Shrimp and Crawfish Pho Soup Recipe: A Flavorful, Southern Twist on a Vietnamese Classic

If you’re a fan of pho, the famous Vietnamese noodle soup, then you’re in for a treat. Imagine a steaming bowl of pho, packed with tender shrimp, crawfish, fresh herbs, and rice noodles, but with a southern twist that adds a rich layer of bold flavors. Shrimp and Crawfish Pho Soup combines the essence of classic Vietnamese pho with the deep, savory flavors of southern seafood, making it a one-of-a-kind dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

The aromatic broth, infused with spices like star anise and cinnamon, complements the natural sweetness of the shrimp and crawfish. With the addition of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime, this pho will transport you straight to the streets of Saigon, while still embracing the beloved flavors of the Gulf Coast.

Ready to try this amazing fusion? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Shrimp and Crawfish Pho Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Broth:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1 onion, halved (skin on, charred)

• 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced (charred)

• 4 cups seafood stock (or chicken broth)

• 2 cups water

• 2 star anise pods

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds

• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds

• 3 cloves garlic, smashed

• 2 tablespoons fish sauce

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1-2 tablespoons soy sauce (to taste)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Juice of 1 lime

For the Soup:

• 8 oz rice noodles (pho noodles)

• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1/2 lb crawfish tails (fresh or frozen)

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)

• 1/2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (optional, for a Southern twist)

• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

• Green onions, sliced (for garnish)

• Thai basil leaves (for garnish)

• Bean sprouts (for garnish)

• Lime wedges (for garnish)

• Sriracha and hoisin sauce (optional, for added flavor)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

Start by charring the onion and ginger. Place them directly on the burner of a gas stove (or under a broiler) until they’re blackened, about 3-5 minutes on each side. This will add a smoky depth to the broth.

In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the charred onion and ginger to the pot and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Next, add the seafood stock and water, and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the star anise, cinnamon sticks, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, and garlic. Let the broth simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes to extract all the flavors from the spices and aromatics.

After the broth has simmered, strain out the solids, leaving behind a fragrant, clear broth. Stir in the fish sauce, sugar, soy sauce, and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Keep the broth warm on low heat while you prepare the rest of the soup.

Step 2: Prepare the Noodles

While the broth is simmering, cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Typically, pho noodles take just 2-3 minutes to cook in boiling water. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp and Crawfish

In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and crawfish tails to the pan. Season with Cajun seasoning (if using) for an extra Southern flair. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Pho Soup

To assemble, divide the cooked noodles into bowls. Carefully ladle the hot broth over the noodles, filling the bowls about 3/4 full.

Top the soup with the cooked shrimp and crawfish tails. Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, and Thai basil leaves. Add a handful of bean sprouts for crunch, and serve with lime wedges for a zesty finish.

For an extra kick, you can drizzle on some Sriracha or a splash of hoisin sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp and Crawfish Pho Soup:

1. Southern Meets Vietnamese: A Flavorful Fusion

This soup is a wonderful fusion of two culinary traditions—Cajun seafood and Vietnamese pho. The result is a comforting yet exciting dish that combines the delicate spiced broth of pho with the rich, bold flavors of shrimp and crawfish. It's a delicious reminder of the beauty of blending cultures and flavors.

2. Aromatic, Flavorful Broth

The broth is the star of any pho, and this one doesn’t disappoint. The charred onion, ginger, and spices create a rich, aromatic base that’s balanced by the umami of fish sauce and the sweetness of sugar. It’s a perfect match for the seafood, making each spoonful an explosion of flavor.

3. Light and Refreshing

While this soup is packed with bold flavors, it’s surprisingly light. The broth is clean, the shrimp and crawfish add a delicate sweetness, and the fresh herbs and lime brighten everything up. It’s the perfect soup for warmer days or when you want something light but filling.

4. Customizable

This recipe is highly adaptable! If you prefer more heat, you can add extra Sriracha or even a few jalapeño slices. Want more veggies? Feel free to toss in mushrooms, bok choy, or baby spinach. You can even make it a little richer by adding a bit more fish sauce or soy sauce to intensify the broth.

5. Quick and Easy

Although it might seem like a complicated dish, this Shrimp and Crawfish Pho Soup is relatively easy to make. Most of the time is spent simmering the broth, which allows you to prep the rest of the ingredients. In about 45 minutes, you can have a delicious, comforting soup that tastes like it came from a restaurant, but was made with love in your own kitchen.

Serving Suggestions:

This soup is delicious on its own, but if you want to make it a full meal, serve it alongside some crusty baguette slices or spring rolls for a more complete Vietnamese-inspired feast. You can also enjoy it with a side of fried shrimp or crispy soft-shell crabs for an extra indulgence.

Final Thoughts:

If you’re looking to spice up your soup game and experience a delightful fusion of flavors, this Shrimp and Crawfish Pho Soup is the way to go. It brings together the best of both Southern and Vietnamese cuisines, offering a rich, aromatic broth, tender seafood, and refreshing herbs in every bite.

So grab your ingredients, get your pho pot ready, and enjoy this seafood-packed soup that’s sure to impress everyone at your table. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to a cozy meal at home, this pho will be a crowd-pleaser.

Pin this recipe for later, or share it with your friends who love bold flavors and unique fusion dishes!