Authentic Vegan Pho: A Healthy and Delicious Vietnamese Classic

Ingredients

  • 1 large onion, peeled and halved
  • 2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and halved lengthwise
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 star anise
  • 2 cloves
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 200 grams firm tofu, sliced into thin pieces
  • 200 grams rice noodles
  • 2 cups bean sprouts
  • 1 cup fresh mint leaves
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • 2 chili peppers, thinly sliced
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Steps and instructions

  1. Char the onion and ginger over an open flame (either on a grill or a gas stovetop) until slightly blackened, about 5 minutes on each side.
  2. Rinse the charred onion and ginger under warm water to remove any loose, blackened bits.
  3. In a large pot, dry roast the cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and coriander until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add the charred onion, ginger, vegetable broth, water, soy sauce, and maple syrup to the pot. Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
  5. While the broth is simmering, pan-fry the tofu slices until they're golden brown on both sides. Set them aside.
  6. Prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
  7. Once the broth has finished simmering, strain it into a clean pot and discard the solids.
  8. Divide the broth among serving bowls, then add the rice noodles and tofu slices to each bowl.
  9. Garnish each bowl with bean sprouts, mint leaves, cilantro leaves, lime wedges, sliced chili peppers, and sliced green onions.
  10. Serve the pho hot, and encourage everyone to squeeze the lime wedges over their bowls before eating.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use different vegetables or mushrooms instead of tofu, such as shiitake mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, or sliced carrots.
  • Add extra vegetables like bok choy, baby corn, or snow peas.
  • Experiment with different spices and herbs, such as lemongrass, Thai basil, or cloves of garlic.
  • Replace the rice noodles with other types of noodles, such as udon noodles or soba noodles.
  • Make it gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
  • Add a splash of vegan fish sauce or vegan Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor.
  • Include some vegan protein alternatives like tempeh, seitan, or textured vegetable protein (TVP).
  • For a spicier kick, add sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the broth.
  • Top the pho with crushed peanuts or fried shallots for added crunch and flavor.
  • Create a fusion twist by adding ingredients like miso paste, coconut milk, or curry powder to the broth.

Recipe overview

Bring the vibrant flavors of a traditional Vietnamese Pho right to your kitchen with this Vegan Pho recipe. This dish is a beautiful melding of aromatic spices, hearty tofu, and refreshing herbs, all tied together by a homemade, deeply savory vegetable broth. One of the joys of eating Pho is tailoring the dish to your taste with your choice of garnishes - from bean sprouts and mint leaves to zesty lime wedges and fiery chili peppers. The end result is a delicious and comforting bowl of soup that's perfect for any time of the year. This recipe does involve some multitasking - while the broth is simmering, you'll be pan-frying tofu and preparing rice noodles - but the process is straightforward and the results are well worth it. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to make a Vegan Pho that's as satisfying and flavorful as the traditional beef version. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. Can I use different vegetables in the broth? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different vegetables like carrots, celery, or mushrooms to add more flavor to the broth.
  2. Can I use a different protein instead of tofu? Yes, you can substitute tofu with other plant-based proteins like tempeh or seitan. You can also add cooked chickpeas or sliced mushrooms for a different texture.
  3. Is there a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce? Yes, you can use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.
  4. Can I make the broth in advance? Absolutely! The broth can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before assembling the pho.
  5. Can I freeze the leftover pho? While it's best to consume pho fresh, you can freeze the leftover broth separately and thaw it when needed. Noodles and garnishes are best enjoyed fresh.
  6. Can I adjust the spice level? Of course! If you prefer a spicier pho, you can increase the amount of chili peppers or add a few dashes of hot sauce. Adjust it according to your taste preferences.
  7. Can I add more herbs and vegetables as toppings? Absolutely! Pho is versatile, and you can add additional herbs like Thai basil or Thai holy basil, as well as sliced jalapenos, shredded cabbage, or sliced bell peppers as toppings.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - Needed to make the broth and simmer the ingredients
  • Grill or gas stovetop - Used to char the onion and ginger
  • Strainer - Used to strain the broth and remove solids
  • Pan - Used to pan-fry the tofu slices
  • Bowls - To serve the pho
  • Chopsticks or spoons - Utensils for eating the pho
  • Ladle - Used to transfer the broth into serving bowls
  • Knife - For slicing the tofu, chili peppers, lime, and green onions
  • Cutting board - Surface for cutting ingredients
  • Tongs - To flip and handle the tofu slices

Origin stories

Pho, the famed aromatic noodle soup, is a culinary emblem of Vietnam. Intriguingly, its origins are a bit of a mélange, with the name likely stemming from the French dish 'pot-au-feu', highlighting Vietnam's colonial past. It first emerged in the early 20th century in Hanoi, Northern Vietnam, before journeying south where its preparation evolved to include more garnishes, like fresh herbs, lime, and bean sprouts. It's a classic example of how food adapts and transforms over time and geography. The vegan variant, much like its meaty predecessor, offers a beautiful fusion of fragrant spices and fresh ingredients, embodying the essence of Vietnamese cuisine.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.