Phở gà—Vietnamese chicken noodle soup—is more than just a dish; it’s a warm embrace in a bowl, a taste of Vietnam’s soul. Found everywhere from humble street corners to elegant restaurants, phở gà is loved at breakfast, lunch, or even a late evening meal. Its delicate aroma and comforting broth make it almost impossible to tire of. Here’s a simple way to bring this iconic flavor into your own kitchen.
1. Ingredients
- Chicken: ½ hen (about 0.5 kg)
- Chicken skeleton: 1 set
- Onion: 1 bulb
- Lemongrass: 1 stalk
- Ginger: 1 small knob
- Star anise: 2 pods (or a small piece of cinnamon)
- Red onion: 2 bulbs
- Fish sauce, pepper, lemon, spices, and spring onion
2. Step-by-Step Cooking
Step 1 – Awaken the Aromas
Lightly grill the ginger, red onions, and half the onion until fragrant, then peel off the charred skin. Quickly toast the star anise to release its warm, sweet scent.
Step 2 – Build the Broth
Clean the chicken well, rubbing it with salt before rinsing. Place the chicken and chicken skeleton in a large pot, filling with enough water to cover. Add the grilled ginger, onions, star anise, and 1 tablespoon of seasoning powder. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat. Simmer for about 15 minutes, remove the chicken, and continue simmering the bones for another 15 minutes to deepen the broth’s sweetness.
Step 3 – Prepare the Chicken
Let the cooked chicken rest and drain, then slice it into tender bite-sized pieces.
Step 4 – Fresh Garnishes
Arrange coriander, bean sprouts, thinly sliced onion, chopped spring onion, pepper, and lemon wedges on a serving plate.
Step 5 – Assemble the Bowl
Place noodles into a bowl, layer on bean sprouts and onions, then gently ladle the steaming broth over the top.
Step 6 – Season to Your Liking
Add fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, chili, or pepper for that personal touch—and enjoy your homemade phở gà.
Bringing a pot of Vietnamese chicken noodle soup to life at home means more than following a recipe—it’s about capturing the warmth of a Hanoi morning or the comfort of a small-town eatery. With this easy guide, you can share a little piece of Vietnam with your family, one fragrant bowl at a time.
