| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 300 | 6g | 1g | 45g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 2g | 22g | 2.5g |
There are few things I enjoy more than a warm, aromatic bowl of Phở (Vietnamese Soup with Kinh Gioi). This delectable dish, laden with fragrant herbs and mouth-watering spices, truly encompasses the blissful amalgamation of flavors that Vietnamese cuisine has to offer. As someone who grew up in Texas, I’ve always had a penchant for bold and fresh flavors, which is why this recipe has found a special place in my heart. The combination of both Southern and eclectic ingredients in this soup makes it not only a culinary delight but also a nourishing meal that I can feel good about enjoying with my family.
Bringing the Bold and the Fresh Together
In my culinary endeavors, I strive to create dishes that not only tantalize the taste buds but also offer a unique synergy of flavors. The Phở (Vietnamese Soup with Kinh Gioi) beautifully combines these attributes. The chicken broth melds seamlessly with the rice noodles, and the inclusion of minced garlic, fresh ginger, and fish sauce adds layers of depth that are both inviting and comforting. It’s a soup that feels like a warm embrace, filled with every spoonful feeling both familiar and new.
A Healthful Comfort Food
With a background as a grade school teacher, I am keenly aware of the importance of wholesome meals. One of the standout aspects of this Phở is its remarkable health benefits. Not only is it low in fat due to the lean chicken breast, but it’s also brimming with nutrients from fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, and especially kinh gioi (Vietnamese balm), which is known for its digestive benefits. This herbaceous delight is perfect for anyone seeking a nourishing dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
The versatility of the recipe is another reason I adore it. By adding freshly cooked shrimp, you can easily elevate Phở into a delightful seafood variant. Adjust the heat level by incorporating more or fewer chilies, and don’t forget the finishing touches with hoisin sauce and Sriracha, which add complexity and a hint of sweetness and spice.
Additionally, this recipe can be paired wonderfully with other Vietnamese favorites like Vietnamese spring rolls or a simple papaya salad. The burst of flavors from the fresh ingredients paired with the warm, hearty soup creates a balanced meal that is both nourishing and bursting with zest.
Lastly, the dish calls to mind other comforting soups like a classic chicken noodle or even a spicy Southern gumbo, but with a Vietnamese twist that makes it uniquely enticing. Whether you’re looking to explore new culinary avenues or simply seeking a robust, heartwarming bowl of soup, this Phở (Vietnamese Soup with Kinh Gioi) promises to deliver on all fronts. Give it a whirl, and let it become a treasured part of your own culinary collection.
What You’ll Need
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 pound rice noodles (banh pho)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 2 cups bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh kinh gioi (Vietnamese balm) leaves
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1-2 fresh red or green chilies, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cooked shrimp (optional)
- Hoisin sauce and Sriracha, for serving
Method
Step One
Soak the rice noodles in warm water for about 30 minutes or until they become pliable. Drain and set aside.
Step Two
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Step Three
Add the chicken broth and water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step Four
Add the thinly sliced chicken breast to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the chicken is cooked through, approximately 15-20 minutes.
Step Five
Stir in the fish sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, and five-spice powder. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
Step Six
In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Add the soaked rice noodles and cook for 3-5 minutes until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step Seven
Divide the cooked rice noodles into serving bowls. Ladle the hot broth and chicken over the noodles.
Step Eight
Top each bowl with bean sprouts, fresh basil, cilantro, kinh gioi leaves, chopped green onions, and thinly sliced chilies.
Step Nine
Optionally, add cooked shrimp to each bowl.
Step Ten
Serve with lime wedges, hoisin sauce, and Sriracha on the side for additional seasoning. Enjoy your delicious Phở!
