Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup (Quick Pho Ga)

Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup (Quick Pho Ga)

In Vietnam, this soup is commonly known as Pho Ga (Chicken Pho).  Traditional Pho Ga can take several hours to prepare, but this simplified version delivers the same comforting flavors in much less time.  The fresh herbs and garnishes are essential for achieving the authentic taste, so don't skip them.  Most of the ingredients can be found in the Asian or international aisle of many grocery stores.

Ingredients:

Soup ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 shallots, peeled and sliced
• ¼ cup sliced fresh ginger
• 2-star anise pods
• 1 cinnamon stick

Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder

Noodles:

• 8 ounces rice noodles (fresh or dried)

Garnishes:

• ½ cup fresh bean sprouts
• Chopped green onions
• Fresh basil leaves
• Fresh cilantro
• Fresh mint leaves
• Lime wedges
• Sliced Thai chilies
• Hoisin sauce (optional)

Directions:

1.                        In a medium pot, combine the water, chicken broth, chicken thighs, shallots, ginger, star anise, and cinnamon stick.  Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

2.                        Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.  Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during cooking.

3.                        Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.  Strain the broth to remove the solids, then return the clear broth to the pot.

4.                        Stir in the fish sauce, salt, sugar, and chicken bouillon powder.  Taste and adjust the seasonings as desired.

5.                        Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.

6.                        If using dried rice noodles, cook them according to the package directions.  Drain well.

7.                        Divide the noodles evenly between two serving bowls.  Top with the shredded chicken.

8.                        Ladle about 2 cups of hot broth into each bowl.

9.                        Garnish with bean sprouts, green onions, basil, cilantro, mint, lime wedges, and sliced Thai chilies.  Serve with hoisin sauce on the side, if desired.

Enjoy your quick and flavorful homemade Pho Ga!