Tiếng ViệtIn the vibrant culinary tapestry of Vietnam, few dishes capture the essence of the nation’s flavors quite like the beloved seafood pho. This iconic noodle soup combines a rich, aromatic broth with an enticing medley of fresh seafood and fragrant herbs, creating a harmonious fusion of tastes and textures that tantalize the senses.
What is seafood pho?
Seafood pho is a delectable variation of the classic Vietnamese pho noodle soup, showcasing the country’s abundant coastal bounty. Rather than the traditional beef or chicken, this version features a variety of succulent seafood as its star ingredient.
Each type of seafood pho brings its unique character to the dish:
- Shrimp pho (Pho seafood tom): The sweet, delicate flavor of shrimp pairs beautifully with the rich broth, creating a light yet satisfying bowl.
- Fish pho (Pho seafood ca): Flaky, tender fish fillets lend a subtle oceanic essence to the soup, perfectly complementing the aromatic herbs.
- Mixed seafood pho: A medley of shrimp, fish, squid, and other seafood delights come together in a harmonious celebration of flavors and textures.
More information: Crab pho recipe: How to create the perfect bowl at home
Ingredients of seafood pho
To create an authentic seafood pho, you’ll need a combination of fresh seafood, aromatic herbs and spices, and a few essential ingredients:
Seafood
Prepare seafood
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Fish fillets (such as cod, halibut, or tilapia)
- Squid (optional)
- Scallops (optional)
Essential herbs and spices
Herbs and spices
- Star anise
- Cinnamon sticks
- Fennel seeds
- Coriander seeds
- Cloves
- Fresh ginger
- Fish sauce
- Lime juice
Other ingredients
Other ingredients for seafood pho
- Rice noodles
- Beef or chicken broth
- Yellow onions
- Green onions
- Cilantro
- Thai basil
- Bean sprouts
- Lime wedges
Detailed recipe for making classic seafood pho at home
Here are detailed instructions for making an authentic classic seafood pho at home:
Preparing the seafood
- Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails intact for a beautiful presentation.
- Rinse the fish filets under cold water, pat dry with paper towels, and cut into bite-sized chunks.
- If using squid, clean it by removing the tentacles, body pouch, and plastic-like quill from inside. Slice the squid’s bodies into rings.
- Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat dry.
Making the broth
Making the broth of seafood pho
- In a large pot, combine beef or chicken broth, sliced yellow onions, ginger slices, star anise, cinnamon sticks, fennel seeds, coriander seeds, and cloves.
- Bring the broth to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve, discard the solids, and return the broth to the pot.
- Season the broth with fish sauce and lime juice to taste.
Assembling the noodle bowls
- Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- Divide the cooked noodles among serving bowls.
- Bring the broth back to a simmer and add the seafood. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the seafood is cooked through and opaque.
- Ladle the hot broth and seafood over the noodles in each bowl.
Garnishing and serving
Serving the seafood pho
- Top each bowl with fresh herbs like cilantro, Thai basil, and sliced green onions.
- Serve with lime wedges, bean sprouts, and other desired toppings like sliced chilies or hoisin sauce on the side.
- Encourage diners to customize their pho by squeezing fresh lime juice and adding herbs and toppings to their liking.
Remember, the key to a flavorful seafood pho lies in using the freshest seafood possible and allowing the aromatic broth to gently simmer and infuse with the fragrant spices. Serve the pho piping hot, garnished generously with fresh herbs and accompaniments, for an authentic and delightful Vietnamese dining experience.
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Tips for making a perfect seafood pho bowl
- Use the freshest seafood available for optimal flavor and texture. Look for shrimp with a firm, slightly crisp texture and a sweet, briny aroma. Fish fillets should have a vibrant color and a clean, ocean-fresh scent. Opt for sustainable and responsibly sourced seafood whenever possible.
- Adjust the seasoning with fish sauce and lime juice to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. Fish sauce adds an umami depth and salt content, while lime juice brightens the broth with its citrusy tang. Taste and adjust the amounts as needed to suit your personal preference.
Cook the seafood
- Cook the seafood gently by simmering it in the hot broth until it turns opaque and firm. Overcooking can result in arubbery texture. Remove the seafood from the heat as soon as it’s cooked through to maintain its tender, succulent quality.
- For an extra depth of flavor, consider charring or grilling the seafood before adding it to the broth. The smoky notes from the char or grill marks will complement the aromatic broth beautifully.
- Serve the pho piping hot, encouraging diners to customize their bowls with the provided garnishes and condiments. Offer extras like sliced chilies, hoisin sauce, or Sriracha for those who enjoy an added kick of heat or a touch of sweetness.
Pairing and serving suggestions for seafood pho
Recommended sides and appetizers
Fresh Vietnamese spring rolls (Gỏi cuốn)
These light and refreshing rice paper rolls, filled with shrimp, herbs, and vermicelli noodles, make an excellent starter or accompaniment to seafood pho. The cool, crisp texture provides a nice contrast to the warm, aromatic soup.
Crispy fried imperial rolls (Chả giò)
Crispy fried imperial rolls
Crunchy on the outside and filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, shrimp, and vegetables, these fried rolls offer a delightful textural contrast and complementary flavors to the seafood pho.
Papaya salad with shrimp (Gỏi đu đủ tôm thịt)
This vibrant salad combines shredded green papaya, shrimp, carrots, and a tangy dressing made with fish sauce, lime juice, and chilies. Its refreshing flavors and crunchy texture make it an excellent accompaniment to the rich, aromatic pho broth.
Wine and beverage pairings
Dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer
The floral and fruity notes of these white wines harmonize beautifully with the aromatic spices in the pho broth, while their crisp acidity cuts through the richness of the seafood.
Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
The bright, citrusy flavors and refreshing acidity of these white wines complement the fresh herbs and seafood in the pho, creating a balanced and refreshing pairing.
Vietnamese iced coffee (Cà phê sữa đá)
Vietnamese iced coffee
This traditional Vietnamese beverage, made with strong-brewed coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and poured over ice, offers a bold and refreshing contrast to the savory seafood pho broth.
Jasmine tea
For a non-alcoholic option, fragrant jasmine tea can provide a soothing and complementary accompaniment to the aromatic pho, allowing the flavors of the broth and seafood to shine.
More information: How to make the perfect turkey pho: A step-by-step guide
Conclusion
Seafood pho embodies the essence of Vietnamese cuisine, showcasing the harmonious interplay of flavors and textures. With its aromatic broth, fresh seafood, and fragrant herbs, this iconic dish offers a truly satisfying and nutritious culinary experience.
If you’re seeking convenient yet delicious Vietnamese fare, explore the offerings from AK FOOD, including their ready-to-eat pho and hu tieu (Vietnamese noodle soup) packets. These portable options allow you to savor the authentic flavors of Vietnamese cuisine anytime, anywhere.
Embrace the captivating flavors of seafood pho, and embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant tastes of Vietnam – one slurp at a time.
For any inquiries, please feel free to reach out to us through the following channels:
Anh Kim Food Production Joint Stock Company (AK FOOD)
Phone number: 028 3815 9696
Email: contact@akfood.com.vn
Address: Lot III – 1B, Street 1, Tan Binh Industrial Park, Tan Phu District, Ho Chi Minh City