Recipe for Pho Ga (Vietnamese Chicken Noodle soup)

When it comes to Vietnamese cuisine, Pho Ga (Chicken Noodle) is a classic comfort dish that never fails to satisfy. This flavorful soup is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. In this article, we will share with you a simple yet amazing recipe for Pho Ga that you can effortlessly recreate in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of chicken (preferably bone-in for extra flavor)
• 8 cups of chicken broth
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 star anise
• 3-4 whole cloves
• 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Rice noodles, cooked according to package instructions
• Fresh herbs such as cilantro, Thai basil, and mint for garnish
• Bean sprouts and lime wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Place the chicken, onion, garlic, and ginger in a large pot. Add the chicken broth, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, fish sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
3. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
4. Strain the broth to remove any impurities and return it to the pot. Discard the solids.
5. Bring the broth back to a simmer and add the cooked rice noodles. Cook for a few minutes until the noodles are heated through.
6. To serve, divide the shredded chicken among bowls and ladle the hot broth and noodles over it.
7. Garnish with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime wedges.

Tips for a Perfect Pho Ga

While this recipe is incredibly easy, here are a few tips to ensure your Pho Ga turns out amazing:

• Use bone-in chicken: Using bone-in chicken adds extra flavor to the broth. You can use a combination of chicken thighs, drumsticks, and breasts for a variety of textures.
• Simmer the broth: Letting the broth simmer for a good amount of time allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and aromatic base for your Pho Ga.
• Skim the impurities: Skimming the impurities that rise to the surface of the broth while simmering helps create a clear and clean broth.
• Don't overcook the noodles: Cook the rice noodles separately according to the package instructions and add them to the broth just before serving. Overcooking the noodles can make them mushy.
• Get creative with toppings: Besides the traditional garnishes of herbs, bean sprouts, and lime wedges, you can also add sliced chilies, hoisin sauce, or Sriracha for an extra kick of flavor.

Enjoy the taste! Now, for the tools!

The following tools that I personally use will make this recipe easier to make, but will not compromise flavor. If you like this recipe, please consider using these links to support my effort.

-Large Pot

-Skimmers for step 4