Pho Vegetarian Soup Recipe Easy and Flavorful Guide

Pho is a beloved Vietnamese soup known for its rich, aromatic broth and delicate rice noodles. Traditionally made with beef or chicken, this classic dish has been reimagined here in a wholesome vegetarian version that is every bit as satisfying and flavorful.

Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking to enjoy a lighter, meat-free meal, this pho vegetarian soup recipe offers a comforting bowl packed with fragrant spices, fresh herbs, and vibrant vegetables.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its depth of flavor, achieved by simmering a vegetable-based broth infused with star anise, cinnamon, and cloves, making it a perfect meal for any season.

In this post, I’ll guide you through each step to create an authentic-tasting vegetarian pho from scratch. Plus, I’ll share some handy tips to customize the recipe to your liking and suggestions for serving to make your dining experience even more delightful.

Ready to bring a taste of Vietnam into your kitchen? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian pho soup recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the comforting warmth of traditional pho while keeping it plant-based. The broth is the star of the show, simmered slowly with a blend of aromatic spices and fresh vegetables to build layers of flavor without any meat or animal products.

You’ll appreciate how easy it is to prepare, with readily available ingredients and simple techniques that even beginners can master. Plus, it’s highly customizable — add your favorite mushrooms, tofu, or extra greens for a nutrient boost.

This pho is light yet satisfying, packed with vitamins and minerals, making it an ideal meal for nourishing your body and soul.

Finally, this recipe is perfect for meal prepping or serving to guests. It embodies the perfect balance of comforting, fresh, and vibrant, bringing a gourmet restaurant experience right to your home kitchen.

Ingredients

• 8 cups vegetable broth (preferably low sodium)
• 1 large onion, halved
• 3-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
• 3 star anise pods
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 cloves
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (use gluten-free if needed)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 200g rice noodles (pho-style flat rice noodles)
• 200g firm tofu, sliced into strips
• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• Bean sprouts, for garnish
• Fresh herbs: Thai basil, cilantro, mint
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• 2 fresh red chili peppers, sliced (optional)
• Hoison sauce and sriracha, for serving

Equipment

• Large stockpot for simmering the broth
• Strainer or fine mesh sieve
• Large bowl for soaking rice noodles
• Medium frying pan for sautéing tofu and mushrooms
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Ladle for serving

Instructions

1. Char the onion and ginger: Heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Place the onion halves and ginger slices skin-side down and cook until slightly blackened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This step intensifies the broth’s flavor.
2. Toast the spices: In the same skillet, toast the star anise, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and coriander seeds for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. This releases their essential oils, adding depth to your pho.
3. Prepare the broth: In a large stockpot, combine the vegetable broth, charred onion, ginger, toasted spices, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer covered for at least 45 minutes — the longer, the better for flavor.
4. Strain the broth: After simmering, remove the solids by straining the broth through a fine mesh sieve into another pot or large bowl. Discard the solids.
5. Cook the rice noodles: Soak the rice noodles in hot water for 10-15 minutes or according to package instructions until pliable but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
6. Sauté tofu and mushrooms: In a medium frying pan, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add sliced tofu and mushrooms, sauté until golden and tender, about 5-7 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
7. Assemble the pho bowls: Divide the cooked noodles into serving bowls. Top with sautéed tofu, mushrooms, bean sprouts, sliced green onions, and fresh herbs.
8. Serve the broth: Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and toppings. Serve immediately with lime wedges, sliced red chilies, hoisin sauce, and sriracha on the side for guests to customize their bowls.

Tips & Variations

Make your pho broth even richer by adding dried mushrooms or kombu (kelp) during simmering for an umami boost.

For a heartier soup, consider adding other vegetables like bok choy, carrots, or snap peas along with the tofu and mushrooms. You can also swap tofu for tempeh or seitan if you prefer a different protein texture.

Try roasting the onion and ginger under the broiler for more even charring. When cooking rice noodles, avoid over-soaking to prevent them from becoming too soft and breaking apart in the soup.

If you want a gluten-free pho, ensure your soy sauce is tamari or a gluten-free alternative. For a soy-free version, substitute tofu with grilled or roasted vegetables such as eggplant or zucchini and use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Serve your vegetarian pho with a side of fresh spring rolls or a light cucumber salad to complement the warm, soothing soup. The fresh herbs and lime wedges add a bright contrast, so be sure to provide plenty of these garnishes.

For a fun twist, include a small dish of crushed peanuts or fried shallots for extra texture and flavor. This pho pairs wonderfully with a chilled jasmine tea or a light, crisp white wine if you’re indulging.

If you love experimenting with plant-based dishes, you might enjoy other delightful recipes such as Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or satisfy your sweet tooth with this Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

For baking enthusiasts, our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves is a must-try!

Conclusion

This vegetarian pho soup recipe brings the soul-warming essence of traditional Vietnamese pho into a wholesome, plant-based format that everyone can enjoy. The homemade broth, enriched with fragrant spices and fresh vegetables, creates a comforting and nourishing bowl that suits any occasion — whether a cozy night in or a special family dinner.

With its simple ingredients and flexible preparation, this recipe encourages you to get creative in the kitchen while maintaining authentic flavors. The fresh herbs, lime, and optional spicy accompaniments add layers of complexity and freshness that make each bite memorable.

Try this recipe today and discover how delicious and satisfying vegetarian pho can be!

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