Vegan Pho Broth / Soup Recipe - Choosing Chia (2024)

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Jump To Recipe 4 reviews posted Jan 27, 2021 by Jessica Hoffman

This Vegan Pho recipe is easy to make and is infused with warming spices like cinnamon and star Anis. It’s perfect to enjoy as an appetizer or to have a larger bowl for a meal!

Vegan Pho Broth / Soup Recipe - Choosing Chia (1)

Why you’ll love this Vegan Pho recipe

  • This recipe is perfect for the colder months and the broth is super warming and cozy.
  • This Pho soup comes together in about 30 minutes since it uses a hack to make a quick and simple broth. (So no need to fuss in the kitchen for hours making a homemade veggie stock!)
  • You can enjoy this soup as an appetizer or have a big bowl for a delicious meal that is vegan and gluten-free.

What is Pho?

Pho soup is a traditional Vietnamese soup that can be made with beef broth, chicken broth or vegetarian broth. This recipe for Vegan Pho is made with a quick and easy vegetarian broth. This recipe is inspired by traditional Pho, which is typically made with beef broth and takes hours to make. Since there is traditionally no vegan pho, this recipe is my interpretation of the traditional broth that uses similar spices and flavouring.

Rather than making veggie stock from scratch, we’re going to use store-bought vegetable stock and infuse it with spices to save time. This is a trick I like to do for Asian soup recipes like this pho or this ramen.

Is Pho vegan?

A typical pho broth is not vegan, but you can make a very tasty Vegan Pho broth at home with a few simple ingredients!

Pho Broth

What flavor is pho broth?

The main flavors in pho broth are charred onion, ginger, star anise, cinnamon and cloves. The broth is very fragrant and flavorful.

Is pho broth the same as beef broth?

A typical pho broth is often made with beef broth, so many people think these are the same. But the main difference is all in the flavoring with aromatics and spices. Pho broth can also be made with chicken broth or vegetable broth and will have a very similar flavor to a pho made with beef broth since these will have the same spices and seasoning. This vegan pho broth is packed full of flavour you won’t miss the beef broth.

Does this pho broth recipe have soy sauce?

Pho will often use soy sauce or fish sauce in it to season the broth and make it salty. Since this recipe is vegan, it uses soy sauce. If you want to make a gluten-free pho, just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce.

What is vegan pho made of?

  • Onion: charred onion is one of the key flavors in a pho broth. You can use a regular white onion.
  • Ginger: Fresh ginger is another key ingredient that makes a pho broth unique. The ginger also gets charred.
  • Spices: this recipe uses a combination of star anise, cloves, cardamom and cinnamon. I wouldn’t recommend substituting any of these spices in the recipe. Each one is unique and plays an important role in getting that specific pho flavor.
  • Shitake: dried or fresh shiitake will both work. This helps give a little more richness and umami flavor to the vegetarian broth.
  • Vegetable stock: any of your favourite vegetable stock or broth will work.
  • Miso: I like to use white miso paste, but you can also use dark miso. This will give the broth a little more umami and savoury flavor. Since the broth doesn’t contain any beef or chicken stock, it’s important to add a lot of flavor to make the broth taste rich.
  • Soy sauce: to season. You can also use tamari.
  • Coconut sugar: for a hint of sweetness to balance out the salty and savoury elements.

How to make Vegan Pho

Start by broiling the onion and ginger in the oven for about 15 minutes until blackened on top. Then add them to the pot along with the spices and mushrooms and toast for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This will help to release the delicious flavours in the spices!

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Add the veggie broth to the pot, bring to a boil then let simmer on low covered for 15-20 minutes. Strain the soup to remove the spices then add the soup back to the pot with the bok choy and let the bok choy and green onion and cook in the soup on medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until tender.

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Cook the rice noodles separately and then plate the soup in the bowl with some rice noodles, bean sprouts and herbs.

Vegan Pho Broth / Soup Recipe - Choosing Chia (6)

What should I put in my Pho?

Traditionally a Pho recipe is served with a side of beansprouts, Thai basil and mint.

Though you can serve this Vegan Pho recipe with any type of vegetables you love. For this recipe, I use bok choy and beansprouts. Some other delicious veggies you could add to this soup are:

  • Broccoli/Chinese broccoli
  • Snow peas
  • Cabbage
  • Steamed carrots

How to serve Pho Soup

Pho soup is traditionally served with rice noodles and a side of bean sprouts, mint leaves, Thai basil, lime wedges, hoisin sauce and sriracha that you can add to your soup as you wish. You can also add any vegetables you love to the pho or some soft tofu for some added protein.

