What do you think of when you picture the word ‘pho’?
Many people may answer this question by saying they imagine steaming-hot bowls of beef broth laden with rice noodles, vegetables, and fresh herbs.
Despite its popularity in many countries across the globe, Pho is originally a Vietnamese dish that consists of seasoned beef broth served alongside noodles, vegetables, and meat.
However, since making pho at home doesn’t generate enough leftover broth to last more than two meals for one person (unless you have an army at home), most people will have to come up with creative ways to use the rest of their pho broth before it goes bad.
Here are some ideas on what to do with leftover pho broth.
Make pho broth-flavored soups or noodle dishes
When you make a pot of traditional pho, there’s usually leftover broth to use for the next two meals served in your household.
But if you do end up with extra, don’t toss it.
Instead, just heat it up and add whatever vegetables and noodles that you already have on hand to create a new dish.
Add soy sauce and sriracha for more flavor if necessary.
Freeze it until your next craving
While some people may not like the idea of having pho go to waste, there are those who would love to eat it again but can’t because they’re sick of eating the same thing over and over again.
If you fall into this camp, simply store the leftover broth in a freezer bag or container and use it later when you get another craving for pho again.
Use it for cooking
Pho broth is rich in protein and nutrients that can be used to cook just about anything from meatballs to side dishes, depending on what kind of vegetables and spices you add to the pot.
Add salad dressing for a pho-inspired vinaigrette
Since pho broth is already seasoned, why not add some to your homemade vinaigrette?
To do so, mix one tablespoon of soy sauce with two tablespoons of vinegar, two teaspoons of sugar, black pepper, and a few slices of ginger in a saucepan over medium heat.
When the dressing begins to bubble, remove it from the heat and let cool before adding two tablespoons of pho broth to it.
Use in place of chicken or beef stock for other recipes
If you visit any Asian supermarket, you’ll find that many traditional cultures include beef or chicken broth in their dishes.
That’s because they taste great with rice, noodles, proteins like tofu or boneless chicken breast, and vegetables like onions and carrots.
To use up your leftover pho broth in this way, simply add water to dilute it; then take out any meat left in the pot (if applicable) and discard it before cooking your recipe.
Once your dish is finished cooking, season it with salt and pepper if necessary and enjoy the complete flavors of Vietnam in every bite.
How long does pho broth stay good for?
You can store the broth in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for 3 months maximum.
If you store leftover noodles in the broth, they will eventually absorb all of the broth and become gummy. (source)
Are you supposed to drink the broth of pho?
Yes, pho broth is a type of soup that you can drink.
You should be careful because the broth is hot and spicy.
The noodles are in the bowl too, so you need to use chopsticks to grab them and eat them. (source)
Is pho broth unhealthy?
It may have many benefits, but it has a lot of calories and sodium.
It is important to eat less than you would otherwise because of this. (source)
Can you reheat pho broth?
Yes, you can reheat pho broth.
To do this, bring the broth to a boil on the stove or in a microwave.
Put noodles into a bowl and then put any veggies or meat on top of them.
Is it rude to drink pho broth from the bowl?
It is considered rude to drink the last few drops of pho broth from the bowl.
This is because it is seen as a sign of someone who is greedy.
How do you store pho broth overnight?
First, use a sieve to strain the liquid.
Then, discard the bones.
Keep the broth cool and refrigerate it overnight.
How long does pho broth last in the fridge?
Pho broth can last in the fridge for about 5 days.
If you want to store it longer, then you can freeze it.
Leftovers that are left in the broth will get gummy after a while. (source)
Is pho bone broth?
Yes, it is a Vietnamese soup that has bone broth.
It can be served with meat, noodles, and other toppings.
How do you know if pho broth is bad?
If a pot of pho broth is boiled for a long time, it gets cloudy and tastes strange.
Can you leave pho broth out overnight?
Yes, you can leave soup out overnight if you put it in the fridge in the morning.
Soup will be safe to eat if you don’t let it stay out for too long.
How many calories does pho broth have?
About 10 calories. (source)
Can my dog have pho broth?
Yes, your dog can consume pho broth.
The broth is made purely from chicken and all other ingredients used are safe for dogs to eat.
Can you overcook pho broth?
Yes, you can overcook the broth when you make pho.
If you don’t have all the ingredients, that’s ok too.
But your pho will be ruined if you mess up the broth. (source)
How is pho made?
Pho is made by boiling beef or chicken bones with ginger and onion.
The strained broth is then combined with rice noodles and various spices.
The mixture is typically boiled for a few minutes before being served.
Some variations include adding hoisin sauce, soy sauce, chili sauce, or sriracha sauce.
What are the ingredients in pho?
The ingredients in pho can vary, but typically include rice noodles, beef or chicken broth, ginger, onion, and various spices.
Hoisin sauce, soy sauce, chili sauce, and sriracha sauce are often added as well.
What is the difference between beef and chicken pho?
The main difference between beef and chicken pho is the type of broth used.
Beef pho uses beef broth, while chicken pho uses chicken broth.
Some other variations may also exist, such as the addition of different spices.
How long does it take to make pho?
It typically takes a few hours to make pho.
The broth is boiled for a period of time, and then the rice noodles and other ingredients are added.
The mixture is typically boiled again before being served.
Is it true that you can order any type of meat in a bowl of pho?
While it is true that you can order any type of meat in a bowl of pho, some restaurants may have limitations on the types of meat they offer.
Typically, beef, chicken, pork, and shrimp are all common choices.
However, some restaurants may also offer duck or other types of meat.
What are the health benefits of pho?
The health benefits of pho can vary, but it is a relatively healthy dish.
The broth is typically made with beef or chicken bones, which are high in protein and minerals.
Additionally, rice noodles are a good source of carbohydrates and fiber.
Pho also typically contains various herbs and spices, which can provide additional health benefits.
Conclusion
There are many ways to utilize leftover pho broth and I’ve shared just a few of my favorites.
I hope you will experiment with the recipes and flavor combinations I’ve suggested, as well as create your own.
With a little creativity, there are endless possibilities for delicious dishes that can be made with this flavorful and nutritious broth.
How will you use up your leftovers?