How to Make Seafood Pho: A Flavorful Vietnamese Delight

Are you craving a bowl of delicious and aromatic Vietnamese pho with a seafood twist? Seafood Pho is a delightful variation of the traditional beef or chicken pho, featuring a rich broth infused with fresh seafood and aromatic herbs. This guide will walk you through each step to create a hearty and flavorful Seafood Pho that’s perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

To prepare Seafood Pho, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Broth:

• 8 cups seafood stock (or water if seafood stock is not available)
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 onion (quartered)
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger (sliced)
• 2 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1-2 tablespoons sugar (to taste)

For the Pho:

• 1 pound (450g) of mixed seafood (such as shrimp, scallops, and squid)
• 8 ounces rice noodles (pho noodles or rice sticks)
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup cilantro leaves
• 1 lime (cut into wedges)
• 1 jalapeño or Thai chili (sliced, optional for heat)
• Hoisin sauce and Sriracha (for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Broth

Start by preparing the broth, which is the soul of your Seafood Pho. In a large pot, combine the seafood stock, fish sauce, onion, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, coriander seeds, black peppercorns, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

2. Prepare the Seafood

While the broth is simmering, prepare the seafood. Clean and devein the shrimp, slice the squid into rings, and rinse the scallops. Set aside.

3. Cook the Noodles

Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves boiling them for about 4-5 minutes or until tender. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to prevent sticking.

4. Strain the Broth

After simmering, strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot to remove the solids. Return the strained broth to the stove and keep it hot over low heat.

5. Cook the Seafood

Add the seafood to the hot broth and cook for about 3-4 minutes or until the seafood is cooked through. Shrimp should turn pink, scallops should be opaque, and squid should be tender.

6. Assemble the Pho

To serve, divide the cooked rice noodles among bowls. Ladle the hot broth and seafood over the noodles. Top each bowl with bean sprouts, fresh basil leaves, and cilantro leaves. Garnish with lime wedges and sliced jalapeño or Thai chili, if desired.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Seafood Pho with hoisin sauce and Sriracha on the side for added flavor and heat. Enjoy this comforting and aromatic dish!

Tips for Perfect Seafood Pho

• Use Fresh Seafood: Fresh seafood enhances the flavor of the pho. If using frozen seafood, make sure it is thawed and properly cleaned.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the broth before serving and adjust the seasoning with additional fish sauce, sugar, or lime juice as needed.
• Garnish Generously: Fresh herbs and lime add brightness and freshness to the dish, so don’t skimp on the garnishes.

Conclusion

Seafood Pho is a wonderful and flavorful twist on the classic Vietnamese noodle soup. With a fragrant broth, tender seafood, and fresh garnishes, it’s a dish that will warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds. Follow this recipe to create a delightful bowl of Seafood Pho that’s perfect for any occasion.

Enjoy your homemade Seafood Pho and happy cooking!