Vietnamese Chicken Pho (Pho Ga)

A delicious and authentic Vietnamese chicken noodle soup with deep, rich flavors derived from simmering chicken and spices for a perfect broth.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Servings: 4 - 6 people

Full Ingredient List

  • 1 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
  • 2 onions, halved
  • 5cm piece ginger, sliced
  • 2 litres water
  • 1.5 kg chicken thighs, bone in skin on
  • 1 small bunch coriander/cilantro
  • 5 star anise pods
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4 cloves
  • 2 tsp fennel seeds
  • 2 tsp coriander seeds
  • 8 tsp fish sauce
  • 6 tsp white sugar
  • 3/4 tsp cooking salt
  • 360g dried rice noodles
  • 2 green onions stems, finely sliced
  • 3 cups bean sprouts
  • 1 small bunch EACH Thai Basil, mint, coriander/cilantro
  • 2 limes, cut into wedges
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Sriracha
  • Red chillies, finely sliced

Charred Aromatics

Tools and Equipment

  • Large pot

Ingredients

Quantity Name Preparation Notes Substitutions
1 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
2, halved onions skin on fine
5cm piece, sliced ginger unpeeled

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat oil in a large pot over high heat. Add onions and ginger facedown and leave undisturbed for 2 minutes until blackened. Turn and leave for another 2 minutes. (Tips: Ensure a good char for maximum flavor.)

Pho Soup Broth

Tools and Equipment

  • Large pot

Ingredients

Quantity Name Preparation Notes Substitutions
2 litres water
1.5 kg chicken thighs, bone in skin on or use a whole chicken
1 small bunch coriander/cilantro use stems plus some leaves for broth
5 star anise pods
1 cinnamon stick
4 cloves
2 tsp fennel seeds
2 tsp coriander seeds
8 tsp fish sauce
6 tsp white sugar
3/4 tsp cooking salt or 1/2 tsp table salt

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Add water and remaining broth ingredients to the pot, except for salt.
  2. Step 2: Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat. Simmer gently for 1.5 hours with the lid on but slightly open. (Tips: Scoop off scum that rises to the surface.)
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken, then strain broth into a clean pot and measure. Adjust the broth to 1.5 litres by reducing or adding water as necessary. (Tips: Maintain a gentle simmer, adding salt to taste.)

Additional Information

Notes: Ensure to use chicken with skin on and bone in for best broth flavor. Adjust toppings to your liking for the best experience.

Tags

Vietnamese Soup Chicken