One of the beautiful aspects of Vietnamese cuisine lies in the balance of flavors and the exceptional use of fresh ingredients. Let me introduce you to this Vietnamese Prawn Noodle Soup recipe, which is a quick and healthy option for your meals. Also known as Pho, this wholesome, warming broth is filled with prawns, rice noodles, and an amalgamation of flavorful spices that can quickly gather applause on your dinner table.
The preparation time of this wonderful dish is just around 8 minutes while the cooking time is approximately 20 minutes. This simple and fuss-free recipe is ideal for serving up to four folks.
Here are all the ingredients you need to kick off your Vietnamese culinary journey:
– Stock: We’ll start with 1.5 liters of good quality chicken, beef, or vegetable stock.
– Spices: For the flavorful kick, we’ll need three finely chopped garlic cloves, two finely chopped red chilies (deseeded if desired), 3 cm piece of freshly peeled and finely chopped ginger, 10 black peppercorns, three whole cloves, two-star anise, and a small cinnamon stick.
– Lemongrass: The aromatic magic of lemongrass could never be denied, and thus, it’s deemed as one crucial ingredient. We’ll be needing two sticks of lemongrass (the first two layers removed), finely chopped.
– Sauces: 3 tbsp of soy sauce and optionally, 1-4 tsp of fish sauce is required.
– Noodles and Prawns: 300g of rice noodles and 400g of raw, peeled king prawns will also be needed.
– Lime: The juice of lime helps in balancing the flavors delicately. So, remember to squeeze in the juice of 1 small lime.
– For the finishing touch, have Sriracha and/or hoisin sauce, along with a small handful of fresh Thai basil leaves.
Now, let’s get cooking!
First, put your chosen stock in a large pan along with the garlic, chilies, lemongrass, ginger, soy sauce, peppercorns, cloves, star anise, and the cinnamon stick. Bring this aromatic amalgamation to a boil and then reduce the heat to let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Next, introduce the rice noodles and continue to simmer as per the instructions stated on their packet. Go-ahead to add the prawns in the pan about 3-4 minutes before the noodle’s cooking time culminates. By the end of this process, your noodles should be tender, and the prawns should have turned pink and cooked satisfactorily.
Now, if you prefer, you can remove the peppercorns, whole cloves, star anise, and the cinnamon stick. Stir in the lime juice and then taste the divine soup. You could add more soy sauce or fish sauce if needed, but be sure to taste as you add.
Finally, divide your delicious Vietnamese Prawn Noodle soup among four serving bowls. Serve the bowls forthwith, garnished with remaining chilies and a scattering of Thai basil leaves, if using.
With these easy steps, you can transport yourself and your family to the vibrant streets of Vietnam, right from the comfort of your kitchen. This Vietnamese Prawn Noodle Soup, not only offers an extraordinary dining experience but also affords the benefits of freshness and health in every spoonful.
