Easy Vietnamese Noodle Soup (PHO GA)

Ingredients

• 1 whole Whole Chicken (about 3.5 lb, cleaned, giblets removed)
• 2 large White Onion (peeled and quartered)
• 4 inch Fresh Ginger (peeled and sliced)
• 1 packet Pre‑made Pho Spice Packet (contains star anise, cloves, cinnamon, coriander seeds, peppercorns)
• 3 tablespoons Fish Sauce (adds umami depth)
• 200 grams Rice Noodles (flat) (soak in warm water before serving)
• 100 grams Bean Sprouts (rinsed)
• 20 grams Fresh Thai Basil (leaves only)
• 15 grams Fresh Cilantro (chopped)
• 1 whole Lime (cut into wedges)
• 1 whole Jalapeño (thinly sliced)
• 2 tablespoons Hoisin Sauce (for serving)
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha (for serving)

Instructions

1. Broil onions and ginger

   Preheat the broiler to high. Arrange the quartered onions and sliced ginger on a baking sheet and broil for 10 minutes, turning once, until lightly charred.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: Broiler high

2. Combine chicken and aromatics

   Place the whole chicken in a large stockpot. Add the charred onions, ginger, and the pre‑made pho spice packet. Cover with about 4 quarts of cold water.

   Time: PT5M

3. Simmer broth

   Bring the pot to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle low simmer. Skim any foam that rises to the surface. Stir in the fish sauce and continue simmering uncovered for 1 hour 30 minutes.

   Time: PT1H30M

   Temperature: Low simmer

4. Strain broth

   Using tongs, carefully remove the chicken and set aside to cool. Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into a clean pot, discarding the solids.

   Time: PT10M

5. Shred chicken

   When the chicken is cool enough to handle, pull the meat off the bones, discard skin and bones, and shred the meat into bite‑size pieces using two forks.

   Time: PT10M

6. Soak rice noodles

   Place the rice noodles in a bowl of warm water and let soak for 5 minutes until pliable, then drain.

   Time: PT5M

7. Assemble pho bowls

   Divide the drained noodles among four serving bowls. Top each with shredded chicken, then ladle the hot broth over the noodles. Garnish with bean sprouts, Thai basil, cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced jalapeño. Serve hoisin sauce and sriracha on the side.

   Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

350

Protein

25g

Carbohydrates

45g

Fat

8g

Fiber

2g