Vegan Pho With Tofu & Herbs Recipe on Food52 (2024)

This Vegan Pho recipe is so comforting and it's packed with the amazing aroma from the herbs and spices used. Although Pho is traditionally not vegan it's definitely possible to make it without meat while retaining the flavorful broth. A big thank you to my good friend for showing me how to make this soup from scratch.

This pho stock is made from a combination of vegetables, fruit, and spices that gives the broth a complex flavor. One important tip is to toast the spices and a few vegetables until they char for a more flavorful broth. The broth is then simmered for an hour until all the vegetables have released their flavor.

As for the toppings, they are easily customizable; I'm using pan-fried tofu seasoned with salt here. Some of the recommended garnishes for pho include culantro (sawtooth herb), cilantro, Thai basil, mung bean sprouts, mint, thinly sliced onion, green onions, and lime wedges. Check out the recipe below and make some to share with your friends and family today! —WoonHeng Chia

Directions

1. Pho Stock
2. In a cast-iron pan over medium heat, toast spices until aromatic, about 1 minute, tossing frequently. Turn off the heat and let cool for a few minutes, then transfer the toasted spices into a spice bag and set aside.
3. In the same (now-empty) pan, toast daikon, onion, and ginger until charred on all sides, 3 to 5 minutes.
4. Fill a 5-quart pot with 12 cups of water. Place all the soup ingredients and the spice bag in the pot and cover it with a lid.
5. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the heat and simmer for an hour.
6. Once it's ready, strain the broth, and season to taste with umami seasoning, plus salt as needed.

1. Toppings & Garnishes
2. To serve, divide the noodles into four bowls. Top with a few ladlefuls of broth, then with herbs and other garnishes of choice. Don't forget to squeeze on some lime juice! Serve warm and enjoy.

Recipe by: WoonHeng Chia