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
Ingredients
- 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.
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For more Asian recipes, check out my Pinterest board!
Edelle
This is the most delicious pho we have ever tasted. Hate to get it in a restaurant now when we can much it so wonderful at home and quite easily. Thank you!
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so happy you enjoy it so much!!!!
Rose
WOW!!! DELICIOUS!!
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Stacie G
Absolutely delicious!!
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so glad you liked it Stacie!!
Peggy
This was the best recipe! Thank you so much for sharing <3 Hubs loved this more than the local Pho restaurant
Liz DellaCroce
Ahhh that makes me so happy!!
Renia
What a tasty recipe!! Full of flavour and so easy to make! will defnitely do again :)
Liz DellaCroce
So glad you enjoyed it!
Phil
I finally found this recipe, about 4-5 years late
Sounds really good but I prefer lemon grass to lemon rind. How much lemon grass would you recommend?
Liz DellaCroce
So glad you found it!! I prefer lemongrass as well – I would use 1 tablespoon per four cups broth.
Miranda
Okay. This is the best thing I’ve ever eaten. I probably make it spicier and fill it with as much fresh cilantro as I possibly can but when I make this for my husband, he doesn’t speak. He just keeps saying, “this is the best thing I’ve ever eaten”. And it is. Thank you Liz for sharing it and enhancing our lives. Xxx
Liz DellaCroce
Oh my gosh thank you so much Miranda!! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!! !
Alicia
Reading this convinces me I must go to the store to pick up these ingredients ASAP and make this for dinner tonight! Can’t wait for a soothing bowl of shrimp pho.
Liz DellaCroce
Let me know what you think of it!
Alicia
We really enjoyed this! It makes 4 generous portions, which was great because we had leftovers for next day.Went to our local Asian market to pick up the ingredients for a value. Used enoki mushrooms instead of bean sprouts before serving which resemble delicate sprouts and add a hint of Unami. It was a fun date night activity! Quite spicy (especially with jalapeño and siracha to top) but we’re into that.
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!! Love the version you made!
Lisa
I came across your recipe on Pinterest and decided to try it… And I just had to come back and let you know that it was absolutely delicious! Im a huge fan of ethnic dishes but so many recipes require ingredients that are not easily accessible or expensive, so I appreciated the simplicity and practicality of this recipe. I will definitely make this again. Thanks for creating such a yummy and easy recipe!
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so thrilled you liked it Lisa!! Thank you so much for your kind comment!!
Jacquie
I am so glad to have finally found a great site that actually give a cholesterol count. Thank you so much, it makes my life much easier. :)
Liz DellaCroce
Oh I’m so glad!!! Enjoy!!
Alicia
So good!!
I just made it!!! I added scallions and mushrooms in the brooth and garnished with them both too.
Great TASTY easy recipe!!!
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so thrilled you loved it!! It’s on my weekly menu this week too!! Enjoy!
Lori
This was Phonomenal!!! Hub already asked me to make it again. I used jumbo shrimp but also added some thinly sliced grilled chicken, since I had it. Also added sliced mushrooms and spicy bean sprouts along with all of the other optional ingredients. Going in the “keeper” files, PHO sure! Thank you so much.
Liz DellaCroce
I love all of the items you added!! Sounds so good! Glad your husband enjoyed it!! It’s one of my absolute favs!! :)
Daryl
I just wanted to let you know I tried this one last night and it worked great! Because I had so much minced fresh ginger and I used ground spices, I actually put the broth through a sieve before proceeding by adding in the shrimp. I like the broth a bit more clear if that makes sense. I just made sure I simmered it a bit longer so all the tastes were infused before discarding the spices. I will definitely try it again!
Liz DellaCroce
That is so great to hear and such a wonderful tip!! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Deborah McClellan
I’m so glad I found your recipes, especially this one. I made this with a few substitutions: I love squid so got some fresh squid from Whole Foods, I also used scallops and mussels in addition to the shrimp. I used a delicious seafood base instead of chicken broth, and I love the sweet and sour flavor tamarind gives dishes so added some tamarind as well. I’ve eaten Pho for years and never thought I could make it but thanks to your recipe I realize how easy it is. Also, my nail technician talked me into it. He kept telling me I could make it so I thought I’d give it a try. Thanks so much for making this delicious recipe available. I’m trying the fresh spring wraps next!
