Pho Recipe Vegan

First, simmer, then serve! This Vegan Pho is aromatic, comforting, and packed with veggies. Easy, healthy, and perfect for kids and families.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Broth:

  • 8 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 large onion, halved
  • 3-inch piece ginger, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2 star anise pods
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 3 cloves
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or sugar
  • Salt to taste

For the Pho:

  • 8 oz rice noodles
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup tofu, cubed and lightly pan-fried
  • 1 cup bok choy or spinach
  • ½ cup bean sprouts
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and fresh chili slices for garnish

Instructions

  1. First, char the aromatics: Roast onion and ginger in a dry skillet for 5 minutes until slightly blackened. Then, add to a large pot with vegetable broth.
  2. Next, add spices: Star anise, cinnamon, cloves, garlic, soy sauce, and maple syrup go into the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, prepare noodles: Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  4. After that, strain the broth: Remove solids and return broth to the pot. Adjust salt and sweetness as needed.
  5. Then, add mushrooms and greens: Simmer for 5 minutes until tender.
  6. Finally, assemble the pho bowls: Divide noodles among bowls, pour hot broth and veggies over them, and top with tofu, bean sprouts, green onions, cilantro, lime, and chili slices.

Tips & Tricks

  • Additionally, roast onion and ginger to deepen the broth flavor.
  • Next, slice mushrooms thinly for faster cooking and better texture.
  • Then, adjust seasoning gradually with soy sauce, lime, or maple syrup to taste.
  • Finally, serve immediately for the freshest flavor; leftover broth can be stored up to 3 days in the fridge.

Variations & Benefits

  • Kid-Friendly Version: Skip chili slices and use mild soy sauce; cut veggies into fun shapes.
  • Protein Boost: Add more tofu, tempeh, or edamame for extra protein.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
  • Health Benefits: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and plant-based protein. As a result, this soup supports immunity, digestion, and heart health while being low in calories.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximate)

  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg

Kid-Friendly Serving Ideas

  • First, remove chili slices for milder flavor.
  • Next, chop vegetables finely or leave them soft for easier eating.
  • Finally, serve with fun toppings like thin tofu strips or soft noodles for a playful meal presentation.