Savory Chicken and Shrimp Pho
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Savory Chicken and Shrimp Pho, a delightful twist on a classic dish. Perfect for cozy nights in or gatherings with friends, this homemade pho blends aromatic spices with tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and crisp vegetables for a nourishing soup experience. Ideal for pairing with fresh herbs and zesty lime, this recipe celebrates the traditional Vietnamese comfort food while accommodating personal preferences. Whether enjoyed solo or shared, this bowl of goodness brings warmth and satisfaction to your table.
N/A
Servings
308
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken broth
10 cups (homemade or store-bought)
onion
1 (thinly sliced)
fresh ginger
1 1/4 ounces (sliced into 4 1/2 inch thick pieces)
nam pla (fish sauce)
2 tablespoons (none)
garlic cloves
3 (halved)
star anise
2 (whole)
whole cloves
10 (whole)
boneless chicken breast
1 large (trimmed)
fresh bean sprouts
8 ounces (none)
baby carrots
12 (sliced in thirds)
cellophane noodles or bean thread noodles
8 ounces (pre-cut)
green onions
3 (sliced)
shrimp
1/2 lb (cleaned and shelled)
lime
1 (cut into wedges)
cilantro leaves
1/2 cup (fresh)
fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup (fresh)
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, remove the pot from the heat.
2
Add the cellophane or bean thread noodles to the hot water and let them sit for about 15 minutes or until they are tender. Drain and set aside in a large serving bowl.
3
In a separate soup pot, combine the chicken broth, sliced onion, fish sauce, sliced baby carrots, and the whole chicken breast. Bring to a gentle simmer.
4
Within a cheesecloth or tea infuser, add the star anise, whole cloves, sliced ginger, and halved garlic cloves. Place this spice bundle into the soup pot with the chicken and vegetables.
5
Allow the mixture to gently simmer for approximately 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
6
Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, cut it into cubes and return to the pot.
7
Remove the spice bundle from the soup and discard the contents.
8
Stir in the fresh bean sprouts and shrimp, allowing them to simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
9
Ladle the savory soup over the prepared noodles in the serving bowl.
10
Garnish with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and mint leaves.
11
Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
7
Fat
33
Carbs
20
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Chicken and Shrimp Pho?
It is a homemade Vietnamese-style soup that blends aromatic spices with tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and crisp vegetables served over noodles.
What kind of noodles are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 8 ounces of cellophane noodles or bean thread noodles.
How do I prepare the noodles?
Bring a pot of water to a boil, remove from heat, and let the noodles sit in the hot water for 15 minutes or until tender, then drain.
What spices are used to flavor the broth?
The broth is flavored with star anise, whole cloves, fresh ginger, and halved garlic cloves.
How is the spice bundle prepared?
Add the star anise, cloves, sliced ginger, and halved garlic into a cheesecloth or tea infuser before placing it in the soup pot.
How many calories are in a serving of this Pho?
Each serving contains 308 calories.
What type of broth is required?
The recipe calls for 10 cups of chicken broth, which can be homemade or store-bought.
How long should the soup simmer with the chicken and spices?
The mixture should simmer for approximately 30 minutes until the chicken is tender.
How is the chicken prepared for the final dish?
After simmering, the chicken breast is removed, cooled slightly, cut into cubes, and returned to the pot.
When should the shrimp be added?
Add the shrimp and bean sprouts at the end, simmering for an additional 5 minutes until the shrimp turn pink.
What vegetables are cooked in the broth?
The broth includes thinly sliced onion and 12 baby carrots sliced into thirds.
What are the recommended garnishes?
Garnish the soup with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and mint leaves.
How is the lime used in this recipe?
The lime is cut into wedges and served on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 20 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content?
The recipe contains 7 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 33 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is nam pla?
Nam pla is a fish sauce used to add savory depth to the broth; this recipe uses 2 tablespoons.
How much ginger is needed?
You will need 1 1/4 ounces of fresh ginger, sliced into pieces.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 3 garlic cloves, which should be halved.
How much shrimp is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of cleaned and shelled shrimp.
Do I leave the spice bundle in the soup when serving?
No, the spice bundle should be removed and the contents discarded before serving.
What is the texture of the bean sprouts in this soup?
The bean sprouts are added at the end to maintain a fresh, crisp texture.
How many cups of cilantro and mint are used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro leaves and 1/2 cup of fresh mint leaves.
How many star anise pieces are needed?
The recipe uses 2 whole star anise.
How many whole cloves are required?
You will need 10 whole cloves for the spice bundle.
Is this recipe suitable for cozy nights?
Yes, it is described as a nourishing comfort food perfect for cozy nights in or gatherings.
How many green onions should I slice?
You should slice 3 green onions for garnishing.
Can I use bean thread noodles if I don't have cellophane noodles?
Yes, either cellophane or bean thread noodles work perfectly for this recipe.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 16 total ingredients in this Savory Chicken and Shrimp Pho.
How is the final bowl assembled?
Ladle the savory soup over the prepared noodles in a serving bowl and then add your garnishes.