Chicken Noodle Pho (Chicken Pho Soup Recipe)
This aromatic pho style chicken soup is full of nourishing goodness on a cold winter's day. I make it with lots of green herbs, onion, and bean sprouts but you could also add shredded lettuce or any other vegetable that takes your fancy. The chicken broth base is scented with lemongrass, ginger, and garlic and then finished off with fish sauce and lime juice.
This chicken pho soup recipe is influenced by many wonderful chicken noodle soups that I have eaten across Asia, but especially in Vietnam.
I am a devotee of Vietnamese pho and have spent many hours trying to recreate the taste of Hanoi street food in my kitchen. If you love beef pho, please take a look at my cheat's beef bone broth pho recipe. Traditional pho is made with rice noodles but I often make this with shirataki or 'zero-carb' noodles so that it becomes a super low-calorie supper.
To get the full health benefits and maximum flavour from this Asian chicken noodle soup, I recommend making your own chicken stock or aka chicken bone broth from scratch. Bone broth is full of collagen, glycine, and easy-to-access trace minerals and one of the best foods you can eat for your guy. It was traditionally given to help recuperation from illness and I was always given it as a child. I worked it into my own children's baby food and make sure they eat it regularly to this day. This super collagen chicken broth is really quite easy and can be frozen in batches to save time I make this chicken broth with raw chicken for this soup but a traditional roast chicken stock like my mother and grandmother always made will also work. At the very least, buy a prepared stock and not those nasty stock cubes as they have zero nutritional value.
Chicken Noodle Pho
Ingredients
- 2 poached chicken breasts, shredded
- 16.9 ounces chicken stock or chicken bone broth.
- 2 stalks lemongrass, white parts only
- A clove of garlic
- A large thumb of ginger, peeled and thickly sliced
- Juice of a wedge of lime
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce or more to taste
- A bunch of green spring onions or scallions, chopped
- A handful of beansprouts or silver sprouts
- A bunch of fresh green herbs such as coriander, that basil, and mint
- Lime wedges to garnish
- 1 red chili, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
Frequently Asked Questions
What gives pho broth its taste?
The rich, savory flavor of pho broth is derived from a combination of ingredients, including beef bones, oxtail, and spices. Key flavor components are star anise, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and fennel seeds. Fish sauce adds a umami depth, while ginger and scallions provide a bright, fresh note.
Is pho chicken soup healthy?
Pho ga, or chicken pho, can be a healthy meal when prepared with fresh ingredients. The broth, made from chicken bones and vegetables, is a good source of protein and nutrients. However, the addition of noodles and condiments, like hoisin sauce and Sriracha, can increase calorie and sodium content.
What is traditional pho broth made of?
Traditional pho broth is typically made from beef bones, oxtail, and a variety of spices. The bones are simmered for many hours to extract collagen and flavor. The broth is then strained and seasoned with fish sauce, sugar, and other aromatics.
What 5 spices are typically added to pho broth?
Five common spices found in pho broth are:
Star anise: A fragrant spice with a licorice-like flavor.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and sweetness.
Cloves: A strong, pungent spice.
Cardamom: A complex spice with citrusy and floral notes.
Fennel seeds: A slightly sweet, anise-flavored spice.
Do you put soy sauce in pho broth?
Soy sauce is not typically added directly to the pho broth. It's often used as a condiment to customize the flavor of the individual bowl.
Is it okay to eat pho every day?
While pho can be a nutritious meal, eating it daily might not be the best idea. It's important to maintain a balanced diet and vary your food choices. Excessive consumption of sodium-rich broth and noodles can negatively impact your health.
What is healthier, pho or ramen?
Pho and ramen are both noodle soups with different ingredients and preparation methods. Generally, pho, with its clear broth and fresh herbs, is considered healthier than ramen, which often has a richer, more flavorful broth and may contain artificial additives.
Does pho spike blood sugar?
The impact of pho on blood sugar can vary depending on individual factors and the specific ingredients used. The carbohydrates in the noodles and added sugars in condiments can contribute to blood sugar spikes. However, the protein and fiber in the broth can help slow down digestion and stabilize blood sugar levels.