Pho is a popular Vietnamese soup that consists of rice noodles, herbs, vegetables, and either beef or chicken. One of the key ingredients in pho is cilantro, but only some enjoy the taste of this herb. If you’re someone who doesn’t like cilantro, you may be wondering: can you get pho without cilantro? In this article, we’ll explore your options for enjoying pho without cilantro.
What is Cilantro?
Cilantro is an herb that is commonly used in Vietnamese cuisine. It has a pungent flavor that some people describe as soapy or citrusy. Cilantro is often used to garnish dishes or as a seasoning in soups and stews.
Who Might Not Like Cilantro?
Only some enjoy the taste of cilantro. Some people have a genetic predisposition that makes cilantro taste like soap. Others don’t care for the herb’s flavor profile. If you fall into either category, you may wonder if you can enjoy pho without cilantro.
How to Order Pho Without Cilantro
If you’re ordering pho at a restaurant, it’s important to communicate your preferences to your waiter or waitress. You can request that your pho be made without cilantro. Most restaurants are accommodating to customer requests and will be happy to leave the cilantro out of your dish.
Pros and Cons of Ordering Pho Without Cilantro
There are both pros and cons to ordering pho without cilantro.
Pros:
- You won’t have to endure the taste of cilantro if you don’t enjoy it.
- Your pho will still be flavorful, thanks to the other herbs and spices used in the dish.
Cons:
- You may need to include the traditional flavor profile of pho.
- The herbs and spices used in pho are carefully balanced, and leaving out one ingredient may affect the overall flavor of the dish.
Alternatives to Cilantro in Pho
If you want to enjoy the flavor of pho without cilantro, there are alternatives that you can try. Here are a few ideas:
- Thai basil: This herb has a similar flavor profile to cilantro but is less pungent. It’s often used as a garnish for pho.
- Mint: Fresh mint leaves can add a refreshing touch to pho and complement the other flavors in the dish.
- Scallions: Chopped scallions can add a mild onion flavor to pho and provide a nice crunch.
Step-by-Step: Making Pho Without Cilantro
If you want to make pho at home without cilantro, here’s how you can do it:
- Begin by boiling a large pot of water. Add beef bones or chicken carcasses to the water and simmer for several hours to create a flavorful broth.
- Once the broth is ready, strain out the bones and discard them. Return the broth to the pot.
- Add sliced onions, ginger, star anise, cinnamon, and other herbs and spices to the broth. Simmer for another hour to infuse the broth with these flavors.
- Cook rice noodles according to package directions and divide them among serving bowls.
- Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and top with your preferred garnishes, such as Thai basil, mint, scallions, or bean sprouts.
Comparing Pho With and Without Cilantro
Here’s a comparison of pho with and without cilantro:
| With Cilantro | Without Cilantro |
| Pungent flavor | Milder flavor |
| Traditional taste | Personalized taste |
| Balanced flavor | Missing one ingredient |
Tips for Enjoying Pho Without Cilantro
If you’re going to enjoy pho without cilantro, here are a few tips to enhance your experience:
- Experiment with different garnishes until you find the combination that works best for you.
- Add a squeeze of lime juice to your photo to brighten up the flavors.
- Try making your own broth at home to have more control over the ingredients.
The Best Pho Recipe Without Cilantro
There are many great pho recipes out there, but here’s one that omits cilantro:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef bones or chicken carcasses
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2-inch piece of ginger, sliced
- 3 star anise pods
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- Salt to taste
- Rice noodles
- Thai basil, mint, scallions, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sriracha for serving
Instructions:
- Boil a large pot of water. Add the beef bones or chicken carcasses and simmer for several hours to create a flavorful broth.
- Strain out the bones and discard them. Return the broth to the pot.
- Add the sliced onions, ginger, star anise pods, cinnamon stick, and fish sauce to the broth. Simmer for another hour to infuse the broth with these flavors.
- Cook rice noodles according to package directions and divide them among serving bowls.
- Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and top with your preferred garnishes, such as Thai basil, mint, scallions, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sriracha.
Conclusion
So, can you get pho without cilantro? In summary, if you don’t like cilantro, you can still enjoy pho by ordering it without this herb or substituting it with other garnishes. Making pho at home without cilantro is also possible by using alternative herbs and spices to flavor the broth. While omitting cilantro may affect the traditional taste of pho, it allows you to personalize the dish based on your preferences.
FAQs
- Is cilantro essential in pho? No, cilantro is not an essential ingredient in pho. While it’s a traditional herb used in Vietnamese cuisine, pho can be made without it.
- What are some other herbs that can be used in pho? Thai basil, mint, and scallions are commonly used in pho as garnishes.
- Can my pho be made without cilantro at a restaurant? Yes, most restaurants are accommodating to customer requests and will be happy to leave cilantro out of your pho.
- Why does cilantro taste like soap to some people? Some people have a genetic predisposition that makes cilantro taste like soap. This is due to a specific gene that affects how they perceive certain flavors.
- Can I substitute cilantro with parsley in pho? While parsley has a similar appearance to cilantro, it has a different flavor profile and may not work as well as a substitute for pho. It’s best to use alternative herbs such as Thai basil or mint instead.
