Recipes

$7 Mexican Pho Fusion Bowls

by StudioLink's Diet.
December 04, 2025
View the Studiolink

$7 Mexican Pho Fusion Bowls

An EBT-friendly fusion that combines Vietnamese broth warmth with Mexican street food vibes. Ready in 25 minutes with pantry staples.

Total Cost of Ingredients Used: $6.50-$8.00

(Cost reflects only what’s used in the recipe, not full package prices)

Ingredients:

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  •   4 cups chicken broth
  •   2 chicken breasts
  •   1 onion (sliced)
  •   3 garlic cloves (minced)
  •   1 jalapeu00f1o (sliced)
  •   1 tsp ground cumin
  •   1 tsp chili powder
  •   6 oz rice noodles
  •   4 radishes (thinly sliced)
  •   .25 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
  •   1 lime (cut into wedges)
  •   1 avocado (sliced (optional))

Ingredients are subject to availability at local stores. Unavailable items will be automatically substituted at best-effort.

Instructions

1

Start the fusion broth: In a pot, combine 4 cups chicken broth, 1 sliced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 jalapeño (sliced, seeds removed for less heat), 1 tsp cumin, and 1 tsp chili powder. Bring to simmer.

2

Cook protein: Add 2 chicken breasts or 4 chicken thighs to the simmering broth. Cook for 12-15 minutes until cooked through. Remove chicken, shred with forks, and return to broth.

3

Prepare noodles & toppings: While chicken cooks, prepare rice noodles according to package. Slice radishes, chop cilantro, and cut lime into wedges. If using avocado, slice just before serving.

4

Assemble bowls: Divide noodles between two bowls. Ladle hot broth and shredded chicken over noodles. Top with radishes, cilantro, and avocado. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing.

This EBT-friendly fusion combines the comforting warmth of pho broth with vibrant Mexican flavors. Cumin and chili powder add a smoky depth to the chicken broth, while fresh radishes and lime bring bright, crisp contrast. It’s a comforting yet exciting bowl that costs less than takeout.

Budget Grocery List + Cost Breakdown

All items EBT-eligible. Prices based on Walmart/ALDI.

Protein & Base

Used in recipe: Chicken ($3.00) + rice noodles ($0.75) + chicken broth ($1.00)

Package cost: $5.00 (family pack) + $1.50 (pack) + $2.00 (carton) = $8.50 total

Vegetables & Toppings

Used in recipe: Onion ($0.35) + jalapeño ($0.15) + radishes ($0.40) + cilantro ($0.25) + lime ($0.35) + avocado ($0.75)

Package cost: $0.70 + $0.50 (pack) + $1.00 (bunch) + $1.00 (bunch) + $0.50 (bag) + $0.75 = $4.45 total

Spices & Aromatics

Used in recipe: Garlic ($0.10) + cumin ($0.05) + chili powder ($0.05) + salt ($0.02)

Package cost: $0.50 (bulb) + $1.00 (jar) + $1.00 (jar) + $1.00 = $3.50 total

Total Used in Recipe: $6.57-$8.07

Makes 2 generous bowls • Cost per serving: $3.29-$4.04

Note: Use bouillon cubes + water instead of broth for more savings. Skip avocado or radishes if budget is tight.

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