Phở hải sản (Seafood Pho)

Ingredients

• 8 cups (1.9 liters) fish or seafood broth 8 cups (1.9 liters) fish or seafood broth
• 1 onion, sliced 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced
• 2 star anise 2 star anise
• 2 cinnamon sticks 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 cloves 4 cloves
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 8 ounces (225g) rice noodles 8 ounces (225g) rice noodles
• 8 ounces (225g) shrimp, peeled and deveined 8 ounces (225g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 ounces (225g) squid, cleaned and sliced into rings 8 ounces (225g) squid, cleaned and sliced into rings
• 8 ounces (225g) white fish fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces 8 ounces (225g) white fish fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Fresh herbs (such as Thai basil, cilantro, and mint), bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sliced chili for garnish Fresh herbs (such as Thai basil, cilantro, and mint), bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sliced chili for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
2. 2.
   Add the star anise, cinnamon sticks, and cloves to the pot, and stir for a minute to release their flavors.
3. 3.
   Pour in the fish or seafood broth, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. 4.
   While the broth is simmering, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. 5.
   Add the shrimp, squid, and fish to the simmering broth. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the seafood is cooked through and tender.
6. 6.
   To serve, divide the cooked rice noodles among bowls. Ladle the seafood and broth over the noodles. Garnish with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sliced chili.
7. 7.
   Serve hot and enjoy the flavors of the sea in every spoonful.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice noodles — Make sure to follow the package instructions for cooking the rice noodles as they can vary in thickness. Overcooking can result in mushy noodles, while undercooking can make them too firm.
• Squid — To achieve tender squid, cook it quickly over high heat or simmer it gently in the broth. Overcooking can make the squid tough and rubbery.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a few slices of fresh chili or a drizzle of Sriracha sauce to your bowl of Pho.
• Customize your toppings by adding sliced onions, Thai basil, cilantro, or mint leaves according to your preference.
• If you prefer a stronger seafood flavor, you can enhance the broth by adding dried shrimp or fish sauce.
• To save time, you can use store-bought fish or seafood broth instead of making it from scratch.
• Leftover Pho can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the flavors.

Serving advice

Serve the Phở hải sản hot in individual bowls, allowing each person to garnish their bowl with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sliced chili according to their taste preferences. Provide chopsticks and spoons for a traditional Vietnamese dining experience.

Presentation advice

Present the Phở hải sản in beautiful ceramic bowls, showcasing the vibrant colors of the seafood, herbs, and garnishes. Arrange the fresh herbs and lime wedges neatly on a platter for guests to add to their bowls. Serve with a side plate of fresh bean sprouts and sliced chili for an added touch of freshness.