Comfort food lovers, rejoice! There’s something incredibly soothing about a warm bowl of noodle soup, especially when it’s packed with fresh, vibrant vegetarian ingredients.
Today, we’re diving into the world of bowl vegetarian recipes for ramen and pho — two beloved Asian noodle soups that can be wonderfully adapted to vegetarian lifestyles. Whether you crave the rich, umami-laden broth of a traditional ramen or the fragrant, herbaceous qualities of pho, this post will guide you through creating satisfying, plant-based versions of these classics.
These recipes emphasize fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and bold spices to build layers of flavor, proving that vegetarian ramen and pho can be just as hearty and delicious as their meat counterparts.
So, grab your chopsticks and get ready to slurp your way through these nourishing bowls of goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These vegetarian ramen and pho bowls are more than just meals — they are a celebration of flavor and nutrition. By using wholesome ingredients like shiitake mushrooms, tofu, fresh herbs, and nutrient-rich broths, these recipes deliver satisfying textures and robust tastes without relying on animal products.
Moreover, these recipes are highly customizable, allowing you to adjust spice levels, toppings, and noodle types according to your preference. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, and they’ll warm you up on chilly days.
Plus, they’re a fantastic way to sneak more vegetables into your diet while enjoying delicious international flavors!
Ingredients
- For Vegetarian Ramen:
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon miso paste
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, sliced
- 200g ramen noodles
- 1 cup firm tofu, cubed and pan-fried
- 1 cup chopped bok choy or baby spinach
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 soft boiled egg (optional for vegetarians who eat eggs)
- 1 teaspoon chili oil (optional)
- For Vegetarian Pho:
- 7 cups vegetable broth
- 1 large onion, halved and charred
- 3-inch piece ginger, sliced and charred
- 2 star anise pods
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 200g rice noodles (pho noodles)
- 1 cup sliced king oyster mushrooms or other meaty mushrooms
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- Fresh herbs: Thai basil, cilantro, mint
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 small jalapeño, sliced (optional)
Equipment
- Large stockpot or soup pot
- Medium saucepan
- Knife and cutting board
- Strainer or sieve
- Soup bowls
- Chopsticks or forks
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Slotted spoon or tongs
Instructions
Vegetarian Ramen
- Prepare the broth: In a large pot, combine vegetable broth, water, sliced shiitake mushrooms, soy sauce, minced garlic, sliced ginger, and miso paste. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and let it cook for 25-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the noodles: While the broth simmers, cook ramen noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare toppings: Pan-fry tofu cubes in a little sesame oil until golden and crispy on all sides. Blanch bok choy or spinach in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then drain.
- Assemble the bowls: Remove ginger slices from broth. Divide noodles into bowls, ladle hot broth over them, and top with tofu, bok choy, sliced green onions, and a soft boiled egg if using. Drizzle chili oil for extra heat if desired.
- Serve immediately: Serve your ramen hot and enjoy the rich, umami-packed bowl.
Vegetarian Pho
- Char aromatics: Using a grill pan or broiler, char onion halves and ginger slices until slightly blackened. This adds depth to the broth.
- Make the broth: In a large pot, add vegetable broth, charred onion and ginger, star anise, cloves, cinnamon stick, and soy sauce. Simmer uncovered for about 40 minutes to infuse the broth with warm, complex flavors.
- Prepare noodles and mushrooms: Soak rice noodles in warm water for 20 minutes or cook as per package instructions. Sauté king oyster mushrooms in a bit of oil until golden.
- Strain broth: Remove the whole spices, onion, and ginger from the broth using a sieve. Return broth to the pot and keep warm.
- Assemble pho bowls: Divide noodles between bowls. Top with sautéed mushrooms, bean sprouts, sliced green onions, jalapeño, and fresh herbs. Ladle hot broth over and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Tips & Variations
For an even richer ramen broth, try adding dried seaweed (kombu) or dried shiitake mushrooms when simmering.
If you want a gluten-free ramen, substitute wheat noodles with rice or soba noodles made from buckwheat.
In pho, don’t skip the fresh herbs and lime — they brighten the bowl and balance the savory broth.
Vegetables like carrots, daikon radish, or baby corn can be added to either recipe for extra texture.
For a vegan egg substitute in ramen, try silken tofu or marinated eggplant slices.
Nutrition Facts
Recipe | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbohydrates | Fiber |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vegetarian Ramen (per serving) | 350 kcal | 18 g | 10 g | 45 g | 5 g |
Vegetarian Pho (per serving) | 320 kcal | 12 g | 7 g | 50 g | 6 g |
Serving Suggestions
These vegetarian ramen and pho bowls are hearty enough to stand alone, but you can complement your meal with some light side dishes for a fuller Asian-inspired feast. Consider serving:
- Steamed or pan-fried dumplings (vegetarian options)
- Pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast
- A crisp cucumber salad with rice vinegar and chili flakes
- For dessert, try the delightful Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe to balance the savory flavors with sweet creaminess.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a long-time vegetarian or simply looking to explore meatless meals, these bowl vegetarian recipes for ramen and pho are a fantastic way to enjoy rich, comforting noodle soups without sacrificing flavor.
By focusing on fresh ingredients, aromatic spices, and thoughtful preparation, you’ll create satisfying dishes that bring warmth and joy to your table.
These recipes are versatile, nutritious, and perfect for any season — from chilly winter nights to cozy weekend lunches. Plus, with the option to customize toppings and broths, you can make each bowl uniquely yours.
Don’t forget to check out other delicious recipes like our Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe or the comforting Clam Chowder San Francisco Recipe to keep your kitchen adventures exciting and flavorful!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Ramen Pho Bowl
Description: A flavorful vegetarian twist on traditional ramen and pho, packed with fresh vegetables and herbs. Perfect for a comforting and nutritious meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 200g rice noodles
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon miso paste
- 200g firm tofu, cubed
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup bok choy, chopped
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts
- Fresh cilantro and green onions for garnish
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Cook rice noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
- Heat sesame oil in a pot over medium heat; sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
- Add mushrooms and cook until softened.
- Pour in vegetable broth, soy sauce, and miso paste; bring to a simmer.
- Add tofu and bok choy; cook for 5-7 minutes until bok choy is tender.
- Divide noodles into bowls and ladle broth with vegetables and tofu over them.
- Top with bean sprouts, cilantro, and green onions.
- Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 45 g
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