Vegetarian Pho Recipe Authentic and Easy to Make at Home

If you’ve ever savored the comforting, aromatic flavors of traditional Vietnamese pho, you know how deeply satisfying a bowl can be. But what if you’re vegetarian or simply looking to enjoy a plant-based version of this beloved dish?

Enter the authentic vegetarian pho recipe — a vibrant, flavorful alternative that captures all the essence of the original without any meat. This recipe brings together a rich, spiced vegetable broth, fresh herbs, and tender noodles, creating a perfect harmony of textures and tastes that will warm your soul and delight your palate.

Whether you’re a pho veteran or a curious foodie, this vegetarian version is easy to make at home and sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients and customizable to fit your preferences.

Get ready to dive into a bowl of this fragrant, nourishing soup that’s as satisfying as it is healthy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This authentic vegetarian pho recipe offers all the rich, spicy, and aromatic notes of traditional pho, but with a plant-based twist that’s perfect for vegetarians and vegans alike. The broth simmers slowly with fresh vegetables and warming spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves, creating a deeply flavorful base that’s far from ordinary.

You’ll appreciate how simple it is to prepare with accessible ingredients, and how versatile it is — customize it with your favorite veggies, tofu, or mushrooms for added texture and protein. It’s also naturally gluten-free if you opt for rice noodles, making it friendly for various dietary needs.

Finally, this recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting bowl of pho without the guilt or hassle of sourcing meat, while still honoring the traditional Vietnamese flavors you love.

Ingredients

• 8 cups vegetable broth (preferably low sodium)
• 1 large onion, peeled and halved
• 1 3-inch piece of ginger, sliced lengthwise
• 3 star anise pods
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 whole cloves
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (use gluten-free if desired)
• 1 tablespoon rock sugar or brown sugar
• 200g rice noodles (pho noodles)
• 1 block firm tofu, cubed and optionally pan-fried
• 1 cup shiitake or button mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups bean sprouts
• 1 bunch fresh Thai basil
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 limes, cut into wedges
• Fresh chili slices (optional, for heat)
• Hoison sauce and Sriracha, for serving
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Equipment

• Large stockpot or soup pot
• Strainer or fine mesh sieve
• Large bowl for soaking noodles
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon or ladle
• Serving bowls

Instructions

1. Char the onion and ginger: Place the halved onion and sliced ginger directly over an open flame or under a broiler until slightly blackened on the edges. This step adds a smoky depth to your broth.
2. Toast the spices: In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the star anise, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and coriander seeds for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
3. Prepare the broth: In your large stockpot, add the vegetable broth along with the charred onion, ginger, toasted spices, soy sauce, and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for at least 45 minutes to an hour. The longer you simmer, the more flavorful the broth.
4. Strain the broth: After simmering, use a fine mesh sieve to strain out the solids, leaving a clear, aromatic broth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more soy sauce as needed.
5. Prepare noodles and toppings: Soak or cook rice noodles according to package instructions until tender but still slightly firm. Rinse with cold water and drain well. If using tofu, pan-fry cubes until golden. Slice mushrooms and prepare fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chili slices.
6. Assemble the pho bowls: Divide noodles into serving bowls. Top with tofu, mushrooms, bean sprouts, green onions, and fresh herbs.
7. Ladle hot broth: Pour the steaming hot broth over the noodles and toppings just before serving. This will gently warm the fresh ingredients.
8. Serve with condiments: Offer lime wedges, hoisin sauce, and Sriracha on the side, allowing everyone to customize their bowl to their liking.

Tips & Variations

“To achieve the most authentic flavor, don’t skip the step of charring the onion and ginger — it really elevates the broth!”

• Use homemade vegetable broth: For the best depth of flavor, make your own vegetable broth using scraps like carrot peels, celery, and mushrooms.
• Add umami boosters: Consider adding dried shiitake mushrooms or a splash of mushroom soy sauce to deepen the broth’s savoriness.
• Protein options: Swap tofu for tempeh, seitan, or even chickpeas for different textures and protein profiles.
• Spice it up: Add freshly sliced jalapeños or bird’s eye chili for a fiery kick.
• Make it gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and confirm your rice noodles are gluten-free.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian pho shines served hot with plenty of fresh herbs and condiments. You can pair it with a light Asian salad or spring rolls for a full meal.

For a heartier option, add extra sautéed vegetables or a side of steamed greens.

Don’t forget to have lime wedges, hoisin sauce, and Sriracha on hand to customize each bowl, making the experience interactive and fun for family or guests.

To explore more delicious vegetarian meals, check out these recipes:

• Asian Vegan Recipes for Delicious and Healthy Meals
• Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas
• Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals

Conclusion

This authentic vegetarian pho recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of Vietnam while embracing a plant-based lifestyle. The broth’s rich spices and slow-simmered vegetables create an unforgettable aroma and taste that rivals any traditional meat-based pho.

It’s a perfect dish for chilly evenings, casual dinners, or impressing guests with your culinary skills.

With fresh herbs, zesty lime, and your favorite condiments, each bowl is a customizable masterpiece that’s both nourishing and delicious. Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your routine, this recipe will become a beloved go-to.

Give it a try, and you might just find this vegetarian pho to be the most comforting soup you’ve ever tasted!

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