Imagine a steaming bowl of aromatic broth that whispers tales of Vietnamese culinary tradition, where delicate rice noodles dance with plump, succulent shrimp and fragrant herbs. This Shrimp Pho Noodle Soup isn't just a meal—it's a sensory journey that promises to warm your soul and tantalize your palate with every spoonful. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a curious home cook, this recipe will unlock the secrets of authentic Vietnamese cuisine right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rice noodles
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 piece ginger, sliced
- 2 star anise
- Fresh herbs for garnish (basil, cilantro)
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics by thinly slicing the onion and ginger. Toast the star anise in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes to release its fragrant oils.
- In a large pot, combine chicken broth, sliced onion, ginger, and toasted star anise. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing the flavors to infuse for about 15 minutes.
- While the broth is simmering, prepare the rice noodles according to package instructions. Typically, this involves soaking in hot water for 5-7 minutes until they become tender but still slightly firm. Drain and set aside.
- Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the aromatics, ensuring a clear and flavorful base for the soup.
- Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper. If desired, you can briefly marinate them in a small amount of fish sauce for extra flavor.
- Add the shrimp to the hot broth and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become tough quickly.
- Divide the prepared rice noodles among serving bowls. Carefully ladle the hot broth and cooked shrimp over the noodles.
- Garnish the soup with freshly chopped herbs like basil and cilantro. Add lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the soup just before eating.
- Serve immediately while hot, allowing diners to adjust the flavor with additional herbs or a squeeze of lime to taste.
Tips
- Toasting the star anise is crucial—it releases deep, complex flavors that are the backbone of authentic pho.
- Never overcook the shrimp! They should be just pink and tender, which typically takes only 2-3 minutes.
- Use fresh herbs generously—they're not just garnish, but an essential flavor component of the dish.
- For an extra flavor boost, try adding a small splash of fish sauce when seasoning the shrimp.
- Serve immediately after cooking to preserve the noodles' texture and the broth's temperature.
- Allow diners to customize their bowl with additional herbs, lime, or a dash of chili sauce for personal preference.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 180mg