Liz DellaCroce
I love squid too – what an awesome idea!!! I wish we lived closer to a whole foods. So glad you enjoyed this recipe!! Let me know if you try the spring rolls!!
Shelia
I know you love this soup so this is probably a silly question but do you know if this freezes well? It’s just me at home and I don’t eat much so, 4 servings would really end up be like 8 and while I love Pho not sure if I want to eat it 8 times in a row…
Linda
It does freeze well – I’ve done it several times
Liz DellaCroce
Yes very well!! So glad!
priskilla
very nice
Southern Spoon Belle
Made this tonight for dinner because the hubs was feeling under the weather, and I find that pho always makes you feel better. We both loved it! Didn’t have hoisin on hand so I subbed oyster sauce, and we also added some thinly sliced mushrooms along with the bok choy. I think I might tone down the cloves just a tad next time, though the hubs thought they were spot on. Great recipe, will make this often!
Liz DellaCroce
Oh I’m so glad you enjoyed it!!! Just reading your comment has me craving it again!! Love the idea of mushrooms and bok choy!! Thanks so much!
sally hessenius
I have always been a soup lover. Lately i have been totally hooked on Pho. Recently I took a trip to San Diego to an authentic noodle house and now I crave it all the time. Looking forward to trying this version. Thanks so much!!
Liz DellaCroce
Oh I hope you enjoy this easy version!!
Jennifer
Are you sure there’s only 8 cups of the noodle soup we are making it at the moment and there’s only a bit of broth and a lot of extra ingredients, but other than that it taste great
Jen
Made this today and it was deeelicious!! I was worried it wouldn’t come out right since I’ve never made it before/didn’t even know what bok choy was or where to find it, but it was so good :) I’ve been craving pho for a while and this hit the spot. Can’t wait to see what my Vietnamese mom thinks of it!!
Liz DellaCroce
Oh I’m so glad to hear!!! We love it too! How did it go over?!
Linda
I had never had Pho before, but my daughter loves it. She gave me this recipe and asked me to make it. I used chicken instead of shrimp, and we are eating it right now. It is really good. I especially like the crunch of the bean sprouts. The flavor is delicious. My husband said he would go to a restaurant for this, he likes it that much:)
Liz DellaCroce
Oh I am so glad to hear!! It is one of my favorites too!!!
Brigitte
I just made this soup is so flavorful ! my bf ate two bowls and I did too. My favorite part was the broth.
Liz DellaCroce
Oh I’m so glad to hear!!! It is one of my favorites as well!
Rachael {SimplyFreshCooking}
I’ve been dyiiiiiiiiiiiing to try Pho. I’ve never even had it in a restaurant, Liz!! Every time I see it on a blog, it looks sooo flipping good. I love how your recipe is a fast preperation… who has time to do all that work during the week?! I’ll add this to my food to-do list! Thanks for the awesome recipe! :)
Liz DellaCroce
You have GOT to make pho!!!!! Now!!!
Sarah | The Chef Next Door
Yum, this looks so good and comforting! I want a big bowl right now. :)
Liz DellaCroce
You would love it! So comforting!
Tieghan
I love Thai food and this looks awesome!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you – I hope you enjoy!!
Aggie
I need pho in my life. I can’t believe I’ve never had it. This looks fantastic!!
Liz DellaCroce
Yes you do!!!! Seriously. This weekend you must get it!
claire @ the realistic nutritionist
I crave pho ALL THE FREAKING TIME.
Liz DellaCroce
Me too!!! It’s seriously such an addictive food!
Stefanie @ Sarcastic Cooking
I just had my first pho, beef pho. I loved it so much. It is something about those intense spice flavors that just warms your soul. I can’t wait to try the shrimp version!
Liz DellaCroce
I couldn’t agree more!!
The Healthy Apple
This looks great Liz; I love soup especially in this chilly weather. Hope you are having a great week! oxox
Liz DellaCroce
Same to you friend!!
Alaina @ Fabtastic Eats
Ive never tried pho..but I’ve always been curious about it! I like your faster one! Im going to have to try it out soon!
kirsten@FarmFreshFeasts
Liz,
Love pho!
