Day After Thanksgiving Turkey Pho: A Deliciously Comforting Recipe

Thanksgiving feasts are epic, but what happens after the last slice of pumpkin pie has vanished? The fridge is likely overflowing with leftovers, especially that majestic roasted turkey. While turkey sandwiches are a classic, let’s elevate those leftovers into something truly special: Day After Thanksgiving Turkey Pho.

Pho (pronounced “fuh”) is a Vietnamese noodle soup, traditionally made with beef broth and thinly sliced beef. However, the rich flavors of Thanksgiving turkey lend themselves beautifully to this comforting and aromatic dish. This recipe transforms your leftover turkey carcass into a flavorful, nourishing broth that’s the perfect antidote to post-holiday bloat and provides a warm, satisfying meal.

This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step recipe for creating a truly memorable Day After Thanksgiving Turkey Pho, complete with variations and tips for customizing it to your taste.

## Why Turkey Pho? The Perfect Thanksgiving Leftover Solution

Before diving into the recipe, let’s explore why turkey pho is a brilliant way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers:

* **Flavorful Broth:** The turkey carcass is brimming with flavor. Simmering it creates a deep, rich broth that’s far superior to store-bought bouillon. It’s an opportunity to extract every last bit of deliciousness from your Thanksgiving bird.
* **Reduces Waste:** Instead of tossing the carcass, you’re transforming it into a new, exciting meal. This is a sustainable and resourceful way to manage leftovers.
* **Comforting and Nourishing:** Pho is known for its warming and restorative properties. The broth is packed with nutrients, and the aromatic spices offer a soothing effect, ideal after a day of indulgence.
* **Versatile and Customizable:** This recipe is a starting point. You can easily adjust the spices, vegetables, and toppings to suit your preferences.
* **A Break from Traditional Thanksgiving Flavors:** After days of mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy, turkey pho provides a welcome change of pace and introduces exciting new flavors.

## Ingredients: Gathering Your Turkey Pho Arsenal

Here’s a comprehensive list of ingredients you’ll need for your Day After Thanksgiving Turkey Pho. Don’t be intimidated by the list; many of these are pantry staples. Feel free to adjust quantities based on your personal taste.

**For the Broth:**

* **1 Turkey Carcass:** The star of the show! Remove as much meat as possible for later use in the soup.
* **1 Large Onion:** Quartered, skin on.
* **4-inch piece of Ginger:** Roughly chopped, skin on.
* **4-5 Star Anise:** Adds a distinctive licorice-like aroma.
* **1 Cinnamon Stick:** Provides warmth and spice.
* **1 Tablespoon Coriander Seeds:** Adds citrusy and earthy notes.
* **1 Teaspoon Fennel Seeds:** Enhances the savory flavor.
* **6-8 Whole Cloves:** Adds warmth and a touch of sweetness.
* **2-3 Black Cardamom Pods (optional):** Adds a smoky, complex flavor (if you have them on hand).
* **1 Tablespoon Fish Sauce (optional):** Adds umami and depth of flavor. Use sparingly, as it can be quite strong. You can also substitute with soy sauce or tamari for a vegetarian option.
* **1 Tablespoon Sugar (white or brown):** Balances the savory flavors.
* **1 Teaspoon Salt:** Or to taste.
* **12-16 cups Water:** Adjust as needed to cover the carcass.

**For the Soup:**

* **8 ounces Rice Noodles (banh pho):** Dried or fresh. Choose the flat rice noodles specifically used for pho.
* **2 cups Cooked Turkey:** Shredded or thinly sliced.
* **1 cup Bean Sprouts:** Adds a fresh, crunchy element.
* **1/2 cup Fresh Basil Leaves:** Thai basil is preferred, but regular basil works too.
* **1/2 cup Fresh Mint Leaves:** Adds a refreshing flavor.
* **1/4 cup Cilantro Leaves:** Adds a bright, citrusy note.
* **2-3 Green Onions:** Thinly sliced.
* **1 Red Chili Pepper (optional):** Thinly sliced, for heat.
* **Lime Wedges:** For serving.
* **Sriracha Sauce (optional):** For extra heat.
* **Hoisin Sauce (optional):** For a sweet and savory flavor.

**Optional Additions:**

* **Mushrooms:** Sliced shiitake or oyster mushrooms add earthiness.
* **Carrots:** Thinly sliced or julienned, adds sweetness and color.
* **Bok Choy or Other Asian Greens:** Adds nutrients and texture.
* **Jalapenos:** For a spicier kick.
* **Fried Shallots:** Adds a crispy and savory topping.

## Equipment: Setting Up Your Pho Kitchen

* **Large Stockpot or Dutch Oven:** At least 8-quart capacity.
* **Fine-Mesh Strainer:** For straining the broth.
* **Tongs:** For handling the turkey carcass and vegetables.
* **Large Serving Bowls:** For serving the pho.
* **Small Bowls:** For individual toppings.

## Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Turkey Pho Masterpiece

Now, let’s embark on the journey of creating your delicious Turkey Pho.

**Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Carcass and Aromatics**

1. **Remove Remaining Meat:** Carefully remove as much remaining turkey meat from the carcass as possible. Set it aside for later. Don’t worry about getting every last shred; the broth will extract even more flavor.
2. **Roast the Aromatics (Optional but Recommended):** This step deepens the flavor of the broth. Place the quartered onion and roughly chopped ginger on a baking sheet. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until slightly charred. You can also char them directly over a gas stovetop flame using tongs, which gives a more authentic flavor.
3. **Toast the Spices (Optional but Recommended):** Toasting the spices enhances their aroma and flavor. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the star anise, cinnamon stick, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, cloves, and black cardamom pods (if using) for 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.

**Step 2: Simmer the Broth**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** Place the turkey carcass, roasted onion and ginger (if roasted), toasted spices (if toasted), fish sauce (if using), sugar, and salt in the large stockpot or Dutch oven.
2. **Add Water:** Pour in 12-16 cups of water, ensuring the carcass is completely submerged. Add more water if needed.
3. **Bring to a Boil:** Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 3 hours, or up to 6 hours. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful the broth will become. Skim off any scum that rises to the surface during the simmering process. This will result in a clearer and cleaner-tasting broth.

**Step 3: Strain the Broth**

1. **Remove the Carcass:** Carefully remove the turkey carcass from the pot using tongs. Set it aside to cool slightly.
2. **Strain the Broth:** Place the fine-mesh strainer over a large bowl. Pour the broth through the strainer to remove the solids. Discard the solids (bones, vegetables, and spices).
3. **Cool and Defat (Optional):** For a clearer broth, allow it to cool slightly. The fat will rise to the surface and solidify, making it easy to skim off. This step is optional, but it can improve the clarity and texture of the broth.

**Step 4: Prepare the Noodles and Toppings**

1. **Cook the Rice Noodles:** Cook the rice noodles according to the package directions. Usually, this involves soaking them in hot water for a few minutes until softened. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
2. **Prepare the Toppings:** While the noodles are cooking, prepare all the toppings: shred or slice the cooked turkey, wash and dry the bean sprouts, basil, mint, and cilantro, slice the green onions and chili pepper (if using), and cut the limes into wedges.

**Step 5: Assemble and Serve the Pho**

1. **Heat the Broth:** Return the strained broth to the pot and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, sugar, or fish sauce, if needed.
2. **Assemble the Bowls:** Divide the cooked rice noodles among large serving bowls. Top with shredded turkey, bean sprouts, basil, mint, cilantro, green onions, and chili pepper (if using).
3. **Ladle the Broth:** Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and toppings.
4. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the pho immediately with lime wedges, sriracha sauce, and hoisin sauce on the side, allowing each person to customize their bowl to their liking.

## Tips and Variations: Making Your Turkey Pho Your Own

* **Make it Vegetarian:** For a vegetarian version, skip the turkey carcass and use a vegetable broth base. Add extra mushrooms and tofu for protein.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Get creative with your vegetable additions. Carrots, bok choy, snap peas, and broccoli florets all work well.
* **Spice it Up:** If you like your pho spicy, add more chili peppers or a dash of chili oil.
* **Slow Cooker or Instant Pot Method:** You can also make the broth in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. For the slow cooker, simmer on low for 8-10 hours. For the Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 45 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.
* **Freeze the Broth:** The broth can be made ahead of time and frozen for later use. This is a great way to have pho on hand whenever you crave it.
* **Use Other Leftover Meats:** If you have leftover ham or roast beef, you can add them to the pho as well.
* **Experiment with Toppings:** Try adding sliced jalapenos, pickled onions, or fried garlic for extra flavor and texture.
* **Don’t Skip the Charring/Roasting:** Charring the ginger and onion, and toasting the spices significantly enhances the flavor of the broth. This step is worth the extra effort.
* **Adjust the Broth Seasoning:** Taste the broth frequently and adjust the seasoning as needed. The balance of saltiness, sweetness, and umami is crucial for a delicious pho.

## Serving Suggestions: Completing Your Pho Experience

* **Offer a Variety of Toppings:** Provide a generous selection of toppings, such as bean sprouts, herbs, lime wedges, and sauces, so everyone can customize their bowl.
* **Serve with Vietnamese Coffee:** A strong, sweet Vietnamese coffee is the perfect accompaniment to a bowl of pho.
* **Offer Spring Rolls:** Fresh spring rolls with peanut sauce are a delicious appetizer to enjoy before the pho.
* **Share with Friends and Family:** Pho is best enjoyed in the company of loved ones. Gather around the table and savor this comforting and flavorful meal.

## Conclusion: A Thanksgiving Tradition Reimagined

Day After Thanksgiving Turkey Pho is more than just a way to use up leftovers; it’s a culinary adventure. It’s a chance to transform familiar flavors into something new and exciting. The rich, aromatic broth, the tender turkey, and the fresh herbs and vegetables create a symphony of flavors that will warm your soul. This recipe is sure to become a Thanksgiving tradition in your household, a comforting and delicious way to extend the holiday spirit and enjoy the fruits (or rather, the turkey) of your labor.

So, this year, don’t just relegate your leftover turkey to sandwiches. Embrace the magic of pho and create a truly unforgettable meal. Your taste buds will thank you.

Enjoy!