Vietnamese chicken noodle soup, also known as “Phở Gà,” is a flavorful and aromatic dish that’s a staple of Vietnamese cuisine. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
For the broth:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into pieces
- 1 onion, peeled and halved
- 2-3 inches of ginger, sliced and bruised
- 4-5 star anise pods
- 4-5 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1-2 cardamom pods
- 6-8 cups water
- 1-2 tablespoons fish sauce
- Salt, to taste
- Sugar, to taste
For serving:
- Rice noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- Cooked chicken meat from the broth
- Thinly sliced onions (optional)
- Chopped cilantro and green onions
- Bean sprouts
- Lime wedges
- Thai basil leaves
- Jalapeño or bird’s eye chili slices (optional)
Instructions:
- Broth Preparation:
- In a large pot, add the chicken pieces, onion halves, and ginger slices. Roast the chicken, onion, and ginger over an open flame or in the oven until they are slightly charred. This step enhances the flavor of the broth.
- Add the charred chicken, onion, and ginger to the pot and cover with water.
- Add star anise, cloves, cinnamon stick, and cardamom pods to the pot.
- Bring the pot to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
- Let the broth simmer for at least 1-2 hours, but longer for richer flavor. Add more water if needed to maintain the level.
- Season the broth with fish sauce, salt, and sugar to taste.
- Assembling the Soup:
- Strain the broth to remove the solids, leaving only the clear and flavorful broth.
- Shred the cooked chicken meat and set it aside for serving.
- Prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions.
- To serve, place a portion of cooked rice noodles in a bowl.
- Top the noodles with the shredded chicken.
- Pour the hot broth over the noodles and chicken.
- Garnishes and Accompaniments:
- Serve the bowls of pho with a plate of fresh bean sprouts, sliced onions, chopped cilantro, and green onions.
- Provide lime wedges, Thai basil leaves, and optional sliced chili peppers on the side.
- Diners can customize their bowls by adding garnishes and accompaniments according to their preferences.
- Eating:
- Squeeze lime juice into the soup and add basil leaves and other garnishes.
- Mix everything together and enjoy the aromatic and flavorful Vietnamese chicken noodle soup!
Feel free to adjust the ingredients and quantities to suit your taste. Vietnamese cuisine often involves personalization, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different herbs and seasonings.