Ingredients
For the Broth
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6 cups water
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2 shallots, roughly chopped
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½ cup dried shiitake mushrooms
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10 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
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4 carrots, roughly chopped
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1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
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½ teaspoon black peppercorns
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½ teaspoon whole cloves
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
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¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
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2 tablespoons rice vinegar
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1 bunch cilantro, divided
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½ teaspoon kosher salt
For the Pho
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1 (8-ounce) package rice noodles
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2 scallions, chopped
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16 basil leaves
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8 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
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2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
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2 baby bok choy, chopped
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1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
1. Prepare the Broth
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In a large pot, combine the water, shallots, dried shiitake mushrooms, garlic, roughly chopped carrots, ginger, peppercorns, cloves, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and half of the cilantro.
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Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
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Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour to allow the vegetables, mushrooms, and spices to infuse the broth.
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Strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer and discard the solids.
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Return the broth to the pot and keep it gently simmering until ready to serve.
2. Cook the Noodles
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Prepare the rice noodles according to the package directions.
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Drain well and divide evenly among four serving bowls.
3. Assemble the Bowls
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Arrange the chopped scallions, basil leaves, sliced shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced carrots, and baby bok choy over the noodles.
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Carefully ladle the hot broth over the noodles and vegetables.
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Serve with lime wedges and the remaining fresh cilantro. Add extra soy sauce to taste.
Notes
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Give the broth time: The full hour of simmering allows the mushrooms, aromatics, and spices to develop a deeper flavor.
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Don’t boil aggressively: A gentle simmer helps keep the broth clear and prevents excessive evaporation.
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Strain thoroughly: Remove the peppercorns, cloves, and vegetable solids for a smooth broth.
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Cook noodles separately: Keeping the noodles separate from the broth prevents them from absorbing too much liquid and becoming mushy.
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Add fresh herbs last: Basil and cilantro provide their best flavor when added just before serving.
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Adjust the seasoning: Taste the broth before serving and add soy sauce or lime as desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Cuisine: Asian
