Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup

Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe - Authentic Southeast Asian Cuisine

Region / culture: Asia, Southeast Asia, Vietnam | Servings: 4

Introduction

Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup, also known as Pho Ga, is a traditional Vietnamese dish that is loved for its flavorful broth and tender chicken. This dish is perfect for a comforting meal on a cold day or when you're feeling under the weather.

History

Pho Ga has its origins in Northern Vietnam and is believed to have been influenced by both Chinese and French cuisine. The dish has evolved over time and has become a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, enjoyed by people all over the world.

Ingredients

For the noodle and poultry base

1 gallon low-sodium chicken stock or 11 cups homemade chicken broth
3 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
4 chicken wings
5 scallions, cut in half
4 cloves garlic
2 cinnamon sticks
2 whole star anise
1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and cut into coins/rounds
0.25 cup dry shiitake mushrooms, rehydrated in warm water for 30 minutes and thinly sliced
3 tbsp fish sauce
2 packages dried, thin rice stick noodles

For garnishing

1 cup fresh bean sprouts
1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
a couple sprigs each of fresh mint and thai basil
fish sauce
hoisin sauce
sriracha or hot sauce
lime wedges

How to prepare

In a large Dutch oven or stock pot, bring the chicken stock, chicken breasts, chicken wings, scallions, garlic, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and ginger to a simmer. Simmer for approximately 20 minutes.
Once the chicken breasts are cooked, remove them from the pot, set them aside, and shred them when they have cooled. Continue to simmer the remaining ingredients for 30 minutes. Then strain the broth through a colander to remove the solids and spices.
Add the mushrooms, fish sauce, and noodles to the strained stock. Simmer until the noodles are still al dente, which should take about 4 to 6 minutes. Scoop some of the noodles into individual bowls.
Top the noodles with some of the shredded chicken. Ladle plenty of broth into each bowl.
Garnish with bean sprouts, jalapenos, and fresh mint. Serve with fish sauce, hoisin sauce, Sriracha or hot sauce, and lime wedges, if desired.

Variations

You can add different vegetables like bok choy, carrots, or broccoli to the soup for added nutrition.
For a vegetarian version, you can use tofu or mushrooms instead of chicken.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of the broth, toast the spices (cinnamon sticks, star anise, and ginger) in a dry pan before adding them to the pot.

- For a richer broth, you can roast the chicken breasts and wings before simmering them in the stock.

- Make sure to skim off any impurities that rise to the surface of the broth while simmering to ensure a clear and clean broth.

Serving Suggestions

Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup can be served with a side of fresh herbs, lime wedges, and additional condiments like fish sauce, hoisin sauce, and hot sauce.

Cooking Techniques

The key to a flavorful Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup is simmering the broth with the spices and chicken for a long period of time to extract maximum flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have access to certain ingredients, you can substitute them with similar ingredients. For example, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the broth ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the broth and add the noodles and chicken.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup in individual bowls garnished with bean sprouts, jalapenos, and fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup pairs well with a side of fresh spring rolls or a light salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup contains fish sauce and chicken, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup is a nutritious dish that is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a balanced meal that is perfect for a satisfying and comforting meal.

Summary

Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy meal. With its flavorful broth, tender chicken, and aromatic spices, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup. It was many years ago, during my travels through Southeast Asia. I had always been fascinated by the exotic flavors and spices of the region, and I was eager to learn as much as I could about their traditional dishes.

One day, while wandering through the bustling streets of Hanoi, I stumbled upon a small, family-run restaurant that seemed to be buzzing with activity. Intrigued, I decided to step inside and see what all the fuss was about. As soon as I entered, I was hit with the intoxicating aroma of simmering broth, fragrant herbs, and tender pieces of chicken. My mouth watered at the thought of tasting whatever was cooking in the kitchen.

I found a seat at one of the wooden tables and ordered a bowl of the soup that had caught my attention. When it arrived, I took a cautious sip of the steaming broth and was immediately blown away by the depth of flavor and complexity of the dish. The noodles were perfectly cooked, the chicken was tender and juicy, and the fresh herbs added a bright, herbaceous note that tied everything together beautifully.

I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this soup for myself. I asked the chef if he would be willing to share his recipe with me, and to my surprise, he agreed. Over the next few days, I spent hours in the kitchen with him, watching and learning as he prepared the soup from scratch.

I learned that the key to a good Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup lies in the quality of the ingredients and the time and care taken to prepare them. The broth, for example, is made by simmering chicken bones, ginger, garlic, and onions for hours on end, until it is rich and flavorful. The noodles are cooked separately and added to the broth just before serving, along with slices of poached chicken and a generous handful of fresh herbs.

As I watched the chef work his magic, I took careful notes and asked a million questions. I wanted to understand every step of the process, from selecting the best chicken to chopping the herbs just so. By the time I left the restaurant, I felt confident that I could recreate the soup in my own kitchen.

Back home, I wasted no time in putting my newfound knowledge to the test. I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work, following the chef's instructions to the letter. The familiar scents of ginger, garlic, and chicken filled my kitchen as the broth simmered away on the stove. I felt a sense of satisfaction and contentment as I chopped the herbs and cooked the noodles, knowing that I was creating something special.

When the soup was finally ready, I ladled it into bowls and served it to my family with a flourish. They took their first bites with eager anticipation, and I held my breath, waiting for their reactions. To my delight, they all raved about the soup, praising its depth of flavor and perfect balance of textures. I beamed with pride, knowing that I had successfully recreated a taste of Vietnam in my own home.

From that day on, Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup became a staple in our household. I made it for special occasions, when someone was feeling under the weather, or simply when I wanted to treat my loved ones to a delicious and comforting meal. Each time I made it, I thought back to that tiny restaurant in Hanoi and the kind chef who had shared his recipe with me. I felt grateful for the experience and the opportunity to bring a little piece of my travels into our everyday lives.

As the years went by, I continued to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to suit my family's tastes. I swapped out the traditional chicken for shrimp or tofu, played around with different herbs and spices, and even tried my hand at making my own noodles from scratch. Each new iteration brought its own unique flavors and textures to the dish, but the soul of the soup remained the same.

Today, whenever I make Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup, I am reminded of that fateful day in Hanoi and the passion for cooking that has guided me throughout my life. I am grateful for all the recipes I have collected over the years, each one a treasure trove of memories and flavors waiting to be rediscovered. And I am thankful for the gift of sharing these recipes with my family, passing down a love of food and tradition from one generation to the next.

So the next time you find yourself craving a bowl of hearty, aromatic soup, why not give this recipe a try? I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be sharing it with your own loved ones, passing on the story of how you learned to make Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup from a kind chef in a faraway land.