Linda CainWhen it comes to a cozy bowl of soup, nothing beats a steaming hot chicken pho. Picture this: a rainy Sunday afternoon spent with friends or family, sipping on rich, flavorful broth, and enjoying the comforting taste of spices.
I can’t think of a better side than a simple plate of fresh spring rolls or crispy vegetable egg rolls to accompany this dish, adding a delightful crunch and texture to your meal experience. Let’s dive into how to make this absolute gem of a recipe!
Chicken pho, or “pho ga” as it’s known in Vietnam, is a traditional noodle soup that boasts a warm, inviting broth, tender chicken, and a plethora of toppings that take it to a whole new level. It’s comforting and satisfying, often enjoyed as a quick lunch or a show-stopping dinner.
Whether you’re crammed for time, feeding a crowd, or just craving something delectable, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious.
In this post, I’ll share my tried-and-true method for crafting an impressive bowl of chicken pho that captures the authentic flavors and warmth of Vietnamese cuisine.
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What is Authentic Pho Recipe Chicken?
Authentic chicken pho is a soul-soothing dish made with bone-in chicken thighs simmered alongside a blend of spices and aromatic ingredients. The clear broth is the star of the show, enriched with flavors from ginger, onion, and a mix of spices, including star anise and cinnamon. This dish is usually served over rice noodles and garnished with fresh herbs and other toppings, making each bowl a delightful adventure of flavor and texture.
What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
The flavor profile of chicken pho is a balanced mix of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy elements. The broth, infused with star anise and cinnamon, provides a unique warmth that wraps around the palate, while the ginger and onion add depth and zing. Finished with a squeeze of lime and adorned with fresh herbs, each spoonful becomes an explosion of freshness. Plus, toppings like bean sprouts or sliced chili give a satisfying crunch and kick to elevate every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Dish?
First, the simplicity! With just a handful of ingredients and some time, you can create restaurant-quality pho right in your kitchen. This is the type of dish that brings people together. It’s deeply comforting and perfect for sharing, making it a great choice for gatherings. Plus, it’s a customizable delight; you can add your favorite toppings or make it vegetarian by swapping in tofu without sacrificing flavor.
The Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your authentic chicken pho:
– Charred Aromatics:
– 1 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 halved onions (skin still on)
– 2-inch piece of ginger, sliced thick (unpeeled)
– Pho Soup Broth:
– 2 liters water
– 1.5 kg chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
– 1 small bunch fresh cilantro
– 5 star anise pods
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 4 cloves
– 2 tsp fennel seeds
– 2 tsp coriander seeds
– 8 tsp fish sauce
– 6 tsp white sugar
– 3/4 tsp cooking salt
– Noodle Bowls:
– 360g dried flat rice noodles (or 600g fresh)
– 2 green onion stems, finely sliced
– Toppings: (help yourself)
– 3 cups bean sprouts
– 1 small bunch of Thai basil
– 1 small bunch of cilantro
– 2 limes, cut into wedges
– Hoisin sauce
– Sriracha
– 2 sliced red chilies (optional)
– Optional: 1 small chili pepper, whole for added spice (optional)
Ingredients From : recipetineats.com
How to Make Authentic Pho Recipe Chicken?
Let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking! This process may take a bit of time, but I assure you it’s worth every minute. Follow me through these simple steps, where we’ll create a fragrant broth that sets the foundation for the perfect chicken pho.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Char the Aromatics
Start by heating the oil in a large pot over high heat. Once hot, place the halved onions and ginger, face down, and let them sit undisturbed. You want them to develop a nice char. After about 2 minutes, flip them over and let them blacken for another 2 minutes. This step builds a smoky, rich flavor that enhances the broth beautifully.
Step 2: Add Water and Broth Ingredients
Once your aromatics are charred, add the water and all the broth ingredients—except for the salt—to the pot. These spices will infuse the water as it simmers, creating the fragrant base of your pho. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat so it simmers slowly, covering with a lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape, for about 1.5 hours.
Step 3: Remove the Scum
As the broth simmers, you may notice some scum that rises to the surface. It’s important to skim this off occasionally with a ladle to ensure your broth stays clear and clean-tasting.
Step 4: Strain and Measure the Broth
After simmering, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the pot. Strain the broth into a clean pot to filter out the spices and pieces of charred aromatics. You should have about 1.5 liters of broth. If it’s too much, simmer to reduce; if it’s less, add a bit of water.
Step 5: Season the Broth
Return the strained broth to medium heat and add the salt. Give it a taste; it should be slightly on the salty side since the noodles will dilute the flavor. Let it gently simmer and stay warm until you’re ready to serve.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
While the broth is simmering, shred the cooked chicken meat, removing bones and skin. This will be the tender base for your noodle bowls.
Step 7: Assemble Your Bowls
When you’re ready to serve, lay out your toppings nicely. You can briefly reheat the chicken by dunking it back into the broth. Prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions, but make sure to drain them well to avoid diluting your broth.
In serving bowls, place a generous portion of noodles, topped with shredded chicken. Ladle approximately 375ml of broth over each bowl and garnish with sliced green onions. Now, it’s time for your guests or family to customize their bowls with as many toppings as they like. Don’t forget the squeeze of fresh lime!
Tips
– Quality Ingredients Matter: Opt for fresh chicken and spices for the best flavor.
