She Strengthens

The Rise of Pho: A National Phenomenon

In recent years, Vietnamese noodle soup, pronounced “fah,” has taken the nation by storm. This flavorful dish, made with linguine-shaped rice noodles, herbs, and meat, has become a staple in many American households.

A Delicious Combination

Pho typically consists of a rich broth, served with a few simple yet aromatic herbs, and your choice of protein – in this case, succulent shrimp. To complete the meal, try pairing it with a refreshing Rice Paper Banh Mi with Lemongrass Pork, followed by a sweet treat like Vietnamese Coffee Ice Pops.

A Recipe to Savor

For a delicious and authentic pho experience, try this recipe that serves four:

Ingredients

• 8 oz thin rice noodles
• 1 tbsp canola oil
• 2 tbsp grated ginger root
• ½ tbsp chili-garlic paste
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 lemon peel strips
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground coriander
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 6 cups bok choy, leaves and stems separated
• 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

Optional Toppings

• Cilantro
• Jalapeno
• Lime
• Thai Basil
• Sriracha

Preparing the Perfect Pho

To begin, warm the canola oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the grated ginger and chili-garlic paste, stirring for 30 seconds to release the flavors. Next, stir in the sesame oil, chicken broth, lemon peel, soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, hoisin, and spices. Bring the mixture to a boil, then slowly add the bok choy leaves and stems. Once boiling again, add the shrimp and continue to simmer until they turn bright pink and the bok choy wilts, about 3-4 minutes.

Assembling the Dish

Prepare the rice noodles according to package directions and set aside. Divide the noodles evenly between four large bowls and ladle the hot soup into each bowl. Serve with your choice of optional garnishes and enjoy!