Vegetarian Pho Vietnamese Noodle Soup Recipe Made Easy

Vietnamese pho is a beloved dish worldwide, cherished for its aromatic broth, tender noodles, and fresh herbs. Traditionally made with beef or chicken, pho can also be a fantastic vegetarian delight that warms the soul and satisfies the palate.

This vegetarian pho recipe captures the essence of classic pho by using a flavorful vegetable broth infused with star anise, cinnamon, and ginger, complemented by a medley of fresh vegetables, tofu, and rice noodles.

Whether you’re a longtime vegetarian or just looking to try something new, this recipe offers a wholesome, comforting bowl that’s perfect for any season.

Cooking vegetarian pho at home allows you to customize your bowl with your favorite toppings and enjoy a bowl of authentic-tasting Vietnamese comfort food without any meat. It’s both nourishing and delicious, making it an excellent choice for a light lunch or a hearty dinner.

Let’s dive into why this vegetarian pho recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and aromatic broth: This recipe builds a deeply flavorful broth using simple spices and vegetables, capturing the essence of traditional pho without animal products.

Healthy and nutritious: Packed with fresh herbs, vegetables, and tofu, this soup is low in calories yet high in vitamins and plant-based protein.

Customizable and versatile: Add your favorite vegetables, spice it up with chili, or keep it mild for a family-friendly meal. Plus, it’s gluten-free if you use rice noodles.

Perfect for meal prep or a cozy night in, this vegetarian pho recipe brings warmth, comfort, and a burst of flavor in every spoonful.

Ingredients

• 8 cups vegetable broth (preferably low sodium)
• 1 large onion, peeled and halved
• 4-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
• 3 star anise pods
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or sugar
• 200g rice noodles (pho style or flat rice noodles)
• 200g firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake or button)
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• Fresh herbs: cilantro, Thai basil, and mint leaves
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 fresh lime, cut into wedges
• 1 red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
• Hoison sauce and sriracha, for serving

Equipment

• Large stockpot or soup pot
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Large bowls for serving
• Medium saucepan (for noodles)
• Slotted spoon or spider strainer

Instructions

1. Char the onion and ginger: Place the halved onion and sliced ginger on a baking sheet or directly on a gas burner, and char until blackened in spots, about 5-7 minutes. This adds depth and smoky flavor to the broth.
2. Toast the spices: In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the star anise, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and coriander seeds until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. 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 maple syrup. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour. This slow simmer extracts flavors beautifully.
4. Strain the broth: Remove the solids by pouring the broth through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean pot. Discard the solids. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with salt or additional soy sauce if needed.
5. Prepare the noodles and tofu: Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions in boiling water until tender, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. In a non-stick pan, lightly sauté tofu cubes until golden on all sides.
6. Assemble the bowls: Divide noodles and tofu evenly among serving bowls. Add sliced mushrooms and bean sprouts.
7. Heat the broth: Bring the strained broth back to a simmer and ladle hot broth over the noodles and toppings.
8. Add fresh herbs and garnishes: Top each bowl with cilantro, Thai basil, mint, green onions, lime wedges, and red chili slices if using.
9. Serve with condiments: Offer hoisin sauce and sriracha on the side for guests to customize their bowls.

Tips & Variations

For a deeper umami flavor, add dried shiitake mushrooms to the broth while simmering and remove before serving.

You can swap tofu for tempeh or seitan if you prefer different textures or more protein. For a gluten-free version, ensure your soy sauce or tamari is gluten-free.

Feel free to include additional vegetables like bok choy, carrots, or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrition. If you love spice, add fresh jalapeños or a drizzle of chili oil.

To make the broth faster, use an Instant Pot or pressure cooker to simmer the broth for about 30 minutes under high pressure.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegetarian pho is best enjoyed fresh, steaming hot with plenty of fresh herbs and lime. Serve with a side of crispy spring rolls or a light cucumber salad for a complete Vietnamese-inspired meal.

Leftover broth can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month, making it perfect for quick meals later in the week.

Pair your pho with a refreshing iced jasmine tea or a light Vietnamese iced coffee for an authentic dining experience.

For more delicious vegetarian recipes, check out our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals and try a sweet finish with our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious. If you want to bake some fresh bread to accompany your soup, don’t miss our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.

Conclusion

This vegetarian pho recipe is a beautiful tribute to traditional Vietnamese flavors, made accessible and comforting without meat. The rich, aromatic broth combined with fresh herbs, tender rice noodles, and protein-packed tofu makes for a nourishing and satisfying meal.

It’s a perfect dish to prepare for cozy evenings or impress guests with a homemade international delicacy.

By mastering this recipe, you’ll have a versatile base to experiment with different vegetables and spice levels, ensuring your pho bowls are always exciting and delicious. Give it a try, and you may find that this vegetarian version rivals any classic pho you’ve tasted.

Enjoy the journey of flavors and the wholesome goodness packed in every bowl!

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