Quick Seafood Pho

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat until steam rises steadily from the surface, about 5 minutes.

Step 2

Add the rice noodles to the boiling water and stir once with a wooden spoon to separate them.

Step 3

Cook the noodles, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and no longer stiff in the center when you bend one, about 4 minutes.

Step 4

Drain the noodles in a colander and divide them between two large bowls.

Step 5

In the same pot, bring the fish or seafood stock to a simmer over medium-high heat until small bubbles rise steadily from the bottom, about 3 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the fish sauce until it is evenly mixed and no brown streaks remain, about 30 seconds.

Step 7

Add the shrimp and squid to the simmering broth and stir gently with a wooden spoon.

Step 8

Cook, stirring once every 30 seconds, until the shrimp turn pink throughout and the squid is opaque and tender, about 2 to 3 minutes total.

Step 9

Ladle the hot broth with shrimp and squid evenly over the noodles in each bowl, making sure each gets equal seafood.

Step 10

Scatter the chopped fresh herbs over each bowl and serve immediately while the broth is steaming.