Instant Pot Pho Ga Recipe

There’s something magical about turning simple ingredients into a soul-soothing bowl of homemade pho. Let me guide you through crafting a steaming, aromatic bowl of pho ga that’ll make your kitchen feel like a cozy corner in Hanoi.

When I need a cozy, fragrant meal, I turn to my Instant Pot Pho Ga recipe. The rich broth, infused with star anise, cloves, and cinnamon, cozies up with tender chicken and rice noodles.

The contrast from the fresh garnishes—cilantro, green onions—makes it even better. The bright kick from the lime and the chili (if you choose to use one) is pretty much perfect for any day.

Instant Pot Pho Ga Recipe Ingredients

– 1 whole chicken: Rich in protein and essential amino acids, the chicken forms the base of the broth and provides a hearty, savory flavor.

– Star anise: Adds a subtle licorice-like sweetness and warmth, enhancing the soup’s aromatic profile.

– Fish sauce: Fermented fish-based condiment adds umami and depth, essential for authentic Vietnamese taste.

– Cinnamon sticks: Infuses the broth with a warm, slightly sweet, and fragrant aroma.

– Ginger: Provides a spicy zest and aids digestion, with anti-inflammatory properties.

– Rice noodles: Gluten-free carb source, offering a soft texture to enjoy with rich broth.

– Lime wedges: Brightens the soup with a fresh, tangy citrus note, balancing flavors.

– Bean sprouts: Adds crispiness and a boost of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.

Instant Pot Pho Ga Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs), cleaned and giblets removed
• 10 cups water
• 1 large onion, halved
• 3-inch piece of ginger, sliced
• 3 whole star anise
• 3 whole cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt, or to taste
• 2 teaspoons sugar, or to taste
• 8 oz rice noodles, prepared according to package instructions
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Green onions, sliced, for garnish
• Bean sprouts, for serving
• Fresh basil leaves, for serving
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Chili slices, for serving
• Hoisin sauce, for serving
• Sriracha, for serving

How to Make this Instant Pot Pho Ga Recipe

1. Prepare Aromatics:
Activate the Instant Pot and choose the ‘Sauté’ setting. Place the onion halves and ginger slices into the pot, pressing down slightly to ensure they are making contact with the bottom of the pot, and allow them to cook until they are heavily browned and caramelized, about 5 to 7 minutes.

2. Add Spices and Liquid:
Include star anise, cloves, cinnamon sticks, 10 cups of water, fish sauce, kosher salt, and sugar in the pot.

3. Cook Chicken:
Place the entire chicken in the Instant Pot with the liquid covering it.

4. Pressure Cook:
Fasten the cover and adjust the valve to ‘Seal.’ Choose ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ mode and program it for 25 minutes.

5. Release Pressure:
After the cooking cycle has finished, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, and then carefully switch the valve to ‘Venting’ to release any leftover pressure.

6. Remove Chicken:
Remove the Instant Pot lid. Using a tongs or two forks, gently lift the chicken from the pot. Place it on a plate and allow it to cool before shredding (you can do this with your hands if you don’t mind getting a little messy).

7. Strain Broth:
Strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer, discarding the solids, and set the broth aside.

8. Prepare Noodles:
As the broth strains, ready the rice noodles by following the instructions on the package. Then, distribute the noodles evenly among the serving bowls.

9. Shred Chicken:
When you can handle the chicken easily, shred the meat into pieces that are easy to eat, discarding the skin and bones if you wish.

10. Assemble Pho Ga:
Add the shredded chicken to each bowl of noodles, and then pour hot broth over everything. Garnish with the following: cilantro, green onions, and bean sprouts; and/or a few whole basil leaves. For a finishing touch, serve with lime wedges, chili slices, and saucers of hoisin and Sriracha. Make sure to eat this immediately, while the broth is still hot.

Instant Pot Pho Ga Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Instant Pot
2. Cutting board
3. Chef’s knife
4. Tongs
5. Two forks
6. Fine-mesh strainer
7. Large mixing bowl
8. Serving bowls

FAQ

• Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?A: Yes, but using a whole chicken adds more depth and flavor to the broth.
• Q: How do I store leftovers?A: In the refrigerator, the broth and chicken can be stored separately, in airtight containers, for up to 3 days.
• Q: Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?A: Indeed, the ones that you created on the stovetop can also be liquid. In fact, the stovetop is quite good for this purpose: you can easily and gently simmer ingredients in a pot for 2-3 hours.
• Q: Is there a substitute for fish sauce?A: Soy sauce can be used as a substitute, but the taste will be somewhat different.
• Q: How do I prevent my noodles from becoming mushy?A: Prepare the item immediately prior to serving and wash it in cold water to halt any further cooking of the item.
• Q: Can I freeze this pho broth?A: Yes, you can freeze the broth for up to 3 months, but it should be done without the noodles or any garnishes.

Instant Pot Pho Ga Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Use thighs or breasts instead of a whole chicken in this quicker option.
There is an option for using soy sauce in place of fish sauce, and doing so gives the dish a different depth of flavor. It also can help the dish speak to a larger audience, as it is plant-based and halal.
If you cannot find whole cloves, use ground cloves, but cut the amount way down to about one-fourth of a teaspoon.
If needed, replace star anise with a small pinch of Chinese five-spice powder.
A tiny pinch of ground cinnamon could serve as a substitute if you don’t have cinnamon sticks.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Flavor in Broth To deepen the broth’s flavor, consider roasting the onion and ginger under a broiler for a few minutes until they are charred before adding them to the Instant Pot. This will give the broth a more complex, smoky profile.

2. Clarify the Broth After straining the solids, if you prefer a clearer broth, cool it briefly and skim off any fat that rises to the top. Alternatively, use a fat separator, especially if you plan to refrigerate leftovers.

3. Noodle Preparation To prevent rice noodles from getting sticky, rinse them with cold water immediately after cooking and toss them with a little bit of oil if not serving immediately. This will keep them separate and prevent clumping.

4. Season to Taste Broth can vary in saltiness depending on ingredients and brand of fish sauce. Always taste your broth before serving and adjust the kosher salt, fish sauce, or sugar to your preference.

5. Customize Your Bowl Encourage each guest to customize their pho with garnishes and condiments. Providing a variety of fresh herbs like mint and cilantro, alongside traditional additions like hoisin and Sriracha, allows everyone to tailor their bowl to their taste.