How to Make Pho Ga (Chicken Noodle Soup): Cooking With Mrs. Nguyen

How to Make Pho Ga (Chicken Noodle Soup): Cooking With Mrs. Nguyen is a medium Vietnamese recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Mrs Nguyen on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 20 min

Cost: $12.78 total, $3.20 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 Whole Chicken (about 1.5 kg, cleaned and cut into pieces)
  • 2.5 liters Water (for broth)
  • 30 grams Fresh Ginger (sliced thinly)
  • 1 Shallot (peeled and halved)
  • 2 tablespoons Fish Sauce (Vietnamese nuoc mam)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (sea salt)
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar (white granulated)
  • 200 grams Rice Stick Noodles (dried, soak in warm water 10 minutes then drain)
  • 100 grams Bean Sprouts (rinsed well)
  • 20 grams Fresh Cilantro (chopped for garnish)
  • 20 grams Green Onions (chopped for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Clean and Prepare Chicken

    Remove any giblets, rinse the whole chicken under cold running water, pat dry with paper towels, and cut into serving pieces.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Start Broth

    Place the stockpot on high heat, add 2.5 L of water and bring to a rolling boil.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Boiling

  3. Add Chicken and Skim Foam

    Add the chicken pieces to the boiling water, reduce heat to medium, cover, and let simmer. Using the fine mesh skimmer, skim off any foam and fat that rises to the surface for the first 10 minutes.

    Time: PT15M

  4. Add Ginger and Shallot

    After the foam has been removed, add the sliced ginger and halved shallot to the pot. Continue simmering gently.

    Time: PT10M

  5. Season Broth

    Stir in fish sauce, salt, and sugar. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed; the broth should be lightly seasoned, not salty.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Soak and Cook Noodles

    Place the rice stick noodles in a bowl of warm water and soak for 10 minutes. Then briefly blanch the softened noodles in a separate pot of boiling water for 2 minutes, drain in a strainer.

    Time: PT12M

  7. Wash Bean Sprouts

    Rinse the bean sprouts under cold running water, discard any wilted sprouts, and drain well.

    Time: PT3M

  8. Assemble and Serve

    Divide the cooked noodles among soup bowls, add a handful of bean sprouts, then ladle the hot broth with chicken pieces over the top. Garnish with chopped cilantro and green onions. Serve immediately.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Cleanup

    While the soup is being enjoyed, soak the stockpot and utensils in warm soapy water, then wash and dry all equipment.

    Time: PT15M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
20 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
5 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Gluten‑free, Dairy‑free, Nut‑free

Allergens: Fish (fish sauce)

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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How to Make Pho Ga (Chicken Noodle Soup): Cooking With Mrs. Nguyen

Recipe by Mrs Nguyen

A light, clear broth chicken noodle soup inspired by Vietnamese pho ga. Made with a whole chicken, ginger, shallot, fish sauce, rice stick noodles and fresh bean sprouts. Perfect for a healthy, comforting meal.

MediumVietnameseServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
33m
Prep
47m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 30m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$12.78
Total cost
$3.20
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cleaning the chicken thoroughly to avoid contamination.
  • Skimming foam and fat during the first 10 minutes for a clear broth.
  • Adding ginger and shallot after foam removal to keep the broth clear.
  • Seasoning the broth at the right time and tasting for balance.
  • Assembling the soup while the broth is hot to ensure proper cooking of noodles.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw chicken with clean hands and separate cutting board to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Ensure the broth reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • Use pot handles with oven mitts; the stockpot will be very hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup (Pho Ga) in Vietnamese cuisine?

A

Pho ga is a beloved Vietnamese comfort food that originated in northern Vietnam in the early 20th century. It was traditionally eaten for breakfast or as a light lunch, symbolizing warmth and family togetherness.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Pho Ga in Vietnam?

A

In the north, pho ga is often served with a clear, lightly seasoned broth and simple garnishes. Southern versions may add more herbs, lime, and a sweeter broth, while central styles sometimes include a hint of star anise.

cultural
Q

How is Pho Ga authentically served in Vietnam?

A

Authentic pho ga is served in a deep bowl with rice stick noodles, chicken pieces, bean sprouts, fresh cilantro, green onions, lime wedges, and sliced chili on the side. Diners add herbs and lime to taste at the table.

cultural
Q

During which occasions is Pho Ga traditionally enjoyed in Vietnamese culture?

A

Pho ga is a staple for everyday meals but is also popular during family gatherings, Lunar New Year (Tết), and when caring for someone who is ill because of its soothing qualities.

cultural
Q

How does Pho Ga fit into the broader Vietnamese cuisine tradition?

A

Pho ga exemplifies the Vietnamese emphasis on balance—clear broth, fresh herbs, and light protein—showcasing the cuisine’s focus on freshness, aromatics, and harmony of flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Pho Ga versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include whole chicken, rice stick noodles, ginger, shallot, fish sauce, and fresh herbs. Substitutes can be chicken thighs instead of a whole bird, soy sauce in place of fish sauce, or egg noodles if rice noodles are unavailable.

cultural
Q

What other Vietnamese dishes pair well with Pho Ga?

A

Pho ga pairs nicely with Vietnamese spring rolls (gỏi cuốn), fresh summer rolls, or a simple Vietnamese cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sugar.

cultural
Q

What makes Pho Ga special or unique in Vietnamese cuisine?

A

Its light, clear chicken broth distinguishes it from the richer beef pho, offering a delicate flavor profile that highlights fresh herbs and the subtle sweetness of ginger.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Pho Ga at home?

A

Common mistakes include not skimming the foam, adding aromatics too early (which clouds the broth), overcooking the noodles, and over‑seasoning the broth before tasting.

technical
Q

Why does this Pho Ga recipe use ginger and shallot after skimming instead of adding them at the start?

A

Adding ginger and shallot after the foam has been removed prevents the broth from turning cloudy and preserves the bright, clean flavor of the aromatics.

technical
Q

Can I make Pho Ga ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the broth can be prepared a day ahead, refrigerated, and reheated gently. Store noodles and bean sprouts separately to keep them from getting soggy.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Mrs Nguyen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Mrs Nguyen focuses on home‑cooked Vietnamese comfort foods, sharing step‑by‑step tutorials that emphasize simple, healthy, and family‑friendly recipes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Mrs Nguyen's approach to Vietnamese cooking differ from other Vietnamese cooking channels?

A

Mrs Nguyen emphasizes clear, beginner‑friendly explanations, uses everyday kitchen tools, and often shares personal tips for keeping dishes healthy, whereas many other channels focus on restaurant‑style plating or advanced techniques.

channel

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