Delicious Chicken and Shrimp Pho Recipe
My dear readers, I urge you to abandon all prior peccadillos when indulging in my latest recipe for Chicken and Shrimp Pho. This Vietnamese delicacy is not just any soup, it is a sensation of flavor that will awaken even the most dulled of palates. Steaming noodles and savory broth with a medley of fresh herbs and spices await your eager taste buds.
The secrets of this recipe are in the ingredients and the method. Each culinary component works in tandem to create a mesmerizing masterpiece. The fragrant aroma of nam pla, star anise, fresh ginger, garlic cloves, and onion will transport you to a land of enchantment beyond your kitchen. You’ll revel in the heavenly scents permeating through your home as spices are brought to a boil with seafood, chicken, and vegetable broth.
Preparing this masterpiece is simple, the only caveat being an assembly of each ingredient with precision. Do not fret if you cannot source all the Vietnamese ingredients – I have included substitutions for some parts of the recipe that are easily attainable. You need but give a mere hour of crafting to set forth on this unforgettable journey – one which will dazzle your guests or satiate your own personal hankering.
So do indulge me my dear readers, let us venture into my kitchen so that I may share with you this recipe for Chicken and Shrimp Pho.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, dear reader! Let me tell you why you will fall in love with this chicken and shrimp pho recipe! Imagine a bowl of hot, flavorful broth simmering with whole cloves, star anise, fresh ginger and garlic cloves, combined with the savory taste of boneless chicken breast and juicy shrimp. It is simply divine!
But that is not all. This recipe includes bean thread noodles, fresh bean sprouts, green onions, and cellophane noodles all cooked together to create the perfect texture. And let’s not forget the secret ingredient- nam pla – which only adds the most delicious depth to the broth.
Fresh mint leaves and cilantro leaf are added just before serving along with a lime wedge for that extra burst of flavor. Don’t be surprised if your taste buds are dancing in delight!
This pho noodle soup can serve as a light lunch or dinner entrée which will leave you feeling satisfied but not weighed down. And the best part? You can customize it to your liking by substituting seafood or beef instead of chicken or shrimp. Trust me, this Vietnamese noodle is an explosion of authentic flavors that will make your palate sing! Give it a try and see for yourself!
Ingredient List
Before we dive in, let’s take a moment to look at the ingredients you’ll need to create this scrumptious Chicken and Shrimp Pho. This dish will require a mix of fresh and pantry staples that can be found at your nearest Asian supermarket or online. Do not worry if some of these ingredients are new to you, I have put together a comprehensive list below for you:
- 1 pound of boneless chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
- ½ lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 quarts of chicken stock/broth or vegetable broth (use seafood stock if making a seafood pho)
- 2-inch thick slices of ginger
- 1 onion, halved and charred on high heat
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick (or a pinch of cinnamon powder)
- 1 Tbsp Nam Pla (fish sauce)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free option)
- Rice noodles or cellophane noodles/bean thread noodles
- Fresh bean sprouts for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves and/or cilantro leaf for garnish
- Lime wedges for garnish
- Hoisin sauce, sriracha or chili garlic sauce for serving
Note: For an even more flavorful broth, brown the onions and char the ginger to add more depth to the recipe.
Don’t forget to gather all your ingredients before starting to cook to avoid last-minute scrambling around your kitchen.
The Recipe How-To
Now it’s time to get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful Chicken and Shrimp Pho at home:
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
Place a large pot over high heat and add the chicken broth, star anise, whole cloves, onion, ginger, and nam pla. Bring everything to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
Step 2: Add the Meat
Add your boneless chicken breast pieces to the pot with the simmering broth. After around 10 minutes, use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the pot and transfer them to a cutting board. Allow them to cool before shredding into bite-sized pieces.
Next, add in your shrimp to the pot with the broth. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and slightly opaque. Remove from heat so they don’t overcook.
Step 3: Add Flavors
Return the shredded chicken into the pot with the broth along with any juices that have collected on the cutting board. Then add fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, white pepper.
Step 4: Cook Noodles
Place another pot of water over high heat to cook your noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold running water.
Step 5: Serving Up
To serve, divide your cooked noodles between four serving bowls. Then ladle your hot broth over each bowl. Top with shredded chicken, shrimp, cellophane noodles, fresh bean sprouts, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro leaves, and fresh mint leaves.
