Instant Pot Chicken Pho (Pho Ga)

rice noodles

🥗Healthier: zucchini noodles

💰Cheaper: egg noodles

Zucchini noodles reduce carbs while egg noodles are often less expensive.

fish sauce

🥗Healthier: soy sauce

💰Cheaper: salt

Soy sauce is a gluten-free alternative, while salt is a basic substitute.

chicken

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: pork

Tofu is lower in calories and suitable for vegetarians, while pork is often cheaper.

cilantro

🥗Healthier: parsley

💰Cheaper: green onions

Parsley offers a similar fresh flavor, while green onions are more affordable.

Heat a pan to medium-high. Place all seasonings in the pan and roast for 5-6 minutes or until very fragrant then turn off the heat. Remove the seasonings, place them in a tea bag or ball infuser and set aside.

Heat the same pan to high. Place 2 onions and ginger in the pan; char each side for 4 minutes or until blackened. Turn off heat.

Remove the ginger from the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Smash the ginger until it splits.

Place the charred onions and smashed ginger into the cooker.

Place the 2 halves of chicken atop of the vegetables.

Add seasoning bag, rock sugar and salt.

Pour 12 cups of boiling water into the cooker (this will help expedite the process of establishing optimal pressure). The water should be under the ⅔ max line (do not go over the max line).

Place the lid on. Pressure cook on high for 17 minutes and natural release for 25 minutes (exercise caution when releasing pressure from the cooker). Follow the manufacturer instructions for how to do a quick release. Remove lid. Press the cancel button.

Remove and discard the onions, ginger and seasoning bag.

Remove chicken from the cooker and place in a bowl. Debone chicken and remove skin (optional). Shred or cut the chicken meat and set aside until ready to eat. Discard the bones.

In a large bowl or pot: place in a mesh strainer lined with a coffee filter or cheesecloth. Slowly pour the stock through the filter. Strain to remove all the vegetables and meat solids. This will help to significantly reduce the fat which leaves a clear pho broth. Clean the inner pot and place the pot back in the IP. Transfer the broth back in the cooker or stock pot.

Pour fish sauce in the broth then stir. Season with sugar & salt if needed.

Instant Pot: Press the sauté button and set to high ~20 minutes. Stovetop: Bring the broth to a boil.

Preferred method: Place fresh noodles in a bowl. Pour boiling water in and blanch for 10-12 seconds. Drain and return the cooked noodles back to the bowl (exercise with caution as the bowl might be hot). On the stovetop: In a medium size pot: fill ~halfway with water and bring to a boil. If using fresh pho noodles, blanch for 5-7 seconds in boiling water. If using dry noodles, follow the package instructions for cook time. Remove and strain the noodles then transfer to serving bowl(s).

Place the cooked noodles in the middle of the bowl.

Add shred/cut chicken to the bowl.

Add chopped green onions and sliced white onions.

Pour boiling broth over the noodles and meat.

Season with hoisin sauce, sriracha sauce and lime (to taste). Optional: season with more fish sauce if you prefer.

Add fresh herbs, mung beans, culantro, Thai basil leaves and sliced jalapeño to the bowl.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens