliced chilies as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your high-protein pho!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	5704.3 grams (5704.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3929

Total Fat 222.90g	286%
Saturated Fat 90.40g	452%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 925mg	308%
Sodium 9485mg	412%
Total Carbohydrate 154.80g	56%
Dietary Fiber 29.60g	106%
Total Sugars 38.80g
Protein 325.60g	651%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2239mg	172%
Iron 75mg	416%
Potassium 6022mg	128%

*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: 51.1%

Protein: 33.2%

Carbs: 15.8%