Shrimp Pho : This is a delightful Vietnamese-inspired soup that brings together the fresh, sweetness of shrimp with the aromatic warmth of a richly spiced broth. Topped with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime, every bowl is a journey of bold, refreshing flavors that will have you savoring every last sip.
What is Shrimp Pho?
Shrimp Pho (or “Pho Tom”) is a variation of traditional Vietnamese pho, where shrimp is used instead of beef or chicken. It features a savory broth, often simmered with aromatics like ginger, onion, and spices such as star anise and cinnamon, combined with tender rice noodles, succulent shrimp, and garnished with fresh herbs, lime, and other toppings.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Shrimp Pho
- Char the Aromatics: Charring the ginger and onions is crucial for adding depth to your broth.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly—be sure to remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Customize the Heat: If you like your pho spicy, add more sliced jalapenos or a generous squirt of Sriracha.
- Make in Advance: The broth can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat and add fresh shrimp and noodles when you’re ready to serve.
Variations of Shrimp Pho
While this recipe is a great base, there are several ways to customize it:
Pho Tom with Lemongrass: Infuse the broth with a few stalks of bruised lemongrass for an extra citrusy flavor that pairs beautifully with shrimp.
Spicy Shrimp Pho: Add a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce to the broth for a spicier kick.
Shrimp Pho with Coconut Milk: For a creamier, Thai-inspired pho, add 1 cup of coconut milk to the broth.
How to Serve Shrimp Pho
Shrimp Pho is typically served in a large, deep bowl with all the toppings laid out on the side. This way, everyone can customize their pho to their liking. Common accompaniments include:
- Hoisin sauce: Sweet and salty, it pairs well with the delicate flavors of the shrimp.
- Sriracha: A spicy chili sauce for those who like a bit of heat.
- Lime wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime brightens up the dish.
- Bean sprouts: Added for crunch and freshness.
- Fresh herbs: Cilantro, Thai basil, and mint are essential for that authentic Vietnamese flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Pho
Reheating: Reheat the broth on the stove until simmering, then add the shrimp and noodles just before serving to warm them through without overcooking.
Storage: If you have leftovers, store the broth, noodles, and shrimp separately. This prevents the noodles from becoming soggy and the shrimp from overcooking. The broth can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, while the noodles and shrimp should be eaten within 1-2 days.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw the shrimp properly before cooking by running cold water over them or leaving them in the refrigerator overnight.
How can I make the broth more flavorful?
For a more intense broth, you can simmer it longer—up to 2 hours. You can also add a seafood stock cube for an extra boost of flavor.
Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! If you’re not in the mood for shrimp, you can substitute it with chicken, tofu, or even fish. However, keep in mind that cooking times will vary depending on the protein.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, rice noodles are gluten-free, and as long as you ensure your fish sauce is gluten-free, Shrimp Pho is a safe option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Shrimp Pho
Shrimp Pho : This is a delightful Vietnamese-inspired soup that brings together the fresh, sweetness of shrimp with the aromatic warmth of a richly spiced broth. Topped with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime, every bowl is a journey of bold, refreshing flavors that will have you savoring every last sip.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp (thawed or fresh)
- 1 ½ quarts vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise pod
- 1-inch piece ginger, sliced
- 8 oz white mushrooms, halved
- 1 small head of cauliflower or broccoli, cut into florets (about 3 cups)
- 6 oz thin rice noodles
- 1 bunch cilantro (stems for broth, leaves for garnish)
- Salt to taste
- Garnish Ideas: Lime wedges, sliced jalapeño, mung bean sprouts, fresh mint, Thai basil, scallions, sriracha, or hoisin sauce.
Instructions
- Thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry.
- If using fresh shrimp, peel and save the shells for added flavor in the broth.
- Combine broth, fish sauce, soy sauce, cinnamon stick, star anise, sliced ginger, and (optional) shrimp shells in a medium saucepan.
- Add cilantro stems and simmer for 20–25 minutes.
- Strain out the solids with a slotted spoon for a smooth, fragrant broth.
- While the broth simmers, soak rice noodles in hot water according to package instructions (usually 3–5 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Add mushrooms and cauliflower to the simmering broth and cook until tender, about 4–5 minutes.
- Stir in shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes, until pink and firm.
- Divide rice noodles into serving bowls. Add shrimp and veggies on top.
- Ladle the warm, aromatic broth over the noodles.
- Garnish with your favorite toppings and serve with lime wedges and sriracha for an extra kick.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 427Total Fat 3gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 241mgSodium 2246mgCarbohydrates 61gFiber 17gSugar 15gProtein 39g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp Pho is a delightful, lighter take on traditional pho, perfect for seafood lovers or anyone looking for a refreshing yet comforting meal. With a rich broth, tender shrimp, and fresh herbs, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold day or serving it as a light summer meal, Shrimp Pho delivers on flavor, versatility, and authenticity.
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