simplykitchen

Category: Recipes

  • Authentic Vietnamese Pho Noodle Soup Recipe: A Warm and Inviting Delight

    Authentic Vietnamese Pho Noodle Soup Recipe: A Warm and Inviting Delight

    A warm, fragrant bowl of comfort made right at home.

    🕒 Recipe Overview

    • Prep Time: 25 minutes

    • Cook Time: 2 hours (traditional method) or 45 minutes (with pressure cooker)

    • Total Time: 2 hrs 25 mins

    • Servings: 4 bowls

    • Difficulty: Moderate

    🧄 Ingredients

    For the Broth

    • 1 kg beef bones (or chicken carcass for chicken pho)

    • 1 large onion, halved

    • 1 piece fresh ginger (about 5 cm), sliced in half

    • 2 cinnamon sticks

    • 4 whole star anise

    • 4 whole cloves

    • 1 tbsp coriander seeds

    • 1 tbsp fish sauce

    • 2 tsp salt

    • 1 tsp sugar

    • 1 tsp beef stock

    • 3 litres water

    For the Noodles & Protein

    • 400 g flat rice noodles

    • 300 g thinly sliced beef sirloin or cooked chicken breast

    For Garnish & Serving

    • Thinly sliced red chilli Spring onions, finely chopped

    • Thinly sliced onion

    • Hoisin sauce and Sriracha (optional)

    • Fresh coriander leaves

    • Fresh Thai basil leaves

    • Bean sprouts
    • 1 lime, cut into wedges

    🔪 Directions

    1. Char the aromatics — Place onion and ginger directly over an open flame or under the oven grill until lightly charred. This adds smoky depth to your broth.

    2. Toast the spices — In a dry pan, gently toast cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and coriander seeds for about 2 minutes until fragrant.

    3. Simmer the broth — Add bones (or chicken carcass), toasted spices, charred aromatics, fish sauce, salt, sugar, beef stock and water to a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for at least 2 hours (or 45 minutes in a pressure cooker).

    4. Skim the surface — Occasionally skim off foam and impurities for a clear, golden broth.

    5. Strain and taste — Strain the broth, discard solids, and taste. Adjust seasoning with more fish sauce or salt if needed.

    6. Prepare the noodles — Cook rice noodles according to package instructions, rinse with cold water, and set aside.

    7. Assemble your pho — Divide noodles into bowls, top with slices of beef or chicken, pour hot broth over the top to gently cook the meat.

    8. Garnish and serve — Add bean sprouts, chili, lime juice, and herbs. Serve immediately with hoisin and Sriracha on the side.

    🍽️ Serving Suggestions

    This comforting soup is perfect for family dinners, cozy winter nights, or recovery meals when someone needs a nourishing boost.
    Serve alongside fresh Vietnamese spring rolls, pickled vegetables, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
    Pair it with iced jasmine tea or Vietnamese iced coffee for an authentic touch.

    💡 Tips for Best Results

    • For clear broth, avoid rapid boiling — let it gently simmer.

    • For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and tofu instead of meat.

    • Make broth ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days (it actually tastes better the next day).

    🧘‍♀️ Nutrition (Per Serving)

    • Calories: ~420 kcal

    • Protein: 35 g

    • Fat: 12 g

    • Carbohydrates: 40 g

    • Fiber: 2 g

    • Sodium: 780 mg

  • Easy Air Fryer Salmon Fillet Recipe: A Healthy Dinner Idea

    Easy Air Fryer Salmon Fillet Recipe: A Healthy Dinner Idea

    Introduction

    If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy dinner option, this easy air fryer salmon fillet recipe is just what you need! Air frying salmon results in a juicy and flavorful dish that is incredibly easy to prepare. Plus, air frying is a healthier way to cook compared to traditional baking or frying, as it requires less oil and preserves the natural flavors of the fish. Let’s dive into how to make this wonderful meal!

    Preparation and Cooking Times

    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 2

    Ingredients

    • 2 salmon fillets
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Fresh lemon wedges for garnish

    Step-by-Step Directions

    1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
    2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
    3. Rub olive oil evenly over both sides of the fillets.
    4. Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides for seasoning.
    5. Place the salmon fillets into the air fryer basket, skin side down.
    6. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
    7. Check doneness by flaking with a fork; it should be opaque and easily break apart.

    Serving Suggestions

    This air fryer salmon recipe pairs perfectly with a variety of sides! Consider serving it with garlic butter asparagus, roasted potatoes, or a refreshing quinoa salad. A drizzle of lemon-dill yogurt sauce can also elevate the flavors!

    Tips for Best Results

    • Ensure your air fryer is preheated for crispy edges.
    • Avoid overcooking by checking the salmon at the 7-minute mark.
    • Use a fork to test for doneness; it should flake easily.

    Nutritional Facts

    Approximate calories: 350 | Protein: 40g | Fat: 20g | Carbs: 0g per serving.

    Conclusion

    Give this air fryer salmon fillet recipe a try for a healthy and delectable dinner. We’d love to hear your thoughts, so make sure to share your feedback!

  • Quick and Easy Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe

    Quick and Easy Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe

    Introduction to Air Fryer Chicken Breast

    Air frying has revolutionized the way we prepare meals, providing a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. In this blog post, we will guide you through a straightforward recipe for air fryer chicken breasts. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, these chicken breasts are juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection in no time.

    Ingredients for Your Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

    To make this delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

    • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon honey
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon sweet soy sauce
    • 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
    • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
    • Optional: lemon wedges and fresh parsley for garnish

    Cooking Instructions

    Follow these steps for perfectly cooked air fryer chicken breasts:

    1. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (360°F) for approximately 5 minutes.
    2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, ensuring a crispy texture.
    3. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, honey, onion powder, sweet soy sauce, oyster sauce, salt, and pepper. Rub olive oil on both sides of the chicken and coat with the spice mix.
    4. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 9 minutes.
    5. Flip the chicken and cook for another 9 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
    6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving, optionally garnished with lemon wedges and parsley.

    This air fryer chicken breast recipe is not only quick but also nutritious. With just around 220 calories per serving, it’s a fantastic meal choice that’s both satisfying and healthy.

    Nutrition Information (per serving, approx.)

    • Calories: 220 kcal

    • Protein: 32 g

    • Fat: 9 g

    • Carbohydrates: 1 g

    • Fiber: 0 g

    💡 Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Breast

    • Don’t overcrowd the basket — cook in a single layer for even cooking.
    • Use a meat thermometer to ensure juiciness.
    • For extra flavor, marinate chicken 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking.