Save those turkey bones after Thanksgiving. You're 30 minutes away from a steaming bowl of Instant Pot turkey pho that'll warm you straight through. This Vietnamese pho recipe turns leftover turkey into something way better than another sandwich. Though if you're craving bread, our best leftover Thanksgiving turkey sandwich hits differently.
I crave pho noodles year-round, but especially when the temperature drops. On long trips, by day three I'm hunting down the closest five-star Vietnamese restaurant. Feeling under the weather? A hot bowl of turkey pho noodle soup fixes everything.
In This Post: Everything You Need to Make The Best Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Pho
I'm always in the mood for a hot bowl of noodle soup, especially in the fall and winter seasons. Of course! Delicious pho noodles seem to be one of the most satisfying! If I am away on a long trip, by the third day, my pho craving strikes! I am Google Mapping, where the closest 5-star Vietnamese restaurants are. Or if I am feeling under the weather, a hot bowl of beef pho always does the trick!
Jump to:
- In This Post: Everything You Need to Make The Best Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Pho
- What Makes This Turkey Pho Special
- Ingredients and Substitutes
- Garnishes To Enjoy Your Pho Noodles With
- Which Cut Of Turkey To Use
- Instructions - How To Make Instant Pot Turkey Pho
- Assemble Your Turkey Pho
- What Makes This Vietnamese Turkey Soup Recipe Work
- Other Ways To Use Leftover Turkey
- Perfect Pairings
- Why This Recipe Works For Thanksgiving Leftovers
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Other Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes
- What To Serve With Instant Pot Turkey Pho
- Instant Pot Turkey Pho Recipe
Check out this quick story summary of our recipe!
What Makes This Turkey Pho Special
Leftover turkey makes incredible pho broth. You get all that roasted flavour without starting from scratch. The Instant Pot pressure-cooks the bones and aromatics in 30 minutes instead of the traditional hours-long simmer. You still get that deep, aromatic broth that makes authentic pho so addictive.
Ingredients and Substitutes
Turkey legs or thighs work best, about 3 to 4 pounds. Keep the skin on. Fat adds complexity and that silky mouthfeel you want in homemade pho broth. Toss in any leftover Thanksgiving turkey bones you've saved.
The aromatics make this recipe sing. These spices give turkey pho its signature warmth.
For The Turkey Pho Broth
- Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Carcass or Turkey Legs or Turkey Thighs
- Chicken or Poultry stock
- Yellow Onion or White Onion
- Star Anise
- Cinnamon sticks
- Whole Cloves
- Coriander Seeds
- Fennel seeds
- Chole Cardamom
- Fresh Ginger
- Rock sugar or Brown Sugar
- Fish sauce
- Pho Noodles
Most dry goods ingredients, tools, and supplies can be purchased at local Asian markets, Chinese grocery stores, or Amazon Online. Amazon Prime members receive free shipping and faster delivery times.
Garnishes To Enjoy Your Pho Noodles With
Fresh Garnishes For Serving
Set out a platter of fresh toppings. White onion, thinly sliced. Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped. Sliced jalapeño for heat. Thinly sliced green onions and Thai basil. Fresh lime wedges are essential.
Add small bowls of hoisin sauce and sriracha. Fresh mint leaves and bean sprouts round it out. Let everyone build their own bowl.
- White Onions
- Fresh Cilantro
- Jalapeno
- Thinly Sliced Green Onions
- Thai Basil
- Fresh Lime Wedges
- Hoisin sauce
- Sriracha sauce
- Fresh Mint Leaves
- Bean sprouts, cooked or raw as desired
Which Cut Of Turkey To Use
Turkey legs and thighs win here. You need that poultry fat for flavour and body. Leave the skin on with your bone-in thighs. Any roasted turkey bones from your Thanksgiving feast improve the flavour even more.
Your local grocery store stocks turkey year-round if you're not working with leftovers.
Those same thighs work beautifully in Vietnamese spicy caramel turkey wings if you want something with more heat.
Instructions - How To Make Instant Pot Turkey Pho
This instant pot turkey pho recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in 30 minutes. Learning how to make turkey pho is easier than you think. The pressure cooker turkey pho noodles method cuts hours off traditional simmering time.
Easy turkey pho 30 minutes from start to finish? Absolutely. The key is toasting your aromatics first and using that leftover Thanksgiving turkey you saved. Let's break it down.
Toast The Aromatics
Toast your spices first. This step matters. Heat your Instant Pot on sauté mode or use a dry fry pan over medium heat. Add the star anise, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, fennel, and cardamom. Toast for 1 to 2 minutes without oil.
Add the ginger, green onions, and white onions. Stir for 30 seconds and let them char slightly. You'll smell the aromatics wake up.
