Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• My Keto Pho Has All The Vietmanese Flavor In A Fraction Of The Time
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Keto Pho
• My Recipe Tips
• Vietnamese Pho (Keto-Friendly & Healthy)
• More Easy Keto Soup Recipes
• Recipe Reviews

My Keto Pho Has All The Vietmanese Flavor In A Fraction Of The Time

What is pho? It’s a Vietnamese soup with a fragrant broth, noodles, thinly sliced meat, and fresh garnishes. I’ve been ordering it at Vietnamese restaurants for years because the rich, aromatic broth and naturally gluten-free rice noodles always hit the spot. But I never made it at home because traditional pho is an all-day project with 15–20 ingredients and a pot of bones simmering for hours. This keto pho recipe keeps the best parts, skips the rest, and still delivers all the comfort. Here’s why I think you’ll love it too:

• Way less ingredients – I streamlined traditional pho’s 15–20 components down to the essentials you actually need for flavor. They’re all easy to find at most grocery stores, and if not, I’ve ordered the spices online many times.
• No simmering bones for hours – I’ve tested the long-simmer method and the flavor difference just isn’t worth the time for a weeknight. Using quality beef bone broth gives you that same rich, complex taste in about 35 minutes.
• Healthy & keto friendly – I love how my version sneaks in extra veggies with zoodles , but the best part is it still has all the classic pho flavor with just 4.8g net carbs per serving.

Once you try this keto pho, you’ll see how easy it is to get all the cozy, aromatic flavors of your favorite Vietnamese soup at home. Make it with me!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my Vietnamese pho recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

Vietmanese Pho Broth:

• Beef Bone Broth – I use a good quality beef bone broth for deep, rich flavor without having to simmer bones all day. You can use homemade bone broth if you have it.
• Fish Sauce – Just a splash adds that savory, umami depth that makes pho taste authentic. If you don’t have it, soy sauce or coconut aminos can work in a pinch.
• Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Blend – Traditional pho has a little sugar, but I use this sweetener for the same flavor without the carbs. It dissolves easily, and if you prefer, you can skip it or use another sugar-free sweetener .
• Spices – I narrowed down the spices for this keto pho broth from the long list you’d see in traditional recipes to just star anise , cardamom pods , cinnamon sticks , cloves , coriander seeds , ground ginger , and sea salt. It’s still aromatic and warming, but without the 15+ spices most recipes call for.

Keto Pho soup:

• Steak – I used flank steak because I had it on hand, and it’s flavorful and budget-friendly. Sirloin or skirt steak works just as well if you prefer, and you can even swap in chicken (check my recipe tips below for cooking instructions).
• Zucchini – Zucchini noodles are my favorite for healthy pho because they cook instantly when you pour the hot broth over them. You can use spaghetti squash or konjak noodles for a similar vibe, but it’s less convenient since you’ll need to cook them first.
• Optional Toppings – I like to load my Vietnamese pho with Thai basil, cilantro, lime wedges, red chili or jalapeño slices, scallions, and a drizzle of sriracha . Feel free to mix and match!

How To Make Keto Pho

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Toast the spices. Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat (no oil needed) and toss in the star anise, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, cloves, coriander seeds, and ground ginger. Toast until they smell amazing.
2. Make the broth. Pour in the beef bone broth and fish sauce, give it a stir, bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer until all those flavors come together.

1. Prep the zoodles. While the broth simmers, I spiralize the zucchini into noodles and divide them between 4 bowls.
2. Slice the steak. Take the steak out of the freezer and slice it super thin against the grain. Lay the slices over the zoodles.
3. Strain and season. Once the broth is done, stir in the sweetener if you’re using it, adjust the salt, and strain out the whole spices.
4. Assemble and serve. Pour the simmering broth over the bowls, making sure the steak is fully submerged so it cooks through. Add any toppings you like, and just like that, you’ve got a steaming, cozy bowl of keto pho.

My Recipe Tips

• I freeze the steak for about 30 minutes. This firms it up so you can get those extra thin slices, and that’s key for perfect Vietnamese pho.
• Don’t use oil when toasting the spices. Dry toasting helps release their natural oils and aroma, giving the pho broth a deeper, more fragrant flavor.
• Make sure your zoodles are the same thickness so they soften evenly when the hot broth hits them. I use this countertop spiralizer with a suction base so it stays put while I work.
• Will my steak be raw? If you slice it super thin (and trust me, this part matters), the hot broth will cook it instantly when you pour it over. But if you’d rather be sure, you can always add the steak to the pot and let it simmer for a couple of minutes before serving.
• I highly recommend eating this right away because the zoodles get kind of mushy after sitting in the broth for a while. However, I’ve made the broth in advance and stored it. Then just simmer again when ready to serve and pour over zoodles and sliced steak.
• Want to use chicken instead? Once the broth is ready, add raw chicken and let it simmer until cooked through. I like to shred it before adding it to the bowls over the zoodles, then pour the hot broth on top so everything warms through and soaks up the flavor.

