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quick and easy pho recipe
This easy chicken pho recipe is one of the best staple meals you can have in rotation. Not only is it easy, quick, simple and brainless to put together when using pre-made pho broth, but it is one of the most comforting, nourishing and satisfying meals ever to exist(objective truth).
Pho broth is incredible – notes of ginger, star anise, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom makes this a unique, warming and flavorful broth. Finished with a squeeze of lime to add some acidity to balance the broth and crispy fresh toppings such as thinly sliced white onion, fresh herbs and jalapeño, this is just one soup that is a world-leader.
For me – and many others I’m sure – the best part of this soup is the toppings. The combination of basil and mint together is amazing and when you add all the components together – spiced broth, noodles, chicken, fat, acid, spicy heat, fresh toppings and herbs – nothing has been forgotten, pho ga is true perfection.
This recipe is not from scratch authentic pho ga. It is an abbreviated version that is easy and quick to throw together when needing a short cut for a weeknight, after a long day or like me, if you’re like me and camping out in the woods.
This recipe truly never disappoints. Enjoy this easy chicken pho recipe!
Ingredients:
- Pho Broth (Oceans Halo or Acid League Pho Concentrate)
- Chicken thighs
- Noodles (for gf- brown rice pad thai noodles)
- White onion
- Basil
- Mint
- Fresh jalapeño or chili oil
- Lime
Instructions:
Prepare your pho toppings- thinly slice the white onion and jalapeño. Cut the limes into wedges. Wash and dry the fresh herbs.
Cook the chicken thighs in a heavy bottomed pan, such as a cast iron skillet, until crispy, golden brown. Then remove from heat and cut into bite-sized pieces and place aside on a plate.
Pour the pho broth into a pot or the same cast iron pan if it is deep enough. Heat the pho broth. Option to add bouillon or pho concentrate to make it extra deep in flavor. More options to add flavor to enhance the richness of the broth is by adding garlic, ginger or ground Chinese 5 spice. After bringing the broth together and heating it to temperature, add the chicken to it.
Cook your pasta per manufacturers instructions and strain.
Bring together the pho by adding the noodles to your bowl, then ladle the broth and chicken into the bowl. Add the pho toppings: thinly sliced raw white onion, fresh herbs-basil and mint(torn up), jalapeño or chili oil. Generously squeezes of lime over the top.
healthy pho recipe
Notes:
Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences and dietary restrictions. For instance, you can use tofu or shrimp instead of chicken for a different protein option. If you’re vegetarian, use vegetable broth and omit the meat entirely.
Broth Enhancements: To enhance the flavor of the broth, you can add a cinnamon stick, star anise, or cardamom pods while simmering. Just remember to remove them before serving.
Fresh Herbs: Traditional pho is garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro, Thai basil, and lime wedges. These herbs add a burst of freshness to your bowl, so don’t skip them!
Noodle Options: While flat rice noodles are classic for pho, you can experiment with other noodle varieties like vermicelli or even whole-grain options for added nutrition.
Make-Ahead Tips: If you’re short on time during the week, you can prepare make ahead pho by making the broth in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cook the noodles separately and add them to the broth just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy. Pho meal prep: have the toppings and cooked meat in the refrigerator ready to assemble on demand.
Freezing: This chicken pho freezes well, but it’s best to freeze the broth and cooked chicken separately from the noodles and toppings. Thaw and reheat the broth before assembling your pho bowl.
Serving Suggestions: Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Sliced jalapenos, bean sprouts, and hoisin sauce are popular additions that can add more layers of flavor and texture.
Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder or spicier broth, you can adjust the amount of ginger and chili peppers according to your taste.
Broth Straining: Straining the broth is important to achieve a clear and flavorful liquid. If you’re short on time, you can use a fine mesh strainer; for an even clearer result, strain through cheesecloth.
Portioning: This recipe can easily be scaled up or down to accommodate different serving sizes. Just adjust the quantities of ingredients accordingly.
Pho spices:
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the broth’s flavor profile.
- Star Anise: This spice contributes a distinct licorice-like flavor to the broth and is a key component in achieving the authentic taste of pho.
- Cloves: Cloves provide a slightly sweet and aromatic element to the broth.
- Coriander Seeds: These seeds have a citrusy and slightly nutty flavor that complements the other spices.
- Cardamom Pods: Cardamom adds a fragrant and slightly floral note to the broth.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger is often sliced and added to the broth for its zesty and slightly spicy flavor
- Onion: Yellow or white onions are usually charred over an open flame and added to the broth for a rich and sweet undertone.
- Fish Sauce: While not a spice, fish sauce is a key ingredient in the broth that provides umami and depth to the overall flavor.
These spices, along with chicken, are simmered together to create a rich and aromatic broth that is the base of Pho Ga. The exact proportions of these spices can vary based on personal preferences and regional variations, but they all contribute to the distinctive and comforting taste of the dish.
Remember, the beauty of cooking is in making the recipe your own. Don’t hesitate to experiment and find your own perfect version of easy chicken pho!
If you enjoyed this recipe you may enjoy: Birria ramen or caldo de pollo.
