Shrimp Pho

Shrimp Pho

Shrimp pho is a delicious variation of the traditional Vietnamese noodle soup, showcasing the delicate sweetness of shrimp in a fragrant, aromatic broth.

Pho is a beloved dish that combines rice noodles, herbs, and flavorful broth, often made with beef or chicken. This shrimp version is lighter but still packs all the rich, complex flavors that make pho so special.

With a rich broth made from simmered shrimp shells and fragrant spices like cinnamon, star anise, and ginger, shrimp pho is a comforting yet refreshing dish that is perfect for any occasion.

This recipe is quick to prepare and allows you to enjoy all the heartwarming flavors of traditional pho, with the added benefit of shrimp, which cooks quickly and provides a light protein. Ideal for a cozy weeknight meal or a flavorful lunch, shrimp pho will transport your taste buds to Vietnam with every bite.

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (reserve shells for broth)

5 cups low-sodium chicken broth or seafood stock

1 onion, halved

3-4 slices fresh ginger, smashed

2 star anise

1 cinnamon stick

3-4 cloves

1 tablespoon fish sauce

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon sugar

8 ounces rice noodles (pho noodles or other thin rice noodles)

2-3 spring onions, chopped

1 cup bean sprouts

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped

1-2 red chilies, sliced (optional, for heat)

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (for serving)

1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (for serving)

How to Make Shrimp Pho

Make the Broth:

In a large pot, heat the shrimp shells (from the peeled shrimp) over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to release their natural flavors. Add the chicken broth or seafood stock to the pot, along with the halved onion, ginger slices, star anise, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing the broth to absorb the flavors of the spices and shrimp shells.

Prepare the Rice Noodles:

While the broth is simmering, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, you’ll need to boil them for just 2-3 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the noodles aside.

Prepare the Shrimp:

While the broth is simmering, prepare the shrimp. Once the broth is ready, strain out the solids (shrimp shells, spices, and vegetables) to leave a clear, flavorful broth. Bring the strained broth back to a gentle simmer, then add the shrimp. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked.

Assemble the Pho:

Divide the cooked rice noodles between serving bowls. Top the noodles with the cooked shrimp, and ladle the hot broth over the top. Add a few teaspoons of fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar to balance the flavors if necessary.

Garnish and Serve:

Garnish the pho with chopped spring onions, cilantro, basil, and a handful of fresh bean sprouts. Squeeze a lime wedge over the top for brightness and extra flavor. For heat, add sliced red chilies. Serve with hoisin sauce and sriracha on the side, allowing guests to adjust the spiciness and sweetness to their liking.

Chef’s Note

Broth: The key to a flavorful pho broth is the combination of simmering shrimp shells and spices. Don’t skip the step of roasting the shells before boiling them—they help bring out the depth of flavor in the broth.

Shrimp Variations: If you don’t have fresh shrimp on hand, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them before cooking. Alternatively, you could use other seafood like fish fillets or scallops, or even a combination of both.

Noodle Options: Pho noodles are traditional, but you can also use any thin rice noodles you have on hand. Just be sure to cook them according to the package instructions and rinse them under cold water to prevent them from becoming sticky.

Herb Variations: Pho is often garnished with fresh herbs, so feel free to experiment with other herbs like mint or Thai basil. The more herbs, the better!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, 1/4 of Recipe)

Calories: 280

Protein: 24g

Carbohydrates: 30g

Fat: 8g

Fiber: 2g

Sodium: 850mg

Conclusion

Shrimp pho is a light yet flavorful twist on the traditional Vietnamese pho, offering a comforting bowl of delicious broth, tender shrimp, and fresh herbs. The combination of aromatic spices and the sweetness of shrimp makes this dish a real treat, while the fresh toppings of cilantro, basil, and bean sprouts give it a burst of freshness with every bite. It’s a perfect dish to enjoy any time of year—whether you’re craving something cozy on a cold night or a light, satisfying meal on a warm day. Enjoy this fragrant, flavorful pho with a squeeze of lime and a dash of hoisin and sriracha for a truly authentic experience.