Healing Pho – A Nourishing Broth with Rice Noodles

There’s something truly restorative and soul-warming about a steaming bowl of pho. With its rich, aromatic broth, silky rice noodles, and fresh herbs, pho is more than just a meal—it’s a nourishing, deeply comforting experience. Traditionally from Vietnam, pho has become a global favorite, known for its immune-boosting properties, light yet satisfying flavors, and ability to soothe the body and soul.

Unlike heavy, creamy soups, healing pho is naturally light, making it perfect for digestion, hydration, and replenishing the body. Whether you’re craving a hearty, wholesome meal or looking for a feel-better remedy, this halal-friendly pho recipe will be your new go-to for a deeply flavorful yet easy-to-digest bowl of goodness.

SAVE IT

Why You’ll Love This Healing Pho

• Aromatic & Flavorful – The slow-simmered broth is infused with warm spices for an authentic taste.
• Light Yet Satisfying – Unlike heavy soups, pho is gentle on digestion while keeping you full.
• Immune-Boosting – Ginger, cinnamon, star anise, and garlic help fight inflammation and colds.
• Halal-Friendly & Customizable – This recipe avoids pork and can be made with chicken or beef.
• Perfect for Sick Days – Hydrating, soothing, and packed with essential nutrients.

The Healing Power of Pho Broth

Pho is not just about the noodles—the real magic lies in its deeply infused, aromatic broth, simmered with warming spices and fresh ingredients.

Ingredient	Healing Benefit
Cinnamon & Star Anise	Helps with digestion and blood circulation.
Ginger & Garlic	Naturally anti-inflammatory and boosts immunity.
Onion & Lemongrass	Adds depth and mild sweetness to the broth.
Chicken or Beef Bone Broth	Packed with collagen, minerals, and gut-healing properties.

SAVE IT

How to Make a Nourishing Bowl of Pho

1. Prepare the Broth Base

Ingredients:

• 1 large onion, halved
• 1 3-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2 sticks cinnamon
• 4 star anise
• 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 4 cups chicken or beef broth
• 2 stalks lemongrass, smashed
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a dry pot, char the onion and ginger over medium heat until slightly blackened. This enhances the flavor.
2. Add garlic, cinnamon, star anise, coriander seeds, and peppercorns, toasting for 1-2 minutes.
3. Pour in broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Add lemongrass, fish sauce, and salt, and let simmer for 30-40 minutes to develop flavor.
5. Strain the broth to remove spices and aromatics.

2. Prepare the Rice Noodles & Protein

Ingredients:

• 8 oz rice noodles (thin or wide)
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken or sliced beef (halal)

Instructions:

1. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. If using beef, thinly slice raw beef and set aside (it will cook in the hot broth).
3. If using chicken, shred pre-cooked chicken for easy serving.

3. Assemble & Serve

Ingredients:

• 1 cup bean sprouts
• ½ cup fresh cilantro
• ½ cup Thai basil
• ½ lime, cut into wedges
• 1 red chili, sliced (optional)

Instructions:

1. Divide cooked rice noodles into serving bowls.
2. Add sliced raw beef (if using) or shredded chicken on top of the noodles.
3. Pour hot strained broth over the meat and noodles. If using raw beef, the heat will cook it instantly.
4. Garnish with bean sprouts, cilantro, Thai basil, and a squeeze of lime.
5. Serve hot with extra chili slices or sriracha for heat.

SAVE IT

Best Variations & Add-Ins

Pho is highly customizable—here are some delicious variations to suit your taste:

Variation	How to Make It
Pho Ga (Chicken Pho)	Use shredded halal chicken instead of beef.
Spicy Pho	Add Sriracha, red chili flakes, or chili oil for heat.
Vegetarian Pho	Use vegetable broth and tofu instead of meat.
Pho with Extra Veggies	Add bok choy, mushrooms, or carrots for more nutrients.

What to Serve with Pho

Pho is already a complete meal, but you can pair it with light, fresh sides for extra flavor.

• Spring Rolls – Light and refreshing with peanut sauce.
• Vietnamese Iced Coffee – A sweet contrast to the savory broth.
• Crispy Rice Paper Rolls – Adds a crunchy texture.
• Grilled Lemongrass Chicken – A protein-packed side option.

SAVE IT

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

• Refrigerate: Store broth separately from noodles in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Broth can be frozen for up to 3 months for quick meal prep.
• Reheat: Warm the broth on the stove and pour over fresh noodles and toppings.

Love bold, aromatic flavors? Our Spicy Thai Chicken Soup will warm you from the inside out!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make pho without fish sauce?
A: Yes! You can use soy sauce or coconut aminos as an alternative.

Q: What’s the best type of noodles for pho?
A: Thin rice noodles (banh pho) are traditionally used, but you can also try wider noodles for a heartier bite.

Q: Can I make pho in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes! Pressure cook the broth for 30 minutes instead of simmering for faster results.

Q: Is pho gluten-free?
A: Yes! Rice noodles and the broth are naturally gluten-free—just ensure your fish sauce is GF-certified.

Save This Recipe for Later

SAVE IT

This Healing Pho is aromatic, deeply nourishing, and packed with warm, comforting flavors. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in, a feel-better meal, or a flavorful weeknight dinner, this halal-friendly, homemade pho is bound to be a new favorite. Save this recipe on Pinterest and enjoy a warm, nourishing bowl whenever you need it!