Turkey pho is a vibrant Vietnamese noodle soup featuring a richly flavored turkey broth infused with aromatic spices. Packed with lean protein, fresh herbs, and nutritious ingredients, this lighter pho variation can be made authentically at home with simple techniques like parboiling the turkey and gently simmering the broth.

turkey pho

What is turkey pho?

Turkey pho is a variation of the classic Vietnamese noodle soup that uses a delicately flavored turkey-based broth instead of the usual rich beef broth. The dish features the same banh pho rice noodles but is garnished with shredded or sliced turkey meat instead of beef. It is a great way to repurpose leftover turkey, particularly after Thanksgiving.

Turkey pho

Turkey pho

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Nutritional value of turkey pho

  • Health advantages of turkey over other meats

Turkey is much lower in saturated fat and calories than beef

A good source of lean protein to keep you fuller and longer

Turkey broth itself is lower in sodium than beef broth

You can better control salt levels when making it homemade

Turkey supplies niacin, zinc, vitamin B6

Benefits of turkey over meat

Benefits of turkey over meat

  • The benefits of the spices and herbs commonly used in pho

Spices like star anise, and cinnamon have anti-inflammatory properties

Herbs like cilantro are packed with antioxidants

Ginger and chili add metabolism-boosting benefits

Pho broth contains iron from spices

Fresh herb toppings add vitamins A, C, K

Benefits of turkey pho

Benefits of turkey pho

Essential ingredients for turkey pho

  • Key ingredients

Turkey:

Turkey legs/thighs or a leftover turkey carcass make the best broth

Look for fresh, high-quality turkey without added brines/solutions

Turkey meat

Turkey meat

Aromatics:

Yellow onion, ginger, star anise, cinnamon sticks, cloves

These spices give turkey pho its distinctive aroma and flavor

Herbs/Produce:

Cilantro, green onions, Thai basil, bean sprouts, lime wedges

Fresh herbs and crunchy sprouts are classic pho garnishes

Herbs

Herbs

Noodles:

Dried or fresh banh pho noodles (thin, flat rice noodles)

Pho noodles

Pho noodles

Broth seasonings:

Fish sauce, salt, sugar, black pepper

Balance flavors in the turkey broth

Optional protein:

Sliced turkey breast or shredded leftover turkey meat

  • Tips on selecting the turkey
    • Look for fresh, never frozen
    • Fresh turkeys will have better texture and flavor in the broth
    • Avoid self-basting or pre-brined frozen turkeys
    • Heritage turkeys like Bourbon Red or Standard Bronze have richer, more flavorful meat
    • Older turkeys (6-7 months) will be more flavorful than the younger
    • Turkeys raised organically or free-range tend to have better flavor

Fresh turkey

Fresh turkey

  • Spices and herbs unique to turkey pho

While turkey pho uses many of the same herbs and spices found in traditional beef pho, there are a few ingredients that are more uniquely associated with the turkey version: cinnamon, cloves, star anise, cilantro, Thai basil…

More information: Vietnamese seafood pho recipe

Step-by-step turkey pho recipe

  • Ingredients

3 lbs turkey legs/thighs or carcass

2 onions, halved

4-inch knob ginger, sliced

6 whole cloves

4 whole star anise

2 cinnamon sticks

1 tsp coriander seeds

1 tsp fennel seeds

8 cups of low-sodium chicken/turkey broth

2 tbsp fish sauce

1 tsp sugar

8 oz dried banh pho noodles

Garnishes: bean sprouts, cilantro, basil, lime wedges, chili sauce

  • Instructions

Par-cook turkey by covering it with water in a pot and bringing it to a boil. Drain and rinse.

Toast spices: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the coriander, fennel, star anise and cloves until fragrant, 2-3 minutes.

Toast the spices

Toast the spices

Make the broth: Place par-cooked turkey, toasted spices, ginger, onions and cinnamon in a stockpot. Cover with 8 cups of broth and 8 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and gently simmer for 2-3 hours, skimming fat occasionally.

Pho broth

Pho broth

Strain broth through a mesh sieve, discarding solids. Return broth to pot and keep warm.

Cook noodles according to the package in a separate pot until just al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.

Cook noodles

Cook noodles

Season broth with fish sauce and sugar. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Season the broth

Season the broth

Place a portion of noodles in each bowl, add shredded turkey meat (if using), then pour the hot broth. Garnish with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chili sauce.

Serve the dish

Serve the dish

  • Adjustments for different dietary needs 

Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free fish sauce or tamari instead of regular fish sauce

Opt for gluten-free rice noodles

Double-check spice/broth ingredients for gluten

Vegetarian/Vegan

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken/turkey

Omit fish sauce, add more salt/soy sauce to season

Top with tofu, mushrooms or edamame instead of turkey

Keto/Low-Carb

Use spiralized veggie noodles instead of rice noodles

Omit sugar from broth

Top with extra protein like sliced turkey breast

More information: Special pho revealed: The ultimate bowl to warm your soul

Tips for making the perfect turkey pho

Making the perfect turkey pho

Making the perfect turkey pho

Here are some top tips for making the perfect flavorful turkey pho:

  • Use turkey bones/carcass: Turkey bones like legs/thighs or a leftover Thanksgiving carcass will create the richest, most gelatinous broth.
  • Parboil the turkey first: Parboiling the raw turkey parts removes impurities and extracts more collagen for a richer broth.
  • Simmer low and slow: Gently simmering for 2-3 hours is key to extracting maximum flavor without making the broth cloudy.
  • Skim the surface: Periodically skim off any foam or fat that rises to the surface for a clear, clean broth.
  • Double strain the broth: Strain twice through a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth to remove every last particle.
  • Season thoughtfully: Add fish sauce for its savory umami depth, but don’t oversalt. A touch of sugar balances flavors.

Conclusion

Turkey pho

Turkey pho

Turkey pho is a flavorful, lighter twist on classic Vietnamese pho that allows you to transform leftover turkey into an aromatic, nutrient-packed soup. 

With its richly spiced turkey broth and fresh herb garnishes, this vibrant dish offers a delicious new way to enjoy pho’s beloved flavors at home. 

Easily customizable for different diets, turkey pho makes excellent use of Thanksgiving leftovers or tasty meals any time of year.

For any inquiries, please feel free to reach out to us through the following channels:

Anh Kim Food Production Joint Stock Company (AK FOOD)

Phone number: +84 28 3815 9696

Email: contact@akfood.com.vn

Address: Lot III – 1B, Street 1, Tan Binh Industrial Park, Tan Phu District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

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