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Spicy Shrimp Pho

Print recipeSpicy Shrimp Pho with shrimp and noodles

A light yet flavorful Vietnamese-inspired pho featuring shrimp, rice noodles, and a spicy-sweet aromatic broth infused with star anise, lemongrass, and lime.

Prep time
10 minutes
Cook time
20 minutes
Total time
30 minutes
Yield
4 servings

Ingredients

  8 ounces rice noodles 1 tbsp oil 3 star anise 1 cinnamon stick 1 tsp ginger, minced 4 garlic cloves, minced 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium) 1 tbsp fish sauce 1 tbsp soy sauce 1 stalk lemongrass 1 jalapeño, sliced and divided 12 ounces large shrimp, peeled and deveined (save shells) 2–3 bok choy leaves, chopped 2 tbsp lime juice 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped Optional: 1 cup mushrooms, thinly sliced  

Instructions

 
  1. Step 1: Prepare noodles – Cook according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Toast spices – Heat oil; toast star anise and cinnamon for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Sauté aromatics – Add ginger and garlic; cook until lightly browned.
  4. Step 4: Build broth – Add chicken stock, fish sauce, soy sauce, lemongrass, jalapeño, and shrimp shells. Simmer 10–15 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Strain – Remove shells and spices for a clear golden broth.
  6. Step 6: Add shrimp and bok choy – Simmer until shrimp turns pink, 2 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Finish – Stir in lime juice and cilantro. Serve hot over noodles.
  8. Step 8: Garnish – Add fresh jalapeño and herbs before serving.

Notes

For milder heat, remove jalapeño seeds before simmering. Use shrimp shells for depth; skip for lighter broth. Add chili oil or sriracha for extra spice. Pho broth improves overnight; store broth separately for freshness.

Nutrition

Calories
384 kcal
Fat
7 g
Saturated fat
1 g
Sugar
2 g
Sodium
1195 mg
Protein
23 g
Carbohydrates
58 g
Fiber
2 g