Fake (Faux) Pho

Main Course

Soups & Stews

Serves 4

Recipe courtesy of Louisiana Kitchen & Culture

Ingredients:

4 cubes Bao Long brand pho base (any flavor) plus 2½ quarts water OR
2½ quarts broth (chicken, beef, vegetarian, whatever) simmered for 20 minutes over medium-low heat with a 1-inch piece lemongrass, 4 pieces star anise, 1/2-inch piece cinnamon bark and 2 pieces crushed garlic, then strained
choose 1 or more: 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced; 8 ounces left-over filet; 1/2 pound peeled and deveined Gulf shrimp; 1 package frozen Asian soup dumplings (any variety)
1 cup sliced shitaake mushrooms
3 baby boy choy, thinly sliced
2 shallots, thinly sliced
fresh mug beans sprouts and/or shredded cabbage (any variety)
Thai basil
cilantro
lime juice
Sriracha and/or garlic chile paste
sliced jalapeno peppers
fried shallots or fried garlic

Fake (Faux) Pho

Click image to enlarge.

Method:

In a large sauce pot, bring water and pho base or seasoned broth to a raging boil over high heat. Toss in meat, shitakes, baby bok choy and shallots. Return to raging boil. Remove from heat.

For each serving fill a large soup bowl with desired amount of bean sprouts and/or cabbage. Ladle broth over sprouts/cabbage. Add basil, cilantro, Sriracha, garlic chili, lime juice, jalapenos, and/or fried garlic/shallots to taste.