Pro tip: Put the toasted spices in nut milk bags. You can pull them out easily when the broth's done. Pre-measure your aromatics and keep some in ziplock bags in your spice cabinet for next time.
Parboil The Turkey
Blanch your turkey thighs and legs in boiling water first. This removes impurities and blood that would cloud your broth. It's an extra step that makes a clearer, cleaner turkey pho broth.
Pressure Cook The Broth
Load everything into your Instant Pot. Add the toasted aromatics, turkey legs and thighs, any turkey bones, the chicken broth, and 2 quarts of water. Set to high pressure for 15 minutes.
Quick-release the pressure. Use tongs to pull out the turkey carefully. It'll be hot. Roughly shred the meat off the bones. Leave some meat stuck on there. It adds more flavor as the bones cook longer.
Toss the bones back in the pot. Add a pinch of salt. Set to high pressure again for another 15 minutes. Let it naturally release this time.
Prepare The Pho Noodles
While the pressure releases naturally, cook your pho rice noodles. Soak them in hot water until they turn opaque. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
Strain the finished broth through a fine-mesh strainer into a large pot. Want crystal-clear broth? Line your strainer with muslin. Toss the solids.
Assemble Your Turkey Pho
Reheat the broth if it cooled. Thirty to sixty seconds on high heat does it. Season with fish sauce to taste. Some folks add a splash of soy sauce too.
Divide the pho noodles among bowls. Arrange the shredded turkey meat on top. Ladle the hot broth over everything. The heat will warm the noodles and turkey through.
Garnish with chopped green scallions, fresh cilantro, Thai basil, and a squeeze of lime juice. Pass the platter of fresh herbs and let everyone customize their bowl.
What Makes This Vietnamese Turkey Soup Recipe Work
This Instant Pot turkey pho recipe captures authentic flavours in a fraction of the time. The pressure cooker extracts every bit of flavour from those bones. The aromatics, toasted first, infuse the broth with layers of warmth and spice.
Leftover turkey brings a slightly sweeter, milder flavour than the traditional beef. It's lighter but just as satisfying. The fresh herbs and lime brighten everything up.
Other Ways To Use Leftover Turkey
Got more turkey to use up? Try our crispy turkey katsu sando for lunch or sesame hand shredded turkey for a quick weeknight meal.
Perfect Pairings
Serve this turkey pho noodle soup with Vietnamese nước chấm dipping sauce. Vietnamese shaking beef from the air fryer makes a great side. Bánh xèo crispy Vietnamese pancakes round out a feast
Why This Recipe Works For Thanksgiving Leftovers
Instant Pot turkey noodle soup shows up on our table the day after Thanksgiving every year. It's healthy, protein-rich, and uses up that leftover turkey in the best way. The meat tastes just as good, maybe better, the next day. Store it in an airtight container and it keeps beautifully.
Haven't tried cooking with turkey before? Don't have leftovers? Swap in chicken thighs and make Instant Pot chicken pho instead. The method stays the same.
If you love this turkey pho, try our Chinese sticky rice made in the Instant Pot or explore other TCM medicinal soups for seasonal wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Common Questions About Pressure Cooker Turkey Pho Noodles
Got questions about how to make turkey pho in your Instant Pot? You're not alone. These are the most common questions readers ask about this pressure cooker turkey pho noodles recipe.
Whether you're troubleshooting cloudy broth or wondering about substitutions, we've got answers. Let's clear up everything you need to know about making the perfect instant pot turkey pho recipe.
Yes. Use a large stockpot and simmer the broth for 2 to 3 hours instead of pressure cooking. The aromatics and method stay the same, you just need more time on the stovetop.
Store the broth and turkey separately from the noodles. The broth keeps for 4 to 5 days in an airtight container. Cook fresh noodles each time you serve it for the best texture.
Absolutely. Freeze the strained broth in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop. Don't freeze the cooked noodles or fresh garnishes.
Star anise gives pho its signature flavour, but you can use an extra cinnamon stick and a pinch of fennel seeds if you're stuck. The broth won't taste quite as authentic but it'll still be delicious.
Yes. Swap turkey for bone-in chicken thighs or a whole chicken carcass. The cooking time stays the same. You'll get a similar aromatic pho broth.
Skipping the parboil step causes cloudiness. Blanching the turkey first removes impurities. Also strain through muslin or cheesecloth for crystal-clear broth.
Look for dried flat rice noodles labeled "bánh phở" at Asian grocery stores. The medium-width ones (about ¼ inch) work best. Fresh pho noodles are great too if you can find them.
Yes. Make the turkey pho broth up to 2 days ahead. Store it in the fridge and reheat when you're ready to serve. Cook the noodles fresh and prep the garnishes right before eating.
Add more sliced jalapeños to your bowl. Mix extra sriracha into the broth. Some people add Thai bird's eye chilies to the garnish platter for serious heat.
