Vietnamese Pho Vegetarian Recipe Made Easy and Delicious

Vietnamese Pho is a beloved dish worldwide, known for its aromatic broth, fresh herbs, and comforting noodles. Traditionally made with beef or chicken, this iconic soup can also be transformed into a delightful vegetarian meal without sacrificing any of its signature flavors.

Whether you are a vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking to try a lighter, plant-based version of Pho, this recipe delivers all the warmth and complexity you crave.

In this post, you’ll discover how to create a rich, flavorful vegetarian Pho broth using simple ingredients like star anise, cloves, and cinnamon, combined with fresh vegetables and tofu for added texture.

It’s a fantastic dish to enjoy on a chilly evening or whenever you want a bowl of wholesome comfort food. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies and garnishes.

Ready to cook? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegetarian Pho offers a vibrant and deeply aromatic alternative to the traditional meat-based version. The broth is slow-simmered with a medley of spices and vegetables, creating a complex flavor profile that feels indulgent yet nourishing.

This recipe is perfect for anyone seeking a plant-based meal that doesn’t compromise on authenticity or taste.

It’s also incredibly versatile. You can adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

Plus, the fresh herbs and garnishes allow you to customize every bowl to your liking, making every serving a unique experience. If you love other vegetarian dishes, be sure to check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a sweet treat after your Pho!

Ingredients

• 8 cups vegetable broth (preferably homemade or low sodium)
• 1 large onion, halved
• 4-inch piece of ginger, sliced lengthwise
• 3 star anise pods
• 4 whole cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (or coconut sugar)
• 200g rice noodles (pho noodles or flat rice noodles)
• 200g firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup bok choy, chopped
• Fresh bean sprouts, for garnish
• Fresh herbs: Thai basil, cilantro, and mint
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Sliced jalapeño peppers, optional
• Green onions, chopped
• Hoison sauce and sriracha, for serving

Equipment

• Large stockpot or soup pot
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth (optional for clearer broth)
• Large bowl for soaking noodles
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Soup bowls for serving
• Chopsticks and soup spoons

Instructions

1. Char the onion and ginger: Place the onion halves and ginger slices directly on an open flame or under a broiler. Cook until slightly blackened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This step enhances the depth of your broth’s flavor.
2. Toast the spices: In a dry skillet, toast the star anise, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and coriander seeds over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until aromatic. Be careful not to burn them.
3. Make the broth: In a large stockpot, add the vegetable broth, charred onion and ginger, toasted spices, soy sauce, and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let the broth simmer gently for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour to develop rich flavors.
4. Strain the broth: Remove the onion, ginger, and spices by straining the broth through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth for a clear soup base.
5. Prepare the noodles: Soak the rice noodles in hot water according to package instructions until tender but still slightly firm. Drain and set aside.
6. Cook tofu and vegetables: Lightly pan-fry the tofu cubes until golden on all sides. In the same pan, sauté shiitake mushrooms and bok choy briefly until just tender.
7. Assemble the Pho bowls: Divide the noodles, tofu, mushrooms, and bok choy among soup bowls.
8. Heat the broth: Bring the broth back to a gentle boil, then ladle it hot over the bowls, ensuring the noodles and toppings are fully submerged.
9. Add garnishes: Top each bowl with fresh bean sprouts, Thai basil, cilantro, mint, green onions, and sliced jalapeños if using.
10. Serve with condiments: Offer lime wedges, hoisin sauce, and sriracha on the side so everyone can customize their Pho experience.

Tips & Variations

For an even more robust broth, simmer the vegetables a bit longer or add dried shiitake mushrooms to the broth during cooking.

If you prefer a vegan version, double-check your soy sauce and hoisin sauce labels for animal-derived ingredients. You can also swap tofu for tempeh or seitan for variety.

Feel free to add other veggies like thinly sliced carrots, daikon radish, or baby corn to the broth or as toppings. For a gluten-free option, use tamari in place of soy sauce and ensure your noodles are rice-based.

Looking for more vegetarian comfort food? Try our Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating to complement your Pho meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian Pho is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it alongside light appetizers or refreshing sides. Try a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar and chili flakes for a crisp contrast.

For a heartier feast, pair your Pho with some crispy spring rolls or fresh summer rolls filled with herbs and vegetables. For dessert, check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a sweet finish.

Don’t forget to enjoy your Pho with chopsticks and a soup spoon, sipping the broth between bites to savor all the balanced flavors.

Conclusion

Making vegetarian Pho at home is a rewarding experience that brings the vibrant flavors of Vietnam right to your kitchen. This recipe captures the soul of traditional Pho while embracing plant-based ingredients, perfect for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone wanting a delicious, healthy soup.

With a fragrant, slow-simmered broth, tender noodles, and fresh herbs, you’ll find this dish both comforting and refreshing. It’s also highly adaptable—so feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables and garnishes.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing guests, this vegetarian Pho will become a staple in your recipe collection.

For more inspiring plant-based dishes, explore our Asian Vegan Recipes for Delicious and Healthy Meals and expand your culinary horizons with vibrant, wholesome meals every day.

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