Vietnamese Pho Ga: Fragrant Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Craving a bowl of aromatic, comforting soup that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Vietnam? This Vietnamese Pho Ga, a fragrant chicken noodle soup, delivers a delicious balance of savory, herbal, and spicy flavors. With tender chicken, soft rice noodles, and a rich broth infused with herbs and spices, Pho Ga is the ultimate feel-good dish for any season.

Key Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Number of Servings: 4
• Serving Size: 1 bowl per serving

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 8g
• Dietary Info: Gluten-Free (use gluten-free noodles)

Ingredients List

• For the broth:

  • 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs), cleaned
  • 3 liters (12 cups) water
  • 2 medium onions, peeled and halved
  • 1 4-inch piece of ginger, sliced
  • 3-4 cloves of garlic, smashed
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 star anise pods
  • 4-5 cloves
  • 1 tsp coriander seeds
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce (optional for extra depth)
  • 1 tbsp sugar

• For assembling Pho Ga:

  • 200g (7 oz) dried rice noodles (or Pho noodles)
  • Fresh herbs (cilantro, basil, mint)
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
  • 2-3 red chilies, thinly sliced (optional)
  • Bean sprouts (optional)
  • Hoisin sauce (optional)
  • Sriracha sauce (optional)

Detailed Method of Preparation

1. Prepare the chicken broth:
   • In a large pot, add the whole chicken and cover it with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer.
   • Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface for a clear broth.
   • Add the onions, ginger, garlic, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and coriander seeds into the pot. Stir gently, then cover and let simmer for about 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
2. Cook the noodles:
   • While the broth simmers, prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
3. Remove the chicken:
   • Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot. Let it cool slightly, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones.
4. Strain the broth:
   • Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve to remove the solid spices, herbs, and bones, leaving you with a smooth, fragrant broth.
5. Assemble the Pho Ga:
   • Divide the cooked rice noodles into serving bowls. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles, then top with shredded chicken.
   • Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, and mint. Add lime wedges, sliced chilies, and spring onions for an extra burst of flavor.
6. Serve and enjoy:
   • For added richness, drizzle a bit of hoisin sauce or a dash of sriracha sauce into the soup. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Culinary Success

• For a clear broth: Skim the chicken broth regularly to remove impurities and maintain clarity.
• Customize the toppings: Pho Ga is very versatile! Feel free to add extras like bean sprouts, Thai basil, or fried shallots for extra crunch and flavor.
• Make it your own: Adjust the level of spice with the optional chilies and hoisin sauce to suit your preferences.
• Use a whole chicken: For the best flavor, use a whole chicken, as it adds depth to the broth. You can also use chicken thighs or breasts if you prefer less bone-in meat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make Pho Ga in advance? Yes! The broth can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat and assemble with freshly cooked noodles.

2. Can I use chicken stock instead of making my own broth? While homemade broth gives the most authentic flavor, you can use high-quality store-bought chicken stock in a pinch. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to taste.

3. What can I substitute for fish sauce? If you prefer not to use fish sauce, try using soy sauce or tamari for a vegetarian version of Pho Ga.

4. How do I make Pho Ga gluten-free? Simply ensure you’re using gluten-free rice noodles and check that any sauces (like hoisin or sriracha) are gluten-free.

This Vietnamese Pho Ga is more than just a bowl of soup—it’s a flavor-packed experience that will transport your senses straight to Vietnam. Whether it’s for a cozy dinner or to impress your friends, this fragrant chicken noodle soup is sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime for that extra zing!