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Pho, a beloved Vietnamese dish, is more than just a bowl of noodles and broth; it represents the heart and soul of Vietnamese culinary culture. The fragrant lemongrass chicken pho, in particular, stands out with its aromatic flavors, vibrant colors, and comforting warmth. This dish, characterized by its rich broth infused with fresh herbs and spices, captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine and has gained popularity around the globe.

Fragrant Lemongrass Chicken Pho

Discover the delicious world of Vietnamese comfort food with fragrant lemongrass chicken pho. This aromatic dish combines tender chicken, flat rice noodles, and a rich, flavorful broth, making it an ideal choice for any meal. Crafted with fresh ingredients like lemongrass, garlic, and herbs, it provides warmth and satisfaction in every bowl. Whether you're a cooking novice or a seasoned chef, this step-by-step guide will help you bring authentic flavors to your kitchen and impress your loved ones. Enjoy the culinary journey into one of Vietnam’s most cherished dishes!
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Ingredients
  

For the Broth:

1 medium onion, halved

2-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced into rounds

2 stalks of lemongrass, trimmed and smashed with the back of a knife

3 whole star anise

4 whole cloves

1 cinnamon stick

1 tablespoon fish sauce

8 cups chicken stock (homemade or store-bought)

Salt to taste

For the Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Freshly ground black pepper

For the Noodles and Toppings:

8 ounces rice noodles (bánh phở)

1 cup fresh bean sprouts

1 cup fresh basil leaves, washed and dried

1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, washed and dried

2 limes, cut into wedges

Sliced jalapeños (optional, for a spicy kick)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Broth:

    - In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the halved onion and sliced ginger until they develop a lovely char and become fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This step deepens the flavor of the broth.

      - In a large stockpot, combine the charred onion, ginger, smashed lemongrass, star anise, cloves, cinnamon stick, and chicken stock. Bring everything to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

        - Add the fish sauce and season with salt to your preference. Allow the broth to simmer uncovered for approximately 30 minutes, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully. After simmering, strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve to remove solids, returning the clear broth to the pot.

          Cook the Chicken:

            - While the broth is simmering, heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through.

              - Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board, let it rest for a few minutes, and then slice it thinly against the grain.

                Prepare the Noodles:

                  - Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions until they are firm to the bite (al dente). Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them immediately under cold water to halt the cooking process and prevent sticking.

                    Assemble the Pho:

                      - In each serving bowl, divide the cooked rice noodles evenly. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles, ensuring that each bowl receives a few slices of the aromatic chicken.

                        - Top each bowl with a generous handful of bean sprouts, fresh basil leaves, cilantro, and a couple of lime wedges. For those who enjoy spice, add sliced jalapeños as desired.

                          Serve:

                            - Serve your fragrant lemongrass chicken pho hot, garnished beautifully, and ready to be enjoyed!

                              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 1 hour | 4 servings