Tom Yum Pho with Chicken Katsu is a bold fusion dish that brings together the best of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine with a Japanese twist. It starts with a fragrant and spicy Tom Yum broth, packed with the signature aromatics of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal, delivering a perfect balance of sour, spicy, and savoury notes. This broth is then paired with delicate pho rice noodles, which soak up the rich flavours while adding a light and silky texture to the dish.
What sets this dish apart is the addition of crispy chicken katsu, a Japanese favourite known for its crunchy golden crust and juicy, tender meat. The contrast between the deep-fried katsu and the light, citrusy broth creates an exciting play of textures and tastes. Each bite is an adventure—starting with the crispiness of the chicken, followed by the comforting warmth of the noodles and the bold hit of the Tom Yum broth.
This unique combination makes for a dish that is both comforting and exhilarating, perfect for those who love vibrant, multi-layered flavours. Whether you’re a fan of Thai spice, the comforting qualities of Vietnamese pho, or the satisfying crunch of Japanese katsu, this dish brings them all together in a way that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. Serve it with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime for the ultimate flavour-packed experience.
Ingredients
For the Tom Yum Pho Broth:
- 1.5 litres chicken stock
- 2 stalks lemongrass (smashed and cut into 5cm pieces4)
- 4 kaffir lime leaves (torn)
- 4 slices galangal (or ginger if unavailable)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 red bird's eye chilies (sliced, adjust to spice preference)
- 1 medium tomato (cut into wedges)
- 2 tablespoons tom yum paste
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 200 grom rice noodles
- 100 gram bean sprouts
- fresh coriander and Thai basil (for garnish, optional)
- lime wedges (for serving)
For the Chicken Katsu:
- 2 chicken breasts (butterflied and pounded slightly)
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup plain flour
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
Prepare the Tom Yum Pho Broth:
- In a large pot, bring the chicken stock to a boil.
- Add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, garlic, chilies, and tomato. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Stir in tom yum paste, fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar, then simmer for another 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste. Strain the broth if you prefer a smoother texture.
Cook the Noodles:
- Cook the pho noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken Katsu:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Coat each piece in flour, dip into beaten egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and slice into strips.
Assemble the Dish:
- Divide the cooked noodles into serving bowls.
- Ladle the hot Tom Yum broth over the noodles.
- Top with bean sprouts, coriander, and Thai basil.
- Place slices of chicken katsu on top.
- Serve with lime wedges on the side and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
- Per serving
- Energy: 800 kcal / 3344 kJ
- Fat: 30 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Carbs: 85 g