Craving a warm, comforting bowl of flavorful pho but short on time? This slow cooker pho soup recipe is your answer! This easy recipe delivers all the delicious depth of flavor you expect from traditional pho, but with minimal hands-on time. Perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxing weekend meal, this healthy and satisfying soup is sure to become a new family favorite. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this quick dinner idea!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or beef shank for a richer broth)
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or beef broth)
- 4 cups water
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2-inch piece of ginger, smashed
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 star anise
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 2 tbsp fish sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup rice noodles
- Assorted fresh herbs: cilantro, basil, mint (about 1 cup total, roughly chopped)
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Sriracha or other chili sauce (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Broth
Place the chicken thighs (or beef shank), chicken broth, water, onion, ginger, garlic, star anise, and cinnamon sticks in your slow cooker. Ensure all ingredients are submerged in the liquid.
Step 2: Slow Cooking Magic
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become.
Step 3: Seasoning and Straining
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred the meat, discarding the bones and skin. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth to remove solids. This step ensures a beautifully clear and flavorful soup.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Return the shredded chicken to the strained broth. Stir in the fish sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar, adjusting the amounts to your preference. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Noodle Time
While the broth simmers gently, cook the rice noodles according to package directions.
Step 6: Serving Your Delicious Pho
Divide the noodles among bowls. Ladle the hot pho broth over the noodles and top with the shredded chicken. Garnish generously with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lime juice, and a dash of sriracha, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Pho:
- For a deeper beef flavor: Use beef bones along with the beef shank. Roasting the bones beforehand adds even more depth.
- Adjust the sweetness: Taste the broth before adding the brown sugar and adjust the amount to your liking. Some prefer a sweeter broth, while others prefer it more savory.
- Don't overcrowd the slow cooker: Ensure there's enough space for the ingredients to simmer properly.
- Make it ahead: This pho tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Pho: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version. Adjust the broth accordingly.
- Spicy Pho: Add some chopped chilies or chili garlic sauce to the broth for a spicy kick.
- Seafood Pho: Substitute the chicken with shrimp or other seafood for a lighter, yet flavorful alternative.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 300-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-35g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-30g
Enjoy your homemade slow cooker pho! This easy and delicious recipe is perfect for a comforting and healthy meal any time. Let us know in the comments how yours turns out!