Vegetarian Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup) Recipe

Vegetarian Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup) Recipe

  • Broth:
  • 10 cups vegetable stock
  • 1 onion, peeled and halved
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 8 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
  • 2 (3 inch) cinnamon sticks
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 2 pods star anise
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Soup:
  • 1 (16 ounce) package thin rice noodles (such as Thai Kitchen®)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, or as needed
  • 2 (14 ounce) packages firm tofu, drained and cut into 1/4-inch slices
  • 8 ounces enoki mushrooms
  • 4 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped cilantro
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • 2 jalapeno peppers, sliced into rings
  • 1/4 cup mung bean sprouts
  • 1/4 cup Thai basil leaves, torn into bite-size pieces
  1. Place vegetable stock, onion, soy sauce, garlic, cinnamon sticks, ground ginger, star anise, and bay leaves in a large pot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until flavors combine, 30 to 45 minutes. Remove solids with a slotted spoon and keep broth hot.
  2. Place noodles in a large bowl and cover with boiling water. Set aside until noodles are softened, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse thoroughly. Divide noodles among 6 serving bowls.
  3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add tofu in a single layer and fry, in batches, until golden brown, about 6 minutes per side.
  4. Simmer fried tofu and mushrooms in broth until heated through, about 5 minutes. Transfer to serving bowls. Top with scallions and cilantro. Ladle in hot broth.
  5. Serve lime wedges, jalapeno peppers, bean sprouts, and basil alongside for garnishing each bowl.