Seafood Pho Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Broth:

• 1 lb (450 g) shrimp shells and heads
• 1 lb (450 g) fish bones or seafood stock
• 1 onion, peeled and halved
• 1 piece of ginger (about 3 inches), sliced
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, smashed
• 2-3 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4-5 cloves
• 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• Salt to taste
• 6 cups water

For the Soup:

• 1/2 lb (225 g) rice noodles (banh pho)
• 1/2 lb (225 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 lb (225 g) squid, cleaned and sliced into rings
• 1/2 lb (225 g) white fish fillets (like cod or tilapia), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

Garnishes and Accompaniments:

• Fresh herbs: basil, cilantro, and mint
• Bean sprouts
• Lime wedges
• Thinly sliced jalapenos or Thai chilies
• Sliced onions
• Thai basil leaves
• Hoisin sauce
• Sriracha sauce

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Broth:
   1. In a large pot, add the shrimp shells, fish bones, onion, ginger, garlic, star anise, cinnamon stick, and cloves.
   2. Pour in 6 cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat.
   3. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30-45 minutes.
   4. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
   5. After simmering, strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into another pot. Discard the solids.
   6. Season the broth with fish sauce, sugar, and salt to taste. Keep warm.
2. Prepare the Noodles:
   1. Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the Seafood:
   1. In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
   2. Add the shrimp, squid, and fish pieces. Cook until the seafood is just cooked through, about 2-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Pho:
   1. Divide the cooked rice noodles among serving bowls.
   2. Top with cooked seafood.
   3. Pour the hot broth over the noodles and seafood.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   1. Serve the pho with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, sliced jalapenos, and Thai basil on the side.
   2. Let everyone add their preferred garnishes and sauces to their bowls.

Enjoy your homemade seafood pho!