Noodlepedia
A glossary of both familiar and lesser-known Asian ingredients and terms.
Pho Broth
A rich, fragrant Vietnamese soup base made from simmering beef or chicken bones with aromatic spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves. It’s known for its deep umami flavor and comforting warmth.
Pro Tip: Add a splash of fish sauce and a squeeze of lime to enhance the flavor and make it taste more authentic!
How to Use It:
- Base for pho noodles.
- Simmer with meat or tofu.
- Cook rice or veggies in it.
1. Pho-Inspired Dumpling Soup
Think of it as Vietnamese-Asian fusion comfort food. Quick, cozy, and slurpable.
🛒 Ingredients:
1 quart store-bought pho broth (beef or chicken)
1–2 tsp soy sauce (to taste)
1 tsp fish sauce (optional, for more depth)
1 tsp sugar
8–10 frozen dumplings (pork, chicken, or veggie)
1 cup baby spinach or bok choy
2 scallions, sliced
Fresh herbs: cilantro, Thai basil (optional)
Chili oil or sriracha (for serving)
Lime wedges
👩🍳 Instructions:
In a pot, bring pho broth to a simmer. Add soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), and sugar.
Add frozen dumplings directly into the hot broth. Simmer for 6–8 minutes, or until dumplings are fully cooked.
In the last minute, toss in spinach or bok choy.
Serve hot, garnished with scallions, herbs, and a squeeze of lime. Drizzle chili oil if you want heat.
📝 Pro tip: You can swap in noodles for dumplings, or even use both!
2. Spicy Coconut Pho Ramen
A creamy, spicy twist that merges Southeast Asian flavors with pho’s fragrant base.
🛒 Ingredients:
1 quart store-bought pho broth
1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
1 tbsp red curry paste or chili garlic sauce
1 tsp fish sauce or soy sauce
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp brown sugar
1 pack ramen noodles (discard flavor packet)
Protein: shredded rotisserie chicken, tofu, shrimp, or boiled egg
Toppings: bean sprouts, fresh herbs, jalapeños, fried shallots
👩🍳 Instructions:
In a pot, heat a splash of oil and sauté curry paste for 30 seconds.
Add pho broth and coconut milk. Stir to combine.
Season with fish sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
Add ramen noodles and cook according to package instructions.
Add your choice of protein and warm through.
Serve with fresh toppings of your choice.
🔥 Pro tip: Add a swirl of sriracha or chili crisp for that luxe restaurant feel.
Want more pho broth remixes? I can do breakfast, rice dishes, even cocktails or dressings if you want to get weird with it 😄