shrimp pho soup recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best shrimp pho soup recipe

I’ve always been fascinated by the rich culinary history of Vietnam, and one of the dishes that has captured my heart is Pho, a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup. Pho is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, and its popularity has spread globally, with many restaurants and home cooks adapting this delicious recipe to suit their tastes. As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are not only easy to make but also pack a punch in terms of flavor and nutrition. Shrimp Pho Soup Recipe is one such recipe that has become a favorite in our household.

It’s a perfect blend of spices, herbs, and protein-rich shrimp that will leave you wanting more. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and customize to your taste preferences. As I experimented with this recipe, I discovered that the secret to a great Pho lies in the broth – it’s what makes or breaks the dish.

A good Pho broth should be clear, flavorful, and rich in umami taste. To achieve this, I use a combination of beef bones, onions, ginger, and fish sauce. The result is a broth that’s both savory and slightly sweet. One of the things I love about Pho is its versatility – you can customize it to suit any occasion or dietary preference.

In our household, we often have Pho for dinner or as a quick lunch option. It’s also an excellent way to use up leftover ingredients like vegetables or noodles. When serving Pho, I like to add some fresh herbs like basil or mint leaves on top for added freshness. In terms of health benefits, Pho is an excellent choice due to its high protein content from shrimp and vegetables like carrots and bell peppers.

Additionally, using lean protein sources like shrimp makes it an ideal option for those watching their cholesterol levels. My kids have also developed a taste for this recipe over time – they love the combination of flavors from the broth, noodles, and shrimp. As a parent, it’s wonderful to see them enjoy a meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. Shrimp Pho Soup Recipe has become a staple in our household due to its ease of preparation and adaptability to our taste preferences.

It’s an excellent option for meal prep or as a quick weeknight dinner solution.

Shrimp Pho Soup

4.6 from 1968 votes

A fragrant Vietnamese-inspired soup with tender shrimp, rice noodles, and a deeply aromatic broth infused with ginger, star anise, and cinnamon. This comforting bowl is topped with fresh herbs and bean sprouts for a bright finish.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Broth

6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 onion, halved
2-inch piece ginger, sliced
3 star anise
1 cinnamon stick
2 cloves garlic, smashed
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt to taste

For the Soup

8 ounces dried flat rice noodles (banh pho)
1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups bean sprouts
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1 cup fresh mint leaves
2 limes, cut into wedges
2 jalapeños, thinly sliced
Hoisin sauce and sriracha for serving

👨‍🍳Directions

1Char the onion and ginger under a broiler or over an open flame for 5 minutes until blackened.
2In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the charred onion, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, garlic, and broth; bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
3While the broth simmers, bring a medium pot of water to a boil.
4Add the rice noodles and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until tender but still chewy; drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
5Strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean pot, discarding the solids.
6Stir in fish sauce, sugar, and salt to taste; bring the broth back to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
7Add the shrimp to the simmering broth and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
8Divide the cooked noodles among 4 bowls, then ladle the hot broth and shrimp over the noodles.
9Top each bowl with bean sprouts, cilantro, mint, and jalapeño slices.
10Serve immediately with lime wedges, hoisin sauce, and sriracha on the side.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Fine-mesh strainer
Medium pot
Knife and cutting board
Serving bowls

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 4g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 180mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 55g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

For a richer broth, use homemade stock. Adjust fish sauce and sugar to balance saltiness and sweetness. If you prefer extra heat, add more jalapeño or a dash of sriracha.

Watch Video Of How Shrimp Pho Soup Works

To store leftovers, keep the broth, shrimp, and noodles in separate containers in the refrigerator. The broth will stay good for up to three days, but the shrimp and noodles are best eaten within a day.

When reheating, warm the broth on the stovetop and add the shrimp just until heated through to avoid overcooking. For the noodles, rinse them with hot water or microwave them briefly before adding to the broth.

For serving, I like to set out a platter of fresh herbs, lime wedges, bean sprouts, and sliced chili so everyone can customize their bowl. This soup works beautifully for family gatherings because it is easy to scale up and feels special without being fussy.

It is a warm, comforting meal that always gets compliments, and I am proud to share it with the people I love.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp Pho Soup

Q: What type of noodles should I use for Shrimp Pho Soup?

A: Traditionally, Pho noodles are made from rice flour and have a soft texture that pairs well with the rich broth. However, you can substitute these with other types of noodles like rice stick noodles or even egg noodles if you prefer.

Q: Can I use other types of protein instead of shrimp?

A: Yes! While shrimp is an excellent choice due to its high protein content and flavor profile, you can substitute it with chicken breast or thighs or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

Q: How do I store leftover Pho broth?

A: You can store leftover Pho broth in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. When reheating the broth, make sure it reaches boiling point before serving.

Q: Can I make Pho without using fish sauce?

A: Yes! If you don’t have fish sauce or prefer not to use it due to dietary restrictions or personal taste preferences, you can omit it from the recipe altogether.

Q: How do I know if my Pho broth is ready?

A: A good indicator of whether your broth is ready is when it reaches your desired consistency – if you prefer it thicker or thinner than usual.

Q: Can I serve Pho as an appetizer?

A: Yes! While Pho is typically served as a main course due to its filling nature and generous portion size,

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