It’s best to serve this Vegan Pho in a large bowl so the soup doesn’t splatter everywhere as you eat it. Pho is usually served with chopsticks to pick up the noodles and a large soup spoon to scoop up your soup.

Storing and Freezing Pho Soup

Store this Vegan Pho in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Store the noodles separately to prevent them from becoming soggy.

This Pho broth also freezes well. Freeze just the broth without any of the vegetables or noodles in it. Thaw on the countertop.

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Tips for making this Pho Soup recipe perfectly

  • Broil or roast the onion and ginger in the oven before adding them to the pot. This helps to build up a really nice flavour and will give you a more flavourful rich-tasting broth.
  • Cook the rice noodles separately. If you cook the rice noodles in the broth, they will absorb a lot of the liquid and you will end up with much less soup broth for serving.
  • Top this soup off with a squeeze of sriracha and hoisin sauce if you like! This is a traditional way to serve Pho.

More vegan soup recipes to try

  • Vegan Minestrone Soup
  • Creamy Vegan Tomato Soup
  • Northern-style Thai Vegan Coconut Soup
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If you tried thisVegan Phoor any other recipe on the blog let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment/rating below! Be sure to follow along onPinterest,InstagramandFacebookfor even more deliciousness!

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Vegan Pho Broth / Soup Recipe - Choosing Chia (9)

Vegan Pho

5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star5 from 4 reviews

  • Author: Jessica Hoffman
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Cook
  • Cuisine: Vietnamese
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe

Description

This Vegan Pho recipe comes together in just 30 minutes for a quick and easy soup that’s packed with flavour

Ingredients

UnitsScale

For serving

  • Rice noodles
  • Bean sprouts
  • Cilantro
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Sriracha

Instructions

  1. Place the onion and ginger face down on a baking pan and broil in the oven for about 10-15 minutes until charred on top.
  2. Add the onion, ginger, star anise, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon stick and shitake to a pot on medium-high heat and let toast for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Then add the vegetable broth, miso paste, soy sauce and coconut sugar and bring to a boil for 1 minute.
  4. Reduce the heat to low, cover and let simmer for 20 minutes.
  5. Strain the soup to remove all the spices then add the green onions and bok choy or vegetables of choice and let cook in the soup on medium heat for 2-3 minutes until tender.
  6. Serve with rice noodles, bean sprouts, cilantro and green onions.

Notes

Broil or roast the onion and ginger in the oven before adding them to the pot. This helps to build up a really nice flavour and will give you a more flavourful rich-tasting broth.

Cook the rice noodles separately. If you cook the rice noodles in the broth, they will absorb a lot of the liquid and you will end up with much less soup broth for serving.

This broth is even better the next day. Store it in a Tupperware in your fridge and enjoy it the next day for an even more flavourful soup.

Store noodles separately so they don’t become soggy.

Add some soft tofu to this recipe if you want some extra protein!

*Nutrition information includes 1/2 cup rice noodles per serving

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Fat: 2g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 1.5g
  • Protein: 7g

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posted by Jessica Hoffman on January 27, 2021 (updated January 25, 2024)

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14 comments on “Vegan Pho Soup”

  1. Vegan Pho Broth / Soup Recipe - Choosing Chia (10)

    Olga Gutenberg Reply

    Easy and fast to make, authentic taste…

    • Vegan Pho Broth / Soup Recipe - Choosing Chia (11)

      Jessica Hoffman Reply

      So happy you liked it Olga 🙂

  2. Vegan Pho Broth / Soup Recipe - Choosing Chia (12)

    Melody Reply

    Hi there! I am excited to try making this! Forgive my ignorance, but do I need to rehydrate the mushrooms before cooking with them, or use them dry and allow them to rehydrate as the broth cooks?

    Thanks for your help & the recipe!

    • Vegan Pho Broth / Soup Recipe - Choosing Chia (13)

      Jessica Hoffman Reply

      Hi Melody, you’re not ignorant at all! All questions are welcome here:) you don’t need to rehydrate them, you can add them in dry!

  3. Vegan Pho Broth / Soup Recipe - Choosing Chia (14)

    Rosemary Rodríguez Reply

    This recipe is so scrumptious I can’t wait for you to write a cookbook yeah scrumptious d’lites

    • Vegan Pho Broth / Soup Recipe - Choosing Chia (15)

      Jessica Hoffman Reply

      Thanks Rosemary!

  4. Vegan Pho Broth / Soup Recipe - Choosing Chia (16)

    Riz Reply

    Thank you so much for sharing this recipe! I am going to try it and will tag you in my post in IG!

    • Vegan Pho Broth / Soup Recipe - Choosing Chia (17)

      Jessica Hoffman Reply

      Hope you enjoy it Riz!

