Shrimp pho fills your kitchen with clouds of fragrant steam, scented with cinnamon and star anise. Every sip of the golden broth brings tender pink shrimp, silky rice noodles, and a tangle of fresh herbs and scallions. As ginger and garlic mingle with coconut aminos, your home starts to feel like a cozy Vietnamese noodle shop. A squeeze of lime, a handful of crunchy bean sprouts, and a pinch of chili flakes add brightness and heat. Simple to make yet full of character, shrimp pho turns everyday ingredients into a soothing, slurp worthy bowl of comfort.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This shrimp pho
- Deliciously fragrant broth that warms your soul.
- Quick and easy to prepare for busy weeknights.
- Loaded with fresh herbs and vibrant flavors.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies and noodles.
- Light yet satisfying, perfect for any meal.
shrimp pho
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Soak rice noodles in warm water for 20 minutes or until they become flexible. Once done, drain them and set aside.
- In a large pot, add broth, onion, ginger, star anise, and a cinnamon stick. Bring it to a simmer and let it cook for 20 minutes, filling your kitchen with amazing aromas!
- Carefully strain the broth to remove the solids. Return the clear broth to the pot, ready for seasoning.
- Season the broth with fish sauce and sugar. Taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. You want it to be just right!
- Bring the broth back to a gentle simmer. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes. It’s almost time to eat!
- Divide the warmed rice noodles among serving bowls. Ladle the hot broth and shrimp over the noodles, making it look inviting!
- Top your bowls with green onions, cilantro, basil, jalapeño, and bean sprouts. The more, the merrier!
- Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze that lime for an extra zing!
Notes
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 |
| Fat | 5g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbs | 40g |
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients to make a delicious shrimp pho!
- 8 cups – chicken or seafood broth
- 1 pound – large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces – rice noodles
- 1 small – onion, thinly sliced
- 3-inch – piece of ginger, sliced
- 2 – star anise pods
- 1 – cinnamon stick
- 2 tablespoons – fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon – sugar
- 2 – green onions, sliced
- 1 – jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
- Fresh – cilantro leaves
- Fresh – basil leaves
- Lime wedges – for serving
- Bean sprouts – for serving
How to Make Shrimp Pho
Get ready to dive into a bowl of deliciousness! This shrimp pho recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time. You’ll have a warm, comforting meal ready in no time!
Step 1: Soak the Noodles
Soak rice noodles in warm water for 20 minutes or until they become flexible. Once done, drain them and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Broth
In a large pot, add broth, onion, ginger, star anise, and a cinnamon stick. Bring it to a simmer and let it cook for 20 minutes, filling your kitchen with amazing aromas!
Step 3: Strain the Broth
Carefully strain the broth to remove the solids. Return the clear broth to the pot, ready for seasoning.
Step 4: Season the Broth
Season the broth with fish sauce and sugar. Taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. You want it to be just right!
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Bring the broth back to a gentle simmer. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes. It’s almost time to eat!
Step 6: Assemble the Bowls
Divide the warmed rice noodles among serving bowls. Ladle the hot broth and shrimp over the noodles, making it look inviting!
Step 7: Add Fresh Toppings
Top your bowls with green onions, cilantro, basil, jalapeño, and bean sprouts. The more, the merrier!
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze that lime for an extra zing!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | Vietnamese |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
| Dietary | Seafood |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Hot with fresh toppings! |
Pro Tips for Making shrimp pho
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Toast your spices before adding them to enhance their aroma.
- Simmer the broth slowly for a richer taste.
- Don’t skip the fresh herbs; they add brightness to the dish.
- Serve with lime wedges for a zesty kick.
How to Serve this shrimp pho
- Garnish with fresh basil, cilantro, and lime wedges for a burst of flavor.
- Serve with bean sprouts and sliced jalapeños for added crunch and spice.
- Pair with a side of crispy spring rolls for a delightful appetizer.
- Enjoy with a refreshing iced tea or coconut water to balance the heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your shrimp pho later is easy!
Storing Leftovers
- Let the shrimp pho cool to room temperature.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Keep the broth separate from the noodles and toppings for best results.
Freezing
- Cool the shrimp pho completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze the broth and noodles separately.
- Consume within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating
- Thaw the broth in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the broth on the stove over medium heat.
- Cook noodles separately according to package instructions.
- Combine and add fresh toppings before serving.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What is in shrimp pho?
Shrimp pho is a delightful Vietnamese noodle soup that features fresh shrimp, rice noodles, and a flavorful broth made from herbs and spices. Common ingredients include ginger, garlic, star anise, and cilantro, which all contribute to its aromatic profile. You can also add vegetables like bean sprouts and green onions for extra texture and nutrition.
2. Is shrimp pho healthy?
Yes, shrimp pho can be a healthy meal option! It is typically low in calories and high in protein, thanks to the shrimp. The broth is often made with fresh herbs and spices, which can provide various health benefits. Additionally, you can customize your pho with plenty of vegetables to boost its nutritional value even further.
3. Is Seafood Pho a thing?
Absolutely! Seafood pho is a popular variation of traditional pho that includes a variety of seafood, such as shrimp, fish, and squid. This version offers a unique twist on the classic dish, allowing seafood lovers to enjoy the rich flavors of pho with their favorite ocean delicacies.
4. Does pho contain shrimp?
Yes, shrimp pho specifically contains shrimp as its main protein source. However, traditional pho can also feature other proteins like beef or chicken. If you’re a fan of seafood, shrimp pho is a delicious and satisfying option that highlights the sweet and savory flavors of shrimp in a comforting broth.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this easy shrimp pho recipe in your hands, it’s time to gather your loved ones and enjoy a bowl of warmth and flavor! This delightful dish is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. So, roll up your sleeves, get cooking, and savor every slurp of this comforting Vietnamese classic!