How to Make Shrimp Pho in Just 20 Minutes

Introduction

Our flavorful Vietnamese-inspired recipe for busy weeknights. Shrimp Pho is a perfect balance of delicate rice noodles, aromatic shrimp broth, and vibrant garnishes, all coming together to create comfort in a bowl. While traditional Vietnamese pho recipes can take hours to prepare, this easy shrimp pho recipe delivers the same bold flavors in just 20 minutes.

Part of my mission in founding The Fresh 20 was to help home chefs (like myself, and YOU) build confidence in the kitchen and expand your recipe repertoire. Dishes like pho, ramen, and curry can often feel daunting if you’ve never prepared them before. We automatically think we’ll be spending hours in the kitchen developing flavors. But they don’t have to be so time-consuming if you have a simplified, delicious recipe to fall back on.

At The Fresh 20, we focus on simplifying healthy cooking while maintaining bold, authentic flavors. Whether you’re new to making Vietnamese shrimp noodle soup or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe will soon become a household favorite.

 

What Is Shrimp Pho?

Pho, pronounced “fuh,” is a classic Vietnamese noodle soup. Traditionally made with beef or chicken, pho’s heart lies in its fragrant broth infused with star anise, cinnamon, and other spices. In this twist, we use shrimp as the star ingredient, creating a lighter but equally satisfying rice noodle soup with shrimp.

This dish is highly customizable, making it a favorite for families or dinner parties. It’s also an excellent introduction to Vietnamese cuisine, perfect for when you’re craving something comforting yet fresh.

 

 

Why You’ll Love This Easy Shrimp Pho

Quick to Prepare:

Ready in just 20 minutes.

Packed with Flavor:

The shrimp broth captures the traditional essence of pho without the long simmering time.

Customizable:

Add your favorite garnishes and adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Nutritious and Light:

This Vietnamese shrimp noodle soup is high in protein, low in calories, and perfect for any time of year.

 

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients:

• Rice Noodles: Thin rice noodles work best, but you can also use zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
• Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined. Save the shells for the shrimp broth.
• Broth: Chicken or vegetable stock serves as the base. Try The Fresh 20 Homemade Chicken Broth recipe.
• Aromatics: Onion, ginger, garlic, star anise, and cinnamon for authentic flavor.
• Seasonings: Soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, and a pinch of sugar or maple syrup.

Optional Add-Ins:

• Vegetables: Bok choy, mushrooms, or snap peas.
• Toppings: Cilantro, Thai basil, bean sprouts, jalapeños, lime wedges, hoisin sauce, and sriracha.

 

 

How to Make Shrimp Pho

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, ginger, and garlic until fragrant. Add shrimp shells, toasting lightly for extra flavor. Stir in star anise and cinnamon sticks, then pour in the broth. Simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld. Strain and return the broth to the pot.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

While the broth simmers, soak the rice noodles in hot water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Add Shrimp and Vegetables

Bring the strained shrimp broth back to a gentle simmer. Add bok choy or mushrooms and cook for 3–4 minutes until tender. Toss in the shrimp and cook for another 1–2 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls

Divide the cooked rice noodles into serving bowls. Ladle the hot shrimp broth over the noodles, ensuring each bowl gets an even portion of shrimp and vegetables.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top your shrimp pho with fresh garnishes like cilantro, Thai basil, lime wedges, and a drizzle of hoisin or sriracha. Try The Fresh 20 Homemade Hot Sauce.

 

Tips for Success

• Toast the Spices: Toasting star anise and cinnamon releases their natural oils, enhancing the broth’s depth of flavor.
• Prep Ahead: Make the shrimp broth in advance and refrigerate for up to three days. Try The Fresh 20 Homemade Chicken Broth.
• Adjust the Heat: Add more jalapeños or sriracha if you love spicy pho noodles.
• Diet-Friendly Options: Replace shrimp with tofu for a vegetarian version or use zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Calories Are in Shrimp Pho?

Shrimp pho is a healthy option, with approximately 250–300 calories per serving depending on the garnishes and noodles used.

Can I Make Shrimp Pho Ahead of Time?

Yes! The broth can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for later use.

What Toppings Should I Add?

Garnish your bowl with bean sprouts, lime wedges, cilantro, Thai basil, and a touch of sriracha for added flavor to your pho recipe.

 

Serving Suggestions

Pair your shrimp pho with these delicious sides:

• Vietnamese Spring Rolls: Light and refreshing, perfect with peanut dipping sauce.
• Mango or Ginger Smoothie: A sweet, cooling finish to your meal. Try The Fresh 20 Green Mango Smoothie.

 

Conclusion

This easy shrimp pho recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something flavorful, fresh, and comforting. With just 20 minutes of prep and cooking time, you’ll enjoy a delicious bowl of Vietnamese shrimp noodle soup that rivals your favorite restaurant.

At The Fresh 20, we’re all about making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable. I’d love to see how you make this dish your own—share your creations and tag us with #TheFresh20!

Let’s make dinner a little fresher and a lot more fun.

 

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