Pho is the soul of Vietnamese cuisine, a comforting, aromatic soup that brings warmth and joy to every slurp. While traditional pho often features beef or chicken, vegetarian pho offers a deliciously rich and satisfying alternative, packed with fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a deeply flavorful broth. If you’re seeking a wholesome, plant-based version of this iconic dish, you’ve come to the right place.
Vegetarian pho is more than just a substitute; it’s a vibrant celebration of fresh ingredients and herbs, with each spoonful delivering complex layers of flavor. Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or just looking to mix things up, this recipe offers an authentic and satisfying experience. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this beautiful bowl of comfort in your own kitchen.
Vegetarian Pho Recipe
This vegetarian pho recipe keeps the spirit of the original while removing any animal products, focusing instead on vegetable broth, tofu, and plenty of aromatic herbs. It is all about balancing flavors-savory, sweet, sour, and salty-while giving the broth a rich depth. A key part of this dish is making the broth from scratch, as it imparts that signature pho flavor, which is both soothing and complex.
Here’s everything you need to get started on your homemade vegetarian pho journey!
Ingredients Needed
The ingredients for vegetarian pho are relatively simple but come together to create a symphony of flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:
For The Broth
- Vegetable stock (4 cups): A rich vegetable stock serves as the base for the broth. It provides the foundation of flavor.
- Onions (2 medium): These should be charred, giving them a smoky depth that adds an essential layer to the broth.
- Ginger (3-inch piece): Fresh ginger will add that zingy, spicy warmth that’s characteristic of pho.
- Cinnamon stick (1): The sweet and woody aroma of cinnamon brings a hint of warmth to the soup.
- Star anise (2): These aromatic pods give the broth a signature licorice-like fragrance, enhancing its complexity.
- Cloves (3-4): Cloves add a warm, sweet heat to balance the earthiness of the broth.
- Cardamom pods (2): These bring a floral and citrusy note, enriching the broth.
- Soy sauce or tamari (2 tbsp): Adds a salty umami flavor without the need for fish sauce.
- Mushrooms (1 cup, preferably shiitake or cremini): They offer a rich, umami-packed flavor that deepens the broth.
For The Pho
- Rice noodles (8 oz): These thin, silky noodles are the heart of pho, soaking up the flavorful broth perfectly.
- Tofu (1 block, firm or extra-firm): Lightly fried or simply cubed, tofu soaks up the broth’s flavors while adding protein and texture.
- Fresh herbs (1 cup of cilantro, Thai basil, and mint): These are a must, as they add a bright, herbal freshness that lightens the rich broth.
- Bean sprouts (1 cup): The fresh crunch of bean sprouts adds texture and balance to the dish.
- Lime wedges (2-3): A squeeze of lime brightens the flavors, adding a touch of acidity.
- Chili peppers (2-3, thinly sliced): If you enjoy heat, the chili peppers add a spicy kick to the soup.
- Onion (1 small, thinly sliced): Raw onion adds a slight sharpness that cuts through the richness of the broth.
Cooking Instructions
Making vegetarian pho might take a little time, but it’s surprisingly easy and absolutely worth the effort. Here’s how to bring everything together:
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Prepare The Broth
- Start by charring your onions and ginger. You can do this by placing them under a broiler or directly over an open flame until they’re nicely charred (this adds a smoky flavor to the broth).
- In a large pot, combine the vegetable stock, charred onions, ginger, mushrooms, cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves, and cardamom pods. Bring this to a simmer over medium heat.
- Allow it to simmer gently for 30-45 minutes, uncovered, to allow the flavors to meld and develop. Taste periodically and adjust the seasoning with soy sauce or tamari for saltiness.
- Once the broth has developed its flavors, strain it to remove the spices and solids, leaving behind a beautifully clear and aromatic broth.
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Prepare The Noodles And Tofu
- While the broth is simmering, cook your rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- If you’re using tofu, lightly fry it in a bit of oil until it’s golden on all sides. You can also leave it raw if you prefer.
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Assemble The Pho
- Divide the cooked noodles into bowls. Top each with a portion of fried tofu and ladle the hot broth over the noodles and tofu.
- Garnish with fresh herbs (cilantro, mint, Thai basil), bean sprouts, thinly sliced onion, and chili peppers. Add a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.
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Serve
- Serve the pho with additional lime wedges and chili slices on the side, so everyone can adjust the flavor to their liking.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Let’s break down some of the key ingredients in vegetarian pho, and why they work so harmoniously together:
- Mushrooms: These fungi are a vegetarian’s best friend when it comes to replicating the umami flavor typically found in meat-based broths. Mushrooms like shiitake and cremini are particularly rich in glutamates, the natural compounds that give foods that savory, meaty flavor.
- Star Anise & Cinnamon: These spices are key players in creating pho’s signature fragrance. Star anise contains anethole, a compound that gives it its licorice-like taste, while cinnamon’s warm, sweet notes balance out the richness of the broth, providing a comforting foundation for the entire dish.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger brings more than just heat. It has compounds like gingerol that promote digestion and give the broth a spicy, aromatic freshness.
