Often regarded as a more convenient variation of the classic phở, this traditional Vietnamese dish employs similar ingredients, but they are stir-fried rather than cooked, and the dish does not contain the broth. Phở xào is typically made with beef (or optionally chicken), flat rice noodles (phở), and various sliced vegetables.

All the ingredients are stir-fried, and the dish is usually seasoned with condiments such as oyster sauce, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Phở xào is traditionally accompanied by a plate of fresh herbs or sliced raw vegetables.