Flavorful Chicken Pho Alternative
This delicious faux pho combines aromatic herbs and hearty broth for a comforting dish that captures the essence of traditional Vietnamese pho without using red meat. Perfect for family dinners, this quick and easy recipe uses chicken broth as a base, complemented by tender rice noodles, fresh spinach, and aromatic basil. With the addition of savory torn pastrami, it's a delightful meal that comes together in no time. Customize it with lime and chili oil for a refreshing kick! Ideal for those looking for a quick weeknight dinner that pleases everyone at the table.
4
Servings
190
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef broth
4 (14 1/2 ounce cans)
rice noodles
6 (ounces)
baby spinach
5 (ounces)
fresh basil leaves
1 (cup)
pastrami
8 (ounces, torn into strips (approximately 16 thin slices))
green onion
1/4 (cup, chopped)
chili oil
2 (teaspoons)
lime
1 (quartered)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, pour in the beef broth and cover with a lid. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.
2
For enhanced flavor, consider simmering the broth with a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger (quartered) and a cinnamon stick for 30 minutes before boiling. This additional step adds depth to your broth, though it does extend the cooking time.
3
Once the broth is boiling, add the rice noodles. Reduce the heat to medium and allow the noodles to boil gently, uncovered, for 6-8 minutes, or until they are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4
In the last minute of cooking, stir in the baby spinach and fresh basil leaves until they are wilted and incorporated into the broth.
5
To serve, divide the torn pastrami among four serving bowls. Ladle the hot soup over the pastrami, sprinkle with chopped green onions, and drizzle with chili oil for a touch of heat.
6
Garnish each bowl with lime wedges for freshness and a citrusy burst.
Nutrition Information
8.75g
Fat
17.5g
Carbs
11g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Flavorful Chicken Pho Alternative?
It is a delicious faux pho that combines aromatic herbs and broth for a comforting Vietnamese-inspired dish without red meat.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What is the calorie count for a single serving?
There are 190 calories in each serving of this dish.
How long do the rice noodles need to boil?
The rice noodles should boil gently for 6 to 8 minutes or until they are tender.
What type of broth is specified in the ingredients list?
The ingredients list specifies using four 14.5 ounce cans of beef broth.
How can I add more depth to the broth?
You can simmer the broth with a 1-inch piece of quartered fresh ginger and a cinnamon stick for 30 minutes before boiling.
When should the baby spinach be added?
Stir in the baby spinach during the last minute of cooking until it is wilted.
How much pastrami is required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of pastrami, torn into strips.
What type of noodles are used in this pho alternative?
This recipe uses 6 ounces of rice noodles.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 11 grams of protein.
How much fat is in one serving?
One serving of this recipe contains 8.75 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 17.5 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
How do I prepare the green onions?
You should chop 1/4 cup of green onions to use as a garnish.
When do I add the fresh basil leaves?
Add 1 cup of fresh basil leaves in the last minute of cooking alongside the spinach.
How is the lime used in this recipe?
One lime is quartered and served as a garnish to provide a refreshing citrusy burst.
What provides the spicy kick in this soup?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of chili oil for a touch of heat.
How do I prevent the rice noodles from sticking together?
Stir the noodles occasionally while they are boiling uncovered in the broth.
How should the pastrami be served?
Divide the torn pastrami among four serving bowls and ladle the hot soup directly over it.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients required for this dish.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is described as a quick and easy recipe that comes together in no time, ideal for weeknights.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish features aromatic herbs like basil and ginger, combined with savory pastrami and a citrusy lime finish.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
It is tagged as a healthy option with 190 calories and a focus on fresh greens and herbs.
What heat setting should I use for boiling the broth?
Bring the broth to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium once noodles are added.
Can I substitute the beef broth for chicken broth?
Yes, the description mentions using chicken broth as a base for those wanting a non-red meat alternative.
What is the preparation method for the ginger in the flavor-boosting step?
The ginger should be a 1-inch piece that is quartered.
How many cans of broth do I need?
You will need four 14.5 ounce cans of broth.
What kind of spinach is recommended?
The recipe calls specifically for 5 ounces of baby spinach.
How much basil do I need?
The recipe requires 1 cup of fresh basil leaves.
What is the final garnish before serving?
The final garnishes include chopped green onions, chili oil, and lime wedges.
Is the broth covered while boiling the noodles?
No, the instructions specify to boil the noodles gently and uncovered.