Low-Calorie • Gluten-Free

Active 25 min

Total 25 min

Faux Chicken Pho

Grating ginger and garlic with a microplane transforms them into a paste that easily mixes into the broth in this almost-instant pho. Don’t have cooked chicken? Thinly sliced cooked steak, shrimp or cubed tofu are tasty alternatives. (Photos: photo & photo.)

Equipment: Three 1½-pint wide-mouth canning jars

• 3 teaspoons reduced-sodium chicken bouillon paste (see Stock (or Broth) Up!)
• 1½ teaspoons grated fresh ginger
• 1½ teaspoons grated garlic
• 1½ teaspoons hoisin sauce
• 1½ teaspoons Sriracha
• ¾ teaspoon fish sauce
• 3 whole star anise
• ½ jalapeño pepper, seeded (if desired) and thinly sliced
• 1½ heaping cups sliced shiitake mushroom caps (about 3 ounces)
• 9 ounces shredded cooked chicken (about 2¼ cups)
• 1½ cups cooked wide brown rice noodles (see Tip)
• 3 tablespoons thinly sliced scallions
• 3 lime wedges
• ¾ cup bean sprouts
• 3 tablespoons small mint leaves
• 3 tablespoons small basil leaves
• 3 cups very hot water, divided

1. Add 1 teaspoon bouillon paste, ½ teaspoon each ginger, garlic, hoisin and Sriracha, ¼ teaspoon fish sauce, 1 star anise and one-third of the jalapeño slices to each of three 1½-pint canning jars. Layer ½ cup mushrooms, 3 ounces chicken (about ¾ cup) and ½ cup noodles into each jar. Top each with 1 tablespoon scallions, 1 lime wedge, ¼ cup sprouts and 1 tablespoon each mint and basil. Cover and refrigerate.

2. To prepare each jar: Remove the bean sprouts and herbs (don’t worry about getting every last bit out). Squeeze the lime into the jar (discard the wedge). Add 1 cup very hot water, cover and shake until the seasonings are dissolved. Uncover and microwave on High in 1-minute increments until steaming hot, 2 to 3 minutes. Let stand for a minute or two, then stir well. Discard the star anise. Return the bean sprouts and herbs to the jar before eating.

►► MAKE AHEAD: Prepare through Step 1. Refrigerate covered jars for up to 3 days.

Serves 3: 2½ cups each

Calories 395 | Fat 5g (sat 1g) | Cholesterol 72mg | Carbs 54g | Total sugars 5g (added 1g) | Protein 34g | Fiber 6g | Sodium 760mg | Potassium 419mg.

Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (22% daily value).