How to Make Vegetable Pho: A Flavorful Vietnamese Noodle Soup You Can Easily Make at Home

Vegetable Pho is a vibrant and flavorful Vietnamese noodle soup that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Even without meat, this vegetarian pho bursts with savory, umami flavors that will make you crave a second bowl. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make at home!

In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the steps to create the perfect bowl of vegetable pho, from simmering a fragrant broth to assembling a symphony of textures and tastes. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

The Magic of Vegetable Pho: A Symphony of Flavors

Pho gets its signature depth of flavor from gently simmering aromatics like ginger, star anise, and cloves in a rich broth. The addition of vegetables adds a delightful sweetness and freshness that balances the savory notes.

“Many people think vegetarian cooking is bland, but that couldn’t be further from the truth,” says Chef Anya Sharma, a renowned vegetarian chef and author of “The Vibrant Veg Cookbook.” “Vegetable pho, with its incredible depth of flavor, is a prime example of how delicious and satisfying plant-based cuisine can be.”

Ingredients for a Soul-Satisfying Vegetable Pho

For the Broth:

• 8 cups vegetable broth
• 1 large onion, halved
• 4-inch piece ginger, sliced and lightly crushed
• 3 star anise
• 2 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

For the Noodles and Toppings:

• 8 ounces dried rice noodles (banh pho)
• 1 cup thinly sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup chopped bok choy
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup Thai basil leaves
• 2 limes, cut into wedges
• Sriracha sauce, to taste
• Hoisin sauce, to taste

Vegetable Pho Ingredients

Essential Tools for Your Pho Adventure

• Large pot
• Fine-mesh sieve
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board

Let’s Make Some Pho!

Preparing the Aromatic Broth

1. In a large pot, combine vegetable broth, onion, ginger, star anise, cloves, cinnamon stick, salt, and soy sauce.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. After simmering, remove the broth from heat and strain it through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the solids.

Cooking the Rice Noodles

1. While the broth simmers, cook the rice noodles according to package directions.
2. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to prevent sticking.

Assembling Your Bowl of Goodness

1. Divide the cooked noodles among bowls.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped bok choy to the hot broth and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
3. Ladle the hot broth and vegetables over the noodles.
4. Top with bean sprouts, green onions, cilantro, and Thai basil.
5. Serve immediately with lime wedges, sriracha sauce, and hoisin sauce on the side for adjusting to taste.

A Bowl of Vegetable Pho

Tips for a More Flavorful Pho

• For a richer broth, try roasting the onion and ginger before adding them to the pot.
• If you like a little heat, add a sliced jalapeno pepper to the broth while simmering.
• Feel free to customize your toppings! Other delicious additions include tofu, tempeh, or thinly sliced seitan.

Enjoy the Comforting Flavors of Homemade Vegetable Pho

Making vegetable pho at home is easier than you think, and the result is a deeply satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

If you’re interested in exploring more delicious and easy vegetarian recipes, check out our guide on How to Make Vegetable and Tofu Pad See Ew. You can also learn How to Make Vegetable and Tofu Pho for another take on this Vietnamese classic.

Now, it’s your turn to savor the goodness of homemade vegetable pho. Let us know in the comments how your pho turns out! We love hearing your culinary adventures.