Shrimp Pho – Vietnamese Noodle Soup

My Shrimp Pho is a faster, easier weeknight version that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen making the traditional bone-marrow broth. This aromatic shrimp noodle soup is warm, satisfying and full of flavor thanks to all of the herbs and spices.

When I was pregnant, I craved pho (pronounced “fuh”)  all. the. time. To this day, I continue to crave it and make it at home at least 2-3 times a month. Pho is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup made with beef or chicken broth. Just like every Italian has a different meatball recipe, every bowl of pho will taste slightly different depending on who prepares the dish. Of course, there’s much more to it than that so here is The Evolution of Pho.

Why do I crave it? The intensely flavored broth is full of warm toasted spices, fresh flavors, and aromatics. As you slurp the rice noodles, warm broth and bright herbs, you are instantly transported to another world. A delicious and happy world.

My Shrimp Pho is a faster, easier weeknight version that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen making the traditional bone-marrow broth. I leave that to the experts at my favorite local Vietnamese restaurant. ;-) Instead, I rely on a few shortcuts like boxed chicken stock and often use shrimp or chicken instead of beef. Additionally, I like throwing in leafy greens at the end such as bok choy or spinach.

There are a million and one ways to make pho and in fact, my version continues to evolve over time. There’s my Vietnamese Chicken Soup (Faux Pho) which I made before I learned the secret about toasting the spices. Another tip? Garnish with thinly sliced onion. I learned that one recently at my local nail salon when the owner of the shop shared a bowl of her homemade soup!

Lastly, lemon peel is a great substitute for lemongrass which adds a ton of flavor and doesn’t require a trip to the Asian market. Although Asian markets are probably one of my favorite places on the planet. :)

Your bowl is waiting.

Shrimp Pho – Vietnamese Noodle Soup

My Shrimp Pho is a faster, easier weeknight version that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen making the traditional bone-marrow broth.

4.58 from 63 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 30 mins

Total Time 40 mins

Course Soup

Cuisine Vietnamese

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 8 oz rice noodles thin or pad thai style
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds or 1/2 teaspoon ground
• 2 cloves whole or 1/4 teaspoon ground
• 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns or 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons ginger root minced
• 1/2 tablespoon chili garlic paste
• 8 cups chicken broth low sodium
• 2 strips lemon peel use carrot peeler
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce low sodium
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 8 cups bok choy stem thinly sliced & leaves roughly chopped
• 1 lb shrimp raw

Optional Garnishes

• thinly sliced onion
• slices jalapeno
• cilantro
• lime wedges
• hoisin sauce
• sriracha
• bean sprouts
• Thai basil

Instructions

 

• Prepare rice noodles according to package directions and set aside.
• Toast coriander, cloves and peppercorns in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes or until they become aromatic. Remove from heat and crush with mortar and pestle or spice grinder; set aside.
• In a large soup pot, warm sesame oil over medium heat for 30-60 seconds until it starts to shimmer. Add ginger and chili garlic paste then stir for 30 seconds to release flavors.
• Stir in chicken broth, lemon peel, soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, hoisin, cinnamon and reserved toasted spices. Bring mixture to a boil then add shrimp and bok choy.
• Continue to simmer until shrimp turns bright pink and bok choy wilts – about 3-4 minutes. Check for seasoning and add salt/pepper/soy if necessary.
• Divide rice noodles evenly between four large bowls and ladle soup into each bowl.
• Serve with optional garnishes.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 31.9gFat: 6.3gSaturated Fat: 0.6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5.7gCholesterol: 156mgSodium: 1839mgFiber: 3.1gSugar: 3.2g

Keyword make your own pho, noodle soup, seafood pho soup, shrimp pho

Related Posts:

• Asian Noodle Soup with Shrimp and Wontons
• Vietnamese Shrimp Noodle Bowl
• Thai Tom Yum Soup with Shrimp
• Soba Noodle Broth Bowls with Shrimp and Bok Choy
• 15 Healthy Recipes Using Frozen Shrimp
• 15 Freezer-Friendly Soup Recipes

Did you make this?If so tag @thelemonbowl using the hashtag #thelemonbowl to be featured!

For more Asian recipes, check out my Pinterest board!