Garnish each bowl with a wedge of lime on top ready for squeezing before consumption. For added flavor,lime juice-sauce fish sauce mix can be added along with hoisin sauce. It is optional to add these sauces as they are not crucial ingredients of the recipe.
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken and Shrimp Pho!
Substitutions and Variations
Do not be dismayed if you are missing a particular ingredient for this recipe! There are plenty of substitutions and variations that can still allow you to create a delicious and satisfying chicken and shrimp pho dish.
For example, if you do not have fresh bean sprouts, you can substitute with canned bean sprouts or sliced cucumber. You can also switch out the cellophane noodles with rice noodles or even spaghetti noodles.
If you are not a fan of seafood, feel free to omit the shrimp and use thinly sliced beef instead. To make it entirely vegetarian-friendly, you can swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and add tofu or more vegetables like mushrooms.
For those who prefer spice, add some chili paste or Sriracha sauce to give it an extra kick. You can also experiment with different herbs such as basil or lemongrass for unique flavor combinations.
Lastly, do not be afraid to make this recipe your own. Use ingredients that you personally love and switch things up based on what is available in your pantry or what is in season. Here’s to creating your own delicious versions of the famous Vietnamese noodle soup!
Serving and Pairing
As a chef specialized in Vietnamese and Asian cuisine, I can tell you that chicken and shrimp pho is an ideal dish for any time of day. This dish is not just delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch or as a hearty dinner, you’ll find it’s perfect for any occasion.
When serving the soup, I recommend garnishing it with fresh mint leaves, cilantro leaf, and lime wedges. These ingredients add a refreshing taste to the hot broth and bring depth to the flavor. Don’t be afraid to pile on the fresh bean sprouts either – they add some crunch to each bite.
As for pairing options, try serving your chicken and shrimp pho with a crisp white wine like an Alsatian Riesling or Gewurztraminer. For those who prefer a more robust flavor profile, a red wine like Pinot Noir could be an excellent option.
If you’re looking for something non-alcoholic, you can serve this delicious soup with ice-cold beer. If beer isn’t your thing, try pairing it with green tea – it’s light and compliments well with the dish.
Overall, this dish is remarkably easy to pair since most wines pair well with pho. You can have some fun experimenting with it until you find the perfect match that satisfies both your palate and appetite.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
My dear readers, I understand that time can be of the essence in today’s busy world. That’s why this recipe is perfect for those moments when you need to prepare something ahead of time. You can easily store and reheat this chicken and shrimp pho to enjoy another day.
To begin with, once the pho has cooled after cooking, transfer it into airtight containers or freezer-safe bags for storing. If you are packing it up for lunch or dinner on the go, I suggest portioning it into single-serve containers for easy reheating later on.
When reheating this delectable Vietnamese noodle soup, use a stove-top method or a microwave as per your discretion. With the stove-top method, pour the pho into a pot and reheat until hot while stirring occasionally to ensure even distribution of heat. With microwave, reheat each serving in short increments of 30-45 seconds at a time, tightly covered with a lid or plastic wrap, making sure not to overheat which can result in spoiled flavors.
My secret tip for those who are short on time but still want fresh flavor – keep the broth separate from other ingredients until you’re ready to assemble and consume the soup. Trust me when I say that this will maintain the freshness of vegetables, noodles and such until you’re ready to serve.
However, although it is possible to make-ahead and store this chicken shrimp pho recipe, please note that seafood ingredients such as shrimp may lose some texture when frozen and thawed so be mindful about freshness factor before preparing it for make ahead.
By following these simple storing and reheating tips, you’ll never miss out on enjoying this delicious Vietnamese chicken soup!
Tips for Perfect Results
In order to achieve the most authentic and delicious Chicken and Shrimp Pho, paying attention to the tiny details can make all the difference. Here are some tips that will help you to create a perfect bowl of pho:
First and foremost, it is important to start with a high-quality broth. Slow-cooking the chicken bones together with fresh ginger, onion, and spices is the key to developing deep flavors. Be sure to skim off any impurities for a clean, clear broth.
Another secret ingredient to elevate the flavor of your pho is nam pla, also known as fish sauce. Just a splash of this savory sauce brings out the umami flavors in your broth.