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

Pho broth:

• 4 whole Star anise ▢
• 2 whole Cardamom pods ▢
• 2 whole Cinnamon sticks ▢
• 2 whole Cloves ▢
• 1 tbsp Coriander seeds ▢
• 1 tsp Ground ginger ▢
• 8 cups Beef bone broth ▢
• 1 tbsp Fish sauce ▢
• 1 tbsp Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Blend (optional, to taste) ▢
• Sea salt (optional, to taste) ▢

Pho soup:

• 12 oz Flank steak (trimmed; or sirloin) ▢
• 2 large Zucchini (spiralized into zoodles) ▢

Optional pho toppings:

• Thai basil ▢
• Cilantro ▢
• Lime Wedges ▢
• Red chili pepper slices (or jalapeno peppers) ▢
• Scallions ▢
• Sriracha ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Place the steak in the freezer for 30 minutes to make it easier to slice thinly.
2. Meanwhile, heat a dutch oven over medium-high heat, WITHOUT oil. Add the star anise, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, cloves, coriander seeds, and ground ginger. Toast for 2-3 minutes , until fragrant.
3. Add the bone broth and fish sauce. Stir together. Bring the pho broth to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes .
4. Meanwhile, use a spiralizer to make zoodles out of the zucchini. Divide the zucchini noodles among 4 bowls.
5. Once the steak in the freezer is firm, take it out and slice very thinly against the grain. Place the steak on top of the zoodles in each bowl.
6. When the broth is done simmering, stir in sweetener to dissolve (if using), and adjust salt to taste. Strain the broth into another pot or bowl. Discard the whole spices caught in the strainer.
7. While broth is still simmering, immediately pour it over the prepared bowls, ensuring that you submerge the steak so that it cooks through. (Alternatively, you can stir the steak into the simmering broth first.)
8. Garnish with toppings of your choice – Thai basil, cilantro, lime wedges, jalapeno or chili pepper slices, scallions, and/or sriracha.

Did You Like It?

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Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: ~2 cups, or 1/4 entire recipe

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to nail ultra-tender steak, boost your broth’s flavor, and make zoodles that turn out perfect every time.
• Store: Keep the broth in the fridge for 5–7 days, but stash the noodles, beef, and toppings in separate containers so everything stays fresh.
• Meal prep: Since the broth takes the most time, I like to make it ahead and refrigerate it. Spiralize your noodles (don’t cook them yet) and prep the toppings, but wait to chop the fresh herbs until you’re ready to eat.
• Reheat: Warm the broth until it’s just simmering, then assemble your keto Vietnamese pho fresh for the best flavor and texture.
• Freeze: The broth freezes beautifully for 2-3 months. Just skip freezing the fresh veggies, noodles, and herbs.
• Note on nutrition info: The nutrition info doesn’t include the whole spices, since they’re strained out and not eaten.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Keto Pho

More Easy Keto Soup Recipes

If you loved this keto pho, you might want to add these other easy keto soup recipes to your list for cozy, flavorful meals all year long:

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)

The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Vietnamese Pho (Keto-Friendly & Healthy)

Keto pho meets healthy Vietnamese pho in this rich, aromatic broth with tender beef and zucchini noodles—low carb comfort in 30 minutes.

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/low-carb-keto-pho-recipe/

Ingredients

Pho broth:

• 4 whole Star anise
• 2 whole Cardamom pods
• 2 whole Cinnamon sticks
• 2 whole Cloves
• 1 tbsp Coriander seeds
• 1 tsp Ground ginger
• 8 cups Beef bone broth
• 1 tbsp Fish sauce
• 1 tbsp Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Blend (optional, to taste)
• Sea salt (optional, to taste)

Pho soup:

• 12 oz Flank steak (trimmed; or sirloin)
• 2 large Zucchini (spiralized into zoodles)

Optional pho toppings:

• Thai basil
• Cilantro
• Lime Wedges
• Red chili pepper slices (or jalapeno peppers)
• Scallions
• Sriracha

Instructions

1. Place the steak in the freezer for 30 minutes to make it easier to slice thinly.
2. Meanwhile, heat a dutch oven over medium-high heat, WITHOUT oil. Add the star anise, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, cloves, coriander seeds, and ground ginger. Toast for 2-3 minutes , until fragrant.
3. Add the bone broth and fish sauce. Stir together. Bring the pho broth to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes .
4. Meanwhile, use a spiralizer to make zoodles out of the zucchini. Divide the zucchini noodles among 4 bowls.
5. Once the steak in the freezer is firm, take it out and slice very thinly against the grain. Place the steak on top of the zoodles in each bowl.
6. When the broth is done simmering, stir in sweetener to dissolve (if using), and adjust salt to taste. Strain the broth into another pot or bowl. Discard the whole spices caught in the strainer.
7. While broth is still simmering, immediately pour it over the prepared bowls, ensuring that you submerge the steak so that it cooks through. (Alternatively, you can stir the steak into the simmering broth first.)
8. Garnish with toppings of your choice - Thai basil, cilantro, lime wedges, jalapeno or chili pepper slices, scallions, and/or sriracha.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: ~2 cups, or 1/4 entire recipe

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to nail ultra-tender steak, boost your broth’s flavor, and make zoodles that turn out perfect every time.
• Store: Keep the broth in the fridge for 5–7 days, but stash the noodles, beef, and toppings in separate containers so everything stays fresh.
• Meal prep: Since the broth takes the most time, I like to make it ahead and refrigerate it. Spiralize your noodles (don’t cook them yet) and prep the toppings, but wait to chop the fresh herbs until you’re ready to eat.
• Reheat: Warm the broth until it’s just simmering, then assemble your keto Vietnamese pho fresh for the best flavor and texture.
• Freeze: The broth freezes beautifully for 2-3 months. Just skip freezing the fresh veggies, noodles, and herbs.
• Note on nutrition info: The nutrition info doesn’t include the whole spices, since they’re strained out and not eaten.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)