Your comment about lemongrass instantly has me wondering if I can freeze the lemongrass I get in my CSA farm share in the summer (decidedly NOT Pho season for me) for use in the winter. I will investigate this year. I usually make sun tea with it, which is good, but Pho would be better.
Thanks!
Liz DellaCroce
That’s a great idea!! I wouldn’t be surprised if it froze well! I freeze ginger all the time!!
Sandy @ RE
Liz. Fantastic! I wish you’d make this for our family for dinner this week. Yes? No? ha ha. Really nice!
Liz DellaCroce
I’d be happy to…will you set the table? ;)
carrian
I just became a pho lover and I already have most of these ingredients. BOOM!
Liz DellaCroce
Isn’t that the best part? I almost always have the ingredients around too. Let me know what you think!!
ashley - baker by nature
I crave Pho like 24/7!!!! Must-make-this SOON!
Liz DellaCroce
Umm..me too!!! I just can’t get enough!!
Julie @ Table for Two
I LOVE PHO!! I’m so thrilled you posted this recipe!! I really have been dying to make it at home instead of going out to eat it. They put WAY too much salt in the broth at Pho places and I’m glad I can tailor it at home now :)
Liz DellaCroce
You’re totally right!! I’m always so thirsty afterwards – lol.
Amy (Savory Moments)
I love Pho, too – your shrimp version looks really flavorful and tasty!
Nicole @ LiveEatSmileRepeat
Wow! I love this!!
Kristen
I’ve never made Pho but now I need to make some for sure! Or Pho sure ;)
Dara
Love this recipe! Lightned up pho is perfect. What a lovely soup.
Sues
I LOVE pho, but have never made my own for some reason. This one looks great and I love the fact that it’s garnished with jalapenos :)
Liz DellaCroce
Those are my favorite part too!!! Mmm love spicy. :)
Alyssa (Everyday Maven)
YUM. This looks amazing. Shrimp Pho is my absolute favorite. How about Pho is like the unofficial soup of Seattle? I didn’t know that till after I moved here but it’s a thing and there is pretty much a Pho place for every Starbucks (which means every block lol).
Liz DellaCroce
I’m not surprised!!! I wish we had as many pho places!!
Jeanette
I love soup noodles in general, but I especially love the fragrance of pho broth and all the fresh toppings.
Liz DellaCroce
I could drink the broth daily – you’re right, the fresh toppings make it!!
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen
I want a big bowl of comfort!!
Liz DellaCroce
Me too sista!!!
Jamie @ Thrifty Veggie Mama
I have actually never tried Pho! I need to remedy that. Looks like something hubby and I would love, minus the shrimp :)
Liz DellaCroce
You absolutely MUST remedy it!!! Let me know what you think!!
Reem | Simply Reem
Perfect!
I love pho… But this one is going to be my favorite as I am going little lighter on red meat and Shrimps are my first love… seriously…LOL
B/W I am loving your new banner, I saw it on FB too… Look’s really nice :)
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you so much – I appreciate it!!!! And yes, I have never made it with beef either but make it with shrimp or chicken all the time!!
katie
ok, confession. I’ve never had pho! I’m sure its amazing but some how I’ve missed this train. Need to try stat!
addie | culicurious
Of course you already know I’m also a “pho-natic!” I love this recipe and how quick it is to prepare. Shrimp is also always a winner in my book. Great job! :)
Julia
I love Asian soups..love them! I have a place near my work that serves up huge bowls of soup, like this. I actually haven’t tried pho but it is on my list. This looks healthy and delicious.
Liz DellaCroce
You MUST try pho next!! Trust me on this one!!!
Sommer@ASpicyPerspective
LOVE LOVE LOVE Pho!
Liz DellaCroce
Me too!! Isn’t it the best? :)
Paula - bell'alimento
I need a spoon …
Liz DellaCroce
Yes you do!!! xo
Ali | Gimme Some Oven
Oh YUM! Pho is one of my all-time favorite comfort foods. The broth is my favorite part! :)
This sounds fabulous, Liz!
Liz DellaCroce
Me too!!! I could eat it daily!! The broth is the best. Now I want it right now!!!!
Cassie | Bake Your Day
I think I have almost everything already in my pantry. I want some now!!
Liz DellaCroce
That’s the best thing about this soup – I almost always have stuff to make it and can either add chicken or shrimp based on what I have!! Let me know if you try it :)