– Prepping Ahead: You can make the broth a day in advance. Just refrigerate it and reheat when you are ready to serve.
– Customize Your Toppings: Everyone has different tastes. Set up a toppings bar with herbs, sauces, and extra veggies.
– Garnish Generously: Fresh herbs enhance the flavors tremendously; don’t skimp on them!
– Taste as You Go: Always adjust seasoning to your preference, especially with salt and fish sauce.
How Can You Store This Authentic Pho Recipe Chicken?
Once your pho is made, store leftovers in air-tight containers. The broth should be stored separately from the noodles and any fresh toppings. The broth can be kept in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. When reheating, you can add fresh noodles and toppings to recreate that just-made experience.
If Some of the Ingredients Are Not Available in Your Pantry, What Are Some Alternative Choices You Can Consider?
– Bone-in Chicken Thighs:*Substitute boneless chicken thighs* if you prefer less prep time and want to skip shredding.
– Fish Sauce:*Soy sauce or tamari* can work in a pinch if you seek a vegetarian option.
– Thai Basil:*Regular sweet basil or even mint* can act as a substitute in a pinch, but they each have their own unique taste.
– Star Anise:*Use a cinnamon stick* paired with a dash of fennel seeds for a similar flavor vibe.
– Rice Noodles:*Any flat noodle* can work, like udon or even egg noodles, if you’re not adhering strictly to the traditional recipe!
Serving Suggestions
– Serve with Spring Rolls:Crispy, fresh spring rolls are a perfect dip into the broth, adding a texture that complements pho wonderfully.
– Add a Fried Egg:A soft-boiled or fried egg on top gives extra richness to each bowl.
– Pair with a Salad:A light, fresh cucumber salad can cut through the rich flavors, offering a refreshing contrast.
– Offer a Variety of Sauces:Hoisin and Sriracha offer delightful creaminess and spice—let your guests take their pick!
– Include Extra Veggies:Sliced radishes or shredded carrots add an extra crunch and freshness to each bowl.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Authentic Pho Recipe Chicken?
– Chicken Thighs:*Chicken breasts* can be a leaner alternative, though they might result in a less rich flavor.
– Cilantro:*Parsley* can work as a milder alternative, offering a similar herbal note.
– Fennel Seeds:*Anise seeds* can provide a similar flavor if you’re in a bind.
– Rice Noodles:*Zucchini noodles* can be a great low-carb option for a lighter take on this dish.
– Hoisin Sauce:*Plum sauce or teriyaki sauce* could also work if you’re looking for something sweeter.
Authentic Pho Recipe Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by heating the oil in a large pot over high heat. Once hot, place the halved onions and ginger, face down, and let them sit undisturbed. You want them to develop a nice char. After about 2 minutes, flip them over and let them blacken for another 2 minutes. This step builds a smoky, rich flavor that enhances the broth beautifully.
- Once your aromatics are charred, add the water and all the broth ingredients—except for the salt—to the pot. These spices will infuse the water as it simmers, creating the fragrant base of your pho. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat so it simmers slowly, covering with a lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape, for about 1.5 hours.
- As the broth simmers, you may notice some scum that rises to the surface. It’s important to skim this off occasionally with a ladle to ensure your broth stays clear and clean-tasting.
- After simmering, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the pot. Strain the broth into a clean pot to filter out the spices and pieces of charred aromatics. You should have about 1.5 liters of broth. If it’s too much, simmer to reduce; if it’s less, add a bit of water.
- Return the strained broth to medium heat and add the salt. Give it a taste; it should be slightly on the salty side since the noodles will dilute the flavor. Let it gently simmer and stay warm until you’re ready to serve.
- While the broth is simmering, shred the cooked chicken meat, removing bones and skin. This will be the tender base for your noodle bowls.
- When you’re ready to serve, lay out your toppings nicely. You can briefly reheat the chicken by dunking it back into the broth. Prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions, but make sure to drain them well to avoid diluting your broth.
- In serving bowls, place a generous portion of noodles, topped with shredded chicken. Ladle approximately 375ml of broth over each bowl and garnish with sliced green onions. Now, it’s time for your guests or family to customize their bowls with as many toppings as they like. Don’t forget the squeeze of fresh lime!
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!FAQs
1. Can I Make this Pho Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken for firm tofu and use vegetable broth and soy sauce instead of fish sauce to maintain flavor integrity.
2. How Do I Know When the Broth Is Ready?
The broth should taste rich and flavorful after about 1.5 hours of simmering. Skimming off the scum as needed helps keep the broth clear and clean-tasting.
3. Can I Use Instant Noodles?
While not traditional, you can use instant noodles for convenience. Just be mindful of timing, as they cook much faster than rice noodles.
4. Is Pho Gluten-Free?
With proper ingredients, yes! Use gluten-free rice noodles and check that your fish sauce is gluten-free, and you’re all set.
5. What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftovers?
Reheat the broth on the stove until hot and add fresh noodles just before serving to keep that satisfying texture.
Conclusion
Creating an authentic bowl of chicken pho doesn’t have to be a complicated affair; it’s all about taking your time to build those flavors. With fresh ingredients and simple steps, you can fill your kitchen with the inviting scent of homemade broth that warms the heart. Share it with loved ones, let everyone customize their bowl with delightful toppings, and enjoy the experience together.
So grab your pot and let’s get cooking—the world of homemade pho awaits!