In selecting your protein, choose boneless chicken breasts so that they are tender and moist when cooked properly. As for the shrimp, choose fresh ones if you can; they add a wonderful sweetness to complement the tangy acidity of lime juice.
Cellophane noodles or bean thread noodles which are made from peeled and dried mung beans is a key ingredient that gives the more unique taste of this dish. It’s imperative that you don’t over-soak or overcook them as they lose their chewiness when they become too mushy.
Lastly, don’t forget to add some crunch with fresh bean sprouts, and some freshness with herbs like cilantro leaf and fresh mint leaves.
With these tips in mind making a flavorful and authentic Vietnamese-style Chicken and Shrimp Pho recipe will no longer be an elusive goal.
FAQ
Now that you’ve learned how to make this delicious chicken and shrimp pho recipe, it’s time to address some frequently asked questions about this dish. Don’t worry if you’re feeling uncertain about certain ingredients or methods – I’m here to help clarify any doubts you might have. Keep reading for some helpful FAQs that will make your cooking experience even better!
What is the secret ingredient in pho broth?
Dried peanut worms, also known as sa sung, have been said to be the elusive element that elevates pho to greatness.
What makes pho broth taste so good?
When it comes to the key ingredients for pho, the flavors are quite straightforward. Other than the meat used, the main flavors come from ginger and onions, which provide a balance of smokiness, sweetness, and pungency. Additionally, there are spices like star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and other fragrant ingredients that add aromatic notes. Fish sauce is a must-have ingredient, as it provides both saltiness and savory umami flavors. To sweeten it up, sugar is added, and a variety of toppings are stirred in to add complexity to the dish.
What sauce do they give you at pho?
When it comes to Vietnamese cuisine, tương đen, which is hoisin sauce in Vietnamese language, is a well-known and commonly used condiment in southern Vietnam especially in phở dishes, a flavorful Vietnamese noodle soup. To enhance the taste of phở, it is customary to pour the sauce into the broth at the table or use it as a meat dipping sauce.
Why is pho broth so filling?
When it comes to pho, one can choose from a range of protein options, including beef, pork, chicken or tofu. Each serving of this delicious soup packs approximately 30 grams of protein, making it a satisfying and nutritious dish.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Chicken and Shrimp Pho recipe is a must-try for anyone who enjoys Vietnamese and Asian cuisine. This dish is bursting with flavors and textures, from the tender chicken and succulent shrimp to the warming broth and fragrant spices. Plus, with the option to customize and vary the ingredients based on personal preferences, this recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit any taste.
Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup or an exotic Vietnamese seafood pho, this recipe has got you covered. So why not try it out for yourself? With the easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips provided in this article, you’ll be able to whip up a delicious and authentic Chicken and Shrimp Pho in no time.
So go ahead, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to experience the incredible flavors of this traditional Vietnamese dish. Trust me, once you’ve tried it, you won’t be able to resist making it over and over again!
Chicken and Shrimp Pho Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 1/4 ounces fresh ginger, 4 1/2 inch thick slices
- 2 tablespoons nam pla (fish sauce)
- 3 garlic cloves, halved
- 2 star anise
- 10 whole cloves
- 1 large boneless chicken breast, trimmed
- 8 ounces fresh bean sprouts
- 12 baby carrots, sliced in thirds
- 8 ounces cellophane noodles or 8 ounces bean thread noodles, pre cut
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 lb shrimp, cleaned and shelled
- lime wedge
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaf
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Bring large pot of water to boil, then remove from heat.
- Add noodles to the pot; let stand until tender, about 15 minutes, then drain and set aside in a large serving bowl.
- Combine chicken broth, onion slices, fish sauce, sliced baby carrots and chicken in a soup pot; bring to a simmer.
- In a cheesecloth or tea infuser, add the whole cloves, sliced ginger, garlic, star anise and place in the soup pot with the chicken.
- Simmer the chicken, vegetables and spice mixture for about 30 minutes, until chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Remove chicken and cool it until you can cut into cubes; place back into the simmering soup pot.
- Remove the cheesecloth or tea infuser, discard ingredients inside.
- Add bean sprouts and shrimp and simmer for about 5 more minutes.
- Ladle the soup into the large serving bowl with the noodles.
- Add the green onions, cilantro and mint leaves to the serving bowl.
- Serve with fresh lime wedges.