- Herbs: The fresh herbs in pho-mint, cilantro, and Thai basil-add a refreshing contrast to the rich, aromatic broth. These herbs also contribute their own unique oils, adding complexity to every spoonful.
Expert Tips
- Layering flavors: A great pho comes down to building flavor at each step. While the broth is simmering, don’t hesitate to taste and adjust. A dash more soy sauce or a little extra star anise can make a huge difference.
- Use a good-quality vegetable broth: The broth is the star of the show, so using a high-quality vegetable stock is crucial. If you’re in a pinch, homemade vegetable stock will make all the difference.
- Customize your toppings: While the classic toppings are delicious, feel free to experiment with other additions like hoisin sauce, crispy fried shallots, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
- Control the spice level: Adjust the heat by adding more or less chili peppers depending on your preference. You can also serve a mild version with more lime and fresh herbs for a cooling effect.
Recipe Variations
- Vegan Pho: This recipe is already vegetarian, but if you want to make it fully vegan, ensure that the tofu is organic and has no added non-vegan ingredients. You can also substitute the soy sauce for a tamari or coconut aminos if you’re gluten-free.
- Pho with Seitan: For a meatier texture, try adding seitan (a protein-rich wheat product) instead of tofu. It mimics the chewy texture of meat, making it a great substitute for traditional pho.
- Sweet Potato Pho: Add cubes of roasted sweet potato to your pho for a sweet, earthy twist. The sweetness contrasts beautifully with the savory broth.
- Spicy Pho: If you’re a fan of spicy food, add some sambal oelek or sriracha to your broth, or toss in extra chilies for a fiery kick.
Final Words
Vegetarian pho is one of those dishes that brings both comfort and excitement. The layers of flavor, from the deep, aromatic broth to the fresh and crunchy toppings, make it an incredibly satisfying meal. It’s a dish that invites you to savor every bite, appreciate the balance of ingredients, and enjoy the process of creating something beautiful in your own kitchen.
FAQs
What Is Vegetarian Pho?
Vegetarian pho is a variation of the traditional Vietnamese pho soup, made without any meat or animal products. It uses vegetable-based broths, tofu, and a variety of vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, and onions to mimic the depth and complexity of the original recipe. It is seasoned with the same aromatic spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves.
What Can I Use As A Substitute For Vegetable Broth In Vegetarian Pho?
You can make your own vegetable broth using ingredients like onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and herbs. Alternatively, you can use mushroom broth, which adds an earthy umami flavor. If you prefer store-bought, look for a low-sodium vegetable or mushroom broth for the best results.
How Can I Make The Broth More Flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of your vegetarian pho broth, you can char your onions and ginger before adding them to the pot. Toasting your spices-like star anise, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and coriander seeds-will help release their oils and deepen the broth’s complexity. Additionally, a splash of soy sauce or miso paste can add a savory umami depth.
What Are The Best Vegetables To Add To Vegetarian Pho?
Common vegetables for vegetarian pho include mushrooms (shiitake or cremini work well), bok choy, bean sprouts, carrots, and onions. You can also include leafy greens like spinach or kale. The goal is to use vegetables that will complement the broth and maintain their texture during the long simmering process.
Can I Use Tofu In Vegetarian Pho?
Yes, tofu is a popular addition to vegetarian pho. Tofu can be used in various forms: silken tofu adds a delicate texture, while firm or extra-firm tofu can be pan-fried or added directly to the broth for a more substantial bite. Tofu absorbs the broth’s flavors well, making it a perfect protein option.
What Herbs And Garnishes Should I Use For Vegetarian Pho?
Common garnishes for vegetarian pho include fresh basil, cilantro, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and thinly sliced chili peppers. Some people also like to add hoisin sauce and sriracha for additional flavor. These garnishes add freshness and spice to the rich broth.
Is Vegetarian Pho Gluten-free?
Yes, vegetarian pho can be gluten-free if you use rice noodles, which are naturally gluten-free. However, you should check the ingredients in store-bought sauces or broths (like hoisin or soy sauce), as they may contain gluten. Look for gluten-free alternatives such as tamari or gluten-free hoisin sauce.
How Long Does It Take To Make Vegetarian Pho?
The cooking time for vegetarian pho typically ranges from 1 to 2 hours. The broth needs to simmer for at least 1 hour to extract all the flavors from the vegetables and spices. If you’re using pre-made vegetable broth, the overall time could be reduced to about 30-40 minutes.
Can I Prepare The Broth Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetarian pho broth ahead of time. In fact, the broth often improves in flavor after a day or two. Simply cool the broth, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. You can also freeze the broth for longer storage.
Can I Make Vegetarian Pho Spicy?
Absolutely! You can adjust the spiciness of your vegetarian pho by adding fresh chili peppers or chili paste to the broth. Many people also enjoy adding a dash of sriracha or chili oil as a condiment. If you prefer a milder pho, you can omit the spicy ingredients and add them later as a topping for individual servings.