Pho Ga (Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup)

Pho Ga (Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup)

Ingredients:

For the Broth:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
• 1 large onion, halved
• 4-inch piece of ginger, halved lengthwise
• 6-8 cups water
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 3-4 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3-4 whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns

For the Noodles and Toppings:

• 1 package (14 ounces) dried or fresh flat rice noodles (bánh phở)
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2-3 green onions, sliced
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Fresh Thai basil leaves
• Fresh mint leaves (optional)
• Fresh bean sprouts
• Lime wedges
• Fresh chili slices (optional)
• Hoisin sauce and Sriracha (for serving, optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Broth:

1. Char the Aromatics: Over an open flame or in a broiler, char the onion and ginger until slightly blackened. This adds depth to the broth.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, add the whole chicken, charred onion, charred ginger, water, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, skimming off any foam that rises to the top.
3. Add Spices: Add the fish sauce, star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, coriander seeds, and peppercorns. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the broth simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
4. Remove the Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken meat into bite-sized pieces. Discard the skin and bones.
5. Strain the Broth: Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the solids, and return the clear broth to the pot. Adjust the seasoning with more fish sauce, salt, or sugar as needed.

2. Cook the Noodles:

1. Prepare the Noodles: Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. If using dried noodles, soak them in hot water until softened, then cook in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. Drain and set aside.

3. Assemble the Pho Ga:

1. Serve: Divide the cooked noodles among serving bowls.
2. Add Chicken and Broth: Top the noodles with shredded chicken, then ladle the hot broth over the top.
3. Add Toppings: Garnish with thinly sliced onions, green onions, fresh cilantro, Thai basil, and fresh bean sprouts.

4. Serve:

1. Serve the pho ga with lime wedges, fresh chili slices, and optional hoisin sauce or Sriracha on the side for extra flavor customization.

Enjoy:

1. Pho Ga is best enjoyed hot, with the fragrant broth and fresh herbs creating a deliciously balanced and aromatic soup.

Tips:

• Broth: For a clearer broth, blanch the chicken in boiling water for 5 minutes, then rinse before making the broth.
• Noodles: Fresh rice noodles are preferred, but dried noodles are a good alternative. Just be careful not to overcook them.
• Flavor Adjustments: Adjust the fish sauce, salt, and sugar to taste depending on your preference for a salty, sweet, or umami-rich broth.

This Pho Ga recipe is a delightful and comforting dish that brings the authentic flavors of Vietnamese cuisine right to your home. Enjoy!