How to Make Delicious Seafood Rice Noodle Soup

Seafood rice noodles

Seafood rice noodle soup, also known as “Seafood Pho” or “Seafood Soup with Rice Noodles,” is a delectable dish that combines the freshness of seafood with the comfort of a rich broth and tender rice noodles. Whether you’re a fan of seafood or just looking to try something new, this recipe will guide you through making a flavorful and satisfying seafood rice noodle soup. Follow these steps for a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen!

Ingredients for Seafood Rice Noodle Soup

To make a delicious seafood rice noodle soup, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Broth:

  • 8 cups fish stock or chicken broth
  • 1 onion, halved
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
  • 2-3 stalks of lemongrass, bruised and cut into chunks
  • 2-3 kaffir lime leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt to taste

For the Soup:

  • 200g rice noodles (bánh phở)
  • 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 200g squid, cleaned and sliced
  • 150g fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
  • 1 cup bean sprouts
  • 1 red chili, sliced (optional)
  • Fresh herbs: cilantro, basil, and mint
  • Lime wedges for serving

Garnishes:

  • Sliced green onions
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Bean sprouts
  • Sliced chili
  • Lime wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Broth

  1. Cook Aromatics: In a large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the halved onion, minced garlic, and sliced ginger. Sauté until fragrant and the onion is slightly browned.
  2. Add Broth and Flavorings: Pour in the fish stock or chicken broth. Add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, fish sauce, and sugar. Bring to a boil.
  3. Simmer: Reduce heat and let the broth simmer for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Strain out the solids, leaving a clear, aromatic broth.

2. Prepare the Rice Noodles

  1. Cook Noodles: Follow the package instructions to cook the rice noodles. Typically, this involves soaking them in hot water until tender. Drain and set aside.

3. Cook the Seafood

  1. Cook Seafood: In a separate pot or pan, quickly cook the shrimp, squid, and fish fillets. You can do this in the broth itself or in a separate pan with a little oil. Cook until the seafood is just done, being careful not to overcook.

4. Assemble the Soup

  1. Combine Ingredients: Divide the cooked rice noodles among serving bowls. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles.
  2. Add Seafood: Top each bowl with the cooked seafood, mushrooms (if using), and bean sprouts.
  3. Garnish: Garnish with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, sliced chili, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Tips for Perfect Seafood Rice Noodle Soup

  • Use Fresh Seafood: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality seafood. Frozen seafood can also be used if fresh is not available.
  • Adjust Spiciness: Modify the amount of chili to suit your taste preference. You can also add a touch of chili oil for extra heat.
  • Customize Toppings: Feel free to add additional toppings like pickled vegetables or extra herbs based on your preference.

Conclusion

Making seafood rice noodle soup at home can be both fun and rewarding. By following these steps and using high-quality ingredients, you can create a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the comforting warmth and vibrant flavors of this delightful seafood soup!