  5. Vegan Pho Broth / Soup Recipe - Choosing Chia (18)

    Clare Feinson Reply

    I’m looking forward to trying this recipe. A local pho restaurant here in DC makes excellent pho with a broth based on apples.

    • Vegan Pho Broth / Soup Recipe - Choosing Chia (19)

      Jessica Hoffman Reply

      Hope you enjoy Clare! And that sounds really interesting!

  6. Vegan Pho Broth / Soup Recipe - Choosing Chia (20)

    Antro Reply

    Sounds exciting, will definitely try it

    • Vegan Pho Broth / Soup Recipe - Choosing Chia (21)

      Jessica Hoffman Reply

      Hope you enjoy!

  7. Vegan Pho Broth / Soup Recipe - Choosing Chia (22)

    Mel Reply

    This was absolutely INCREDIBLE. I have quite a bit of experience in the kitchen but am newly vegan so I find I have to rely on recipes for inspiration and as a starting point. This did not disappoint. I added thai basil and a mix of wild mushrooms… there were no leftovers. We enjoyed it so much we made it again the next day! Can’t wait to try your butternut squash mac and cheese and your spicy sweet potato falafel – my expectations are high!!

    • Vegan Pho Broth / Soup Recipe - Choosing Chia (23)

      Anna Oppermann Reply

      Thanks so much for the kind review! Glad you’ve already found some other vegan recipes to try out, too – you’ll have to let me know what you think 🙂

Vegan Pho Broth / Soup Recipe - Choosing Chia (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret ingredient in pho broth? ›

Sa sung—dried peanut worms—have been described as the secret ingredient of great pho.

What is vegan pho broth made of? ›

The broth is made from charred vegetables and toasted spices to create that complex flavor. It's then served with rice noodles along with a variety of herbs and fresh mung bean sprouts. The recipe is delicious and naturally gluten-free.

Why is my pho broth slimy? ›

Although it looks kind of weird, you want your pho broth to turn into this gelatin after being refrigerated. It's a sign the broth is of quality and cooked with meat bones. The collagen that's released will gelatinized.

Is pho broth anti inflammatory? ›

Pho is very nutritious. From its ingredients, it's been shown to reduce inflammation and improve joint health. If you suffer from something like chronic pain or arthritis, you may want to entertain the idea of enjoying more pho. The broth particularly can be very anti-inflammation.

What makes pho broth bitter? ›

Black Cardamom

Too much can make the broth bitter. Green cardamon has a different aroma, but black cardamom has a smoky taste and smell.

What is veggie pho stock concentrate? ›

Our Gluten Free, Clean Label Pho Vegetable Broth Concentrate infuses vegetable juice concentrates such as carrots, onions, and celery with Natural Flavors to obtain an Asian inspired pho flavor and aroma.

How healthy is pho broth? ›

Rich in calcium, iron, and phosphorus, the ingredients in a bowl of pho are essential for maintaining healthy dentin and tooth enamel, and some advocates claim it can even aid in the remineralization of teeth.

What makes pho broth different? ›

Pho Broth Spices and Other ingredients

The spices are toasted to bring out the flavour before adding into the pot. And the ginger and onion are charred to add a subtle smokey flavour into the broth – a secret little step that adds that extra something-something to make this pho recipe authentic and traditional!

How do you add depth to pho broth? ›

After draining and washing the bones, char the aromatics before adding them to the broth for enhanced depth of flavor. Once all the broth components are prepared, bring a fresh batch of water to a boil with the cleaned bones and charred aromatics, then simmer on low heat.

Should you remove the fat from pho broth? ›

Regardless of how "healthy" you want to aim for, do not skim and throw away this layer of fat. You can always stir lightly and exclude the fat as you ladle broth into your bowl as you serve.

How long does homemade pho broth last? ›

Storage: Once the bowls of pho are assembled, they're best enjoyed right away. The broth itself will last up to 5 days in the fridge. If possible, store the pho broth, toppings, and rice noodles separately for best results. Freeze: You can freeze the broth without the meat or toppings for up to three months.

Why is pho broth so clear? ›

Achieving Clear Pho Broth

The parboiling or blanching of the bones and beef removes much of this scum. Scum or "impurities" naturally floats to the top when you make any kind of stock using meat and bones. A fine mesh skimmer can remove the scum and much of the fat very quickly and easily.

How is pho broth so clear? ›

Hi korean recipes soak meat in cold water a half hour to remove blood and impurities before cooking to get a clear broth.

Why is pho broth so good? ›

A great pho soup is a well made beef broth with charred aromatics, sweetened with sugar, and seasoned with fish sauce. The signature taste of beef pho though comes from the charred aromatics and spices: if you leave those out, you don't have pho, you have generic beef noodle soup.

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