Phở Gà Recipe (Vietnamese Chicken Phở)

Ingredients

• 2 medium white or yellow onions
• 20 g fresh ginger
• 2 star anise pods
• 2 tbsp coriander seeds
• 2 pods cardamom
• 1 tbsp fennel seeds
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tsp whole cloves
• 1 whole chicken
• 16 c water
• 2 1/2 tbsp salt
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tsp MSG
• 16 oz dried phở noodles
• bean sprouts
• Thai basil
• lemon or lime wedges
• ngò gai
• sliced jalapeños
• hoisin sauce
• Sriracha

Instructions

1. 1

   Cut 2 medium white or yellow onions in half and split 20 g fresh ginger in half (to expose more surface area for browning). Place on a sheet pan and roast in an oven on 400°F for 15-30 minutes or until dark brown but not blackened.

2. 2

   Wrap all spices in foil (2 star anise pods, 2 tbsp coriander seeds, 2 pods cardamom, 1 tbsp fennel seeds, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 tsp whole cloves) and bake 350°F for about 5 minutes or until warmed up and aromatic. OR roast on a pan medium heat, constantly mixing or shaking until lightly browned and aromatic.

3. 3

   Add the aromatics, spices, and all soup ingredients (1 whole chicken, 16 c water, 2½ tbsp salt, 2 tbsp sugar, 2 tsp MSG) into a large stock pot and bring to a boil on high heat. Once it hits a boil, lower the heat to maintain a low boil until the chicken is cooked all the way through. You can use a thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reads 165°F (or the juices run clear) at the thickest part of the chicken.

4. 4

   Remove the chicken from the pot once done and rinse under cold water for one minute to cool. This will prevent the chicken from getting dark. Once the chicken has cooled, shred or slice the meat into bite-sized pieces.

5. 5

   Cook the 16 oz dried phở noodles according to package instructions only just before you’re ready to serve it. Cooking the noodles usually take about 5 minutes after the water boils.

6. 6

   To assemble, start with portioning the noodles into a bowl, and then add the soup, shredded chicken. Serve the optional accoutrements on a plate on the side or in the soup (bean sprouts, Thai basil, lemon or lime wedges, ngò gai (culantro), sliced jalapeños, hoisin sauce, Sriracha).