Pho is a well-loved staple of Vietnamese cuisine. It’s becoming increasingly popular in the U.S., where you can find it in Asian restaurants or supermarket shelves. When you sit down with a bowl of pho at your favorite Asian restaurant, you’ll have the choice to garnish it with bean sprouts. While some consider it an unnecessary addition, you shouldn’t discount it right away. Bean sprouts can add quite a bit to your pho, including a welcome helping of nutrition.

Benefits of Adding Bean Sprouts to Pho

They Balance the Dish

Though bean sprouts are not considered a core part of this Vietnamese dish, they are a popular addition. When you order pho at an Asian restaurant and ask for bean sprouts, you’ll typically receive the sprouts on a separate plate. Dropping them into the soup will add a sweet crunch to your dish. Keep in mind that your sprouts will cook as they sit in the hot soup. If you want more of a crunch, sprinkle the sprouts in a little at a time as you eat. If you want them to be a little bit softer and sweeter, then put them all in at once while the broth is still really hot.

They’re Good for You

Bean sprouts are an excellent source of protein, fiber, iron, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin K, and folacin. They are low in calories, cholesterol, sodium, and saturated fat. Since they are filling and nutrient-rich, sprouts can help you lose weight or manage your current weight. They also improve digestion, heart health, liver health, eyesight, and balancing cholesterol levels. Thanks to the folates in the sprouts, they are good for women’s health and recommended for pregnant women to prevent birth defects. While you can enjoy sprouts at your favorite Asian restaurant, they're also available at supermarkets and can be grown at home.

When you’re ready to treat yourself to an excellent pho with bean sprouts, visit Pho’ Vietnam in Anchorage, AK. This Asian restaurant brings the finest Vietnamese cuisine to Alaska with dine-in lunch and dinner and carry-out options. Visit their website to see which one of their four locations is most convenient for you and call (907) 929-9938 to schedule your reservation.