Fish sauce adds essential umami depth to pho. For a vegetarian version, use soy sauce or tamari instead, but the flavour won't be quite the same. You could also try vegan fish sauce.
This recipe serves 2 to 4 people depending on bowl size and appetite. Double the recipe for a crowd or if you want extra broth to freeze for later.
Traditional pho keeps vegetables minimal, but you can add bok choy, mushrooms, or snap peas to your bowl. Blanch them separately and add them when serving so they don't overcook.
Other Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes
- Best Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sandwich
- Vietnamese Spicy Caramel Turkey Wings
- Turkey Katsu Sando
- Easy Turkey Congee
- Turkey Fried Rice
What To Serve With Instant Pot Turkey Pho
- Vietnamese Nước Chấm
- Vietnamese Shaking Beef (Air Fryer)
- Bánh Xèo Recipe - Egg-Free Crispy Vietnamese Pancake Crepe
Instant Pot Turkey Noodle Soup can be found on our dinner table after feasting over Thanksgiving. It is an excellent healthy, protein-rich recipe to use up Thanksgiving leftovers. The turkey meat still has great flavor and tastes just as yummy the next day stored in an airtight container!
Have you tried cooking with turkey before? Don't have turkey? How about adapting this recipe for Instant Pot Chicken Pho instead?
I'd love to see how you went with my recipes! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @INSTANOMSS #INSTANOMSS.
PrintInstant Pot Turkey Pho Recipe
Save those turkey bones after Thanksgiving. You're 30 minutes away from a steaming bowl of Instant Pot turkey pho that'll warm you straight through. This Vietnamese pho recipe turns leftover turkey into something way better than another sandwich. I crave pho noodles year-round, but especially when the temperature drops. On long trips, by day three I'm hunting down the closest five-star Vietnamese restaurant. Feeling under the weather? A hot bowl of turkey pho noodle soup fixes everything.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 persons 1x
- Category: main dish
- Method: Instant Pot, Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients
Turkey Broth
- 2 turkey legs or thighs (approximately 3 to 4 lbs)
- 2 L chicken stock or poultry stock
- 1 large white onion, peeled and quartered
- 3 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick (approximately 3g)
- ½ teaspoon whole cloves
- ¼ teaspoon coriander seeds
- ¼ teaspoon fennel seeds
- 2 whole cardamom
- 1 large thumb of ginger approx. 2 inches, unpeeled and sliced
- 15g rock sugar
- 2 tablespoon fish sauce
- 160g pho noodles
- 2 quarts of water
Garnishes and Pho Herbs Platter on the side
- ½ White Onion, thinly sliced
- ½ bunch Fresh Cilantro, rough chop
- 1 Jalapeno, sliced
- Green onions, thinly sliced
- 250g Thai Basil
- 1 lime, wedged
- 2 tbsp Hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce
- Fresh Mint Leaves
- 100g bean sprouts, cooked or raw as desired
Instructions
- Toast your aromatics in your Instant Pot (sauté mode) or fry pan without oil over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Add ginger, green onions, and white onions and stir for 30 seconds. Let char slightly. You will be able to smell the aroma released from the spices.
- Once toasted, place the spices into nut milk bags so you can just pull them out once the turkey stock is done!
- Place all your ingredients in the Instant Pot: toasted aromatics, turkey legs and thighs, turkey bones, store-bought chicken broth and two quarts of water. Set to high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Quick-release the pressure and carefully pull the turkey out with a pair of tongs. Roughly remove the meat from the bones. If there's some stuck to the bones, that is ok. In fact, you would want some meat left on the bones for additional flavour to the turkey broth.
- Put the bones back into the Instant Pot. Add a pinch of salt to taste.
- Set the pressure to high again for another 15 minutes, and let it naturally release.
- While the pressure is naturally releasing, you can cook your pho noodles.
- Soak the rice noodles in hot water until opaque. Drain, rinse and set aside.
- Strain the broth when it is done through a fine-mesh strainer or sieve over a large pot. If you want a super clear broth, line the strainer with muslin. Discard the solids.
- If you find your broth cooled, reheat the broth on your stovetop on high heat for 30-60 seconds.
- Season with fish sauce. A lot of people also like to add a bit of soy sauce. Serve and assemble your bowl of turkey pho noodle soup.
- Arrange the turkey meat on top of the rice noodles.
- Garnish with finely chopped green scallions, fresh cilantro, basil, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to taste.
- Enjoy with more fresh herbs as desired!
Notes
- Parboil and blanch your turkey thighs and legs in a boiling pot of water to remove the impurities and blood.
