Instant Pot Pho

This easy Instant Pot Pho is a delightful and warming Vietnamese noodle soup that brings comfort to any occasion. With tender chicken, flavorful rice noodles, and a rich broth, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. The Instant Pot makes this recipe quick and simple, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade pho in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time, making this dish ready in about 35 minutes.
• Flavorful Broth: A rich combination of spices and herbs infuses the broth with authentic flavors that elevate the dish.
• Customizable Ingredients: You can easily swap out vegetables or proteins to suit your taste preferences.
• Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with nutrients from fresh herbs and lean chicken, it’s a satisfying meal without the guilt.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week!

Tools and Preparation

To create this Instant Pot Pho, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Fine-mesh sieve
• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Instant Pot: This versatile appliance allows for fast cooking under pressure, making it ideal for soups like pho.
• Fine-mesh sieve: Essential for straining the broth to remove solid ingredients while retaining all that delicious flavor.

Ingredients

This easy Instant Pot Pho is made with tender chicken, rice noodles, and fresh herbs in a rich and flavorful savory broth. This warming Vietnamese noodle soup is made in a fraction of the time thanks to the Instant Pot.

For the Broth

• 1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 1 (2-inch) piece ginger, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 small bunch of cilantro
• 3 whole cloves
• 2 star anise pods
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander (or 1 teaspoon coriander seeds)
• 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 6 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin off
• 5 cups chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

For Serving

• 8 ounces dry rice noodles
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 2 cups mixed fresh herbs (fresh Thai basil leaves, fresh torn mint leaves, cilantro)
• 1/4 cup scallions (thinly sliced)
• 1-2 Thai bird chili pepper (thinly sliced)
• 1-2 limes (cut into wedges)

How to Make Instant Pot Pho

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Set your Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Heat the canola oil; add the onion, ginger, and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently until browned for about 4-5 minutes.

Step 2: Add Spices

Stir in the cilantro, whole cloves, star anise pods, cinnamon stick, fennel seeds, ground coriander, and black peppercorns. Press cancel to turn off the sauté function.

Step 3: Pressure Cook Chicken

Add the chicken thighs along with chicken stock, fish sauce, brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 2 cups of water into the pot. Select manual setting and cook on high pressure for 18 minutes. When finished cooking, perform a quick-release to release pressure according to manufacturer’s directions.

Step 4: Shred Chicken

Open the pressure cooker and transfer the chicken to a plate. You can slice or shred it using two forks; discard bones and set shredded chicken aside.

Step 5: Strain Broth

Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth; discard solids. Skim any remaining fat from the surface; season with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally add more fish sauce if desired. Return broth to Instant Pot and keep warm.

Step 6: Cook Noodles

In a large pot of boiling water, cook rice noodles according to package instructions; drain well.

Step 7: Serve

To serve your Instant Pot Pho, divide cooked noodles and shredded chicken into bowls. Pour hot broth over each serving immediately. Garnish with bean sprouts, fresh herbs, scallions, chili peppers, and lime wedges as desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve Instant Pot Pho

Serving Instant Pot Pho can be a delightful experience, especially when you present it with a variety of fresh and flavorful toppings. These additions enhance the dish and allow each guest to customize their bowl to their liking.

Fresh Herbs

• Thai Basil: Add aromatic Thai basil leaves for a hint of sweetness.
• Mint: Fresh mint leaves bring a refreshing contrast to the rich broth.
• Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

Vegetables

• Bean Sprouts: Crunchy bean sprouts add texture and freshness to your pho.
• Scallions: Thinly sliced scallions provide a mild onion flavor that complements the dish.
• Chili Peppers: For those who enjoy heat, sliced Thai bird chili peppers can spice things up.

Citrus

• Lime Wedges: Squeeze lime juice over the pho for a zesty finish that brightens the flavors.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Pho

To ensure your Instant Pot Pho turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips. Each suggestion can elevate your dish to restaurant-quality.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Quality ingredients like fresh herbs and chicken will enhance the overall flavor of your pho.
• Balance Flavors: Adjust the seasoning with fish sauce, salt, and sugar until you achieve a harmonious balance between savory and sweet.
• Strain Broth Thoroughly: Strain the broth well to remove solids and achieve a smooth, clear soup.
• Cook Noodles Separately: Cooking rice noodles in boiling water separately ensures they remain tender without becoming mushy in the broth.
• Serve Immediately: Pho is best enjoyed fresh. Serve it right after preparation for optimal taste and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Pho

Complementing your Instant Pot Pho with side dishes can create a more satisfying meal. Here are some excellent options that pair well with this flavorful soup.

1. Spring Rolls: Light and fresh, these rolls filled with vegetables or shrimp make a great appetizer.
2. Veggie Dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried dumplings filled with vegetables are hearty and flavorful companions.
3. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in vinegar adds crunch and acidity to balance the rich broth.
4. Chili Garlic Edamame: These seasoned soybeans are both nutritious and provide a spicy kick that pairs nicely with pho.
5. Fried Tofu Bites: Crispy tofu bites offer a plant-based protein option that complements the flavors of pho well.
6. Rice Paper Wraps: Fill rice paper wraps with herbs, vegetables, or proteins for an interactive side dish experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Instant Pot Pho can be straightforward, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final dish.

• Bold ingredient choices: Using the wrong type of broth can lead to an unbalanced flavor. Always opt for a rich chicken stock to enhance your pho.
• Bold neglecting spices: Skipping essential spices like star anise and cloves will result in a bland broth. Ensure you include these for a more authentic taste.
• Bold overcooking noodles: Cooking the rice noodles too long can make them mushy. Follow package instructions carefully for the best texture.
• Bold ignoring seasoning: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning at the end can leave your broth flat. Always check and tweak with salt and fish sauce before serving.
• Bold improper straining: Not straining your broth properly can leave unwanted solids in your soup. Use a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth for a clear broth.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3–4 days for best quality.

Freezing Instant Pot Pho

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Best used within 2–3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Instant Pot Pho

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warm, about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: Simmer on low heat until warmed through, about 5–10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Instant Pot Pho.

What is Instant Pot Pho?

Instant Pot Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup made quickly using an Instant Pot, featuring flavorful broth, tender meat, and rice noodles.

Can I use beef instead of chicken?

Yes, you can easily swap chicken for beef in your Instant Pot Pho recipe. Adjust cooking time as needed based on the cut used.

Is there a vegetarian version of Instant Pot Pho?

Absolutely! You can make vegetarian Instant Pot Pho by using vegetable stock and adding tofu or mushrooms instead of meat.

How do I make the broth richer?

To enhance the richness of your broth, consider roasting the onion and ginger before adding them to the pot for deeper flavors.

Can I customize my toppings?

Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite toppings like jalapeños, lime wedges, or different herbs to suit your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Pho recipe is both comforting and versatile. With its rich broth and customizable toppings, it’s perfect for any occasion. Try it today and experiment with different ingredients to make it your own!