- Carefully measure your aromatics. You can prepackage your spices in resealable zippy bags for convenience too! Make a few and keep them in your spice cabinet!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 bowls
- Calories: 222
- Sugar: 4.3 g
- Sodium: 920.1 mg
- Fat: 5.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 26.8 g
- Protein: 14.7 g
- Cholesterol: 40.9 mg
Pin the above image to your Turkey Recipe Board to bookmark this page. We are so excited to share our recipes with you!
More Turkey Recipes:
Sesame Hand Shredded Turkey 芝麻手撕火雞
Turkey Katsu Sando: Crispy Japanese Turkey Sandwich カツサンド
Vietnamese Spicy Caramel Turkey Wings
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Stacey says
Pho is my favorite! This recipe is perfect for using up leftover turkey or chicken. I always like to make pho when I feel like my immune system is a bit low or I'm about to get a cold. It seems to give me a boost.
Nancy says
I agree with you Stacey! I just love Pho whenever the mercury drops!
Chloe says
Oooh I love pho but I've never thought to make it with turkey - this is super smart, I can't wait to try it!
Nancy says
Thanks Chloe! We enjoyed the lean meat and useful way to finish leftover turkey!
ChihYu says
So delicious! I love how tender the turkey is and the depth of the flavours in the soup! Perfect comfort food!
Nancy says
It's the perfect soup for colder autumn days!
Donny says
Thanks so much for the IP version. This is like pure comfort food to me and your version made it so much faster.
Nancy says
Thanks Donny! IP method is so quick and easy! It cooks itself!
Nes says
I found this recipe just in time for Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend. I’m almost more excited to make this with the leftovers than I am for the turkey dinner!
Nancy says
I can't agree with your more! I'm almost more excited about the leftover turkey then the feast itself!
Shelby says
This is totally comfort food! I love the star anise added in!
Nancy says
Enjoy the bowl of noods!
Kate - Gluten Free Alchemist says
Sounds delicious. Although we don't have thanksgiving here, it will perfect for the post-Christmas leftovers xx
Nancy says
That sounds lovely!
Janessa says
This sounds delicious! I'll definitely be saving my turkey bones to make this after thanksgiving!
Nancy says
Turkey bones are such a great way to make stock!
Dana says
Perfect way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers!
Nancy says
I love thanksgiving leftovers!
Aimee Mars says
This turkey pho recipe is delicious. Would recommend!
Nancy says
Thanks Aimee! You will love cozy soups!
veenaazmanov says
A Dinner option that my family will definitely relish. Thanks for the recipe.
Nancy says
Enjoy a big pot of this delicious noodles!
Jovita says
This turkey pho noodle soup is both cozy and vibrant. So delicious ! Thanks for the recipe.
Nancy says
Thanks Jovita! It is super cozy
Tara says
This instant pot pho was phenomenal! Especially loved adding cilantro and jalapeno to give it an extra boost of flavor. Yum!
Nancy says
Enjoy this soupy noodle recipe!
MacKenzie says
Looks amazing. Great way to use up those Turkey left overs.
Nancy says
I use it as an excuse to buy a big turkey!
Jen says
oh yum! Saving this because the flavors look incredible!
Nancy says
You will have to try making it!
Mirlene says
What a wonderful idea to use left over turkey from the holidays! It would be perfect to make this delicious soup since it's the cold season.
Nancy says
It's packed with nutrients and lean protein!
Debra says
Perfect timing....will definitely make this for the weekend after THanksgiving.
Nancy says
Hope you have a wonderful time!
Jamie says
Perfect for the cold weather!
Nancy says
Perfect for any day if you ask us!
Linda says
What a great idea to enjoy turkey in a soup!
Nancy says
It's a great leaner meat option! 🙂
Lilly says
This pho is so delish! Thanks for the recipe!
Nancy says
Team noodle!!
Jessica says
So happy I can now make pho in my Instant Pot! So good!
Nancy says
great with leftover holiday turkey or fresh turkeys too!
Amy says
OMG what a great idea! I always have so much turkey left after the holidays.
Nancy says
totally! another great way to use up turkey leftovers!
Swathi says
Instant pot turkey pho looks delicious perfect treat.
Nancy says
it's lovely for rainy days and another easy way to use up leftover thanksgiving turkey!
Angela says
Tasty recipe, perfect for leftover turkey.
Nancy says
Yes!!! anything for leftovers thanksgiving turkey!
Katherine | Love In My Oven says
Pho is one of my go-to recipes for when I'm feeling under the weather. Why not make my own!? This looks so nourishing and hearty.
Nancy says
I'm so happy to hear that you love this!!
Colleen says
Great recipe, and great tips for prepping ahead of time. We love pho and can't wait to make this.
Nancy says
Even home meals are the best!
Ayngelina Brogan says
I've been eating soup practically every day the past month, adding this one to my to-make list!
Nancy says
I can have soup anytime of day too!! even in the summer 🙂