PHO! Is there anything better than slurping up a big bowl of delicious brothy noodles? The answer is no. Soupy, slurpy, full of gorgeous flavours from star anise, cloves, cinnamon, garlic and ginger, topped with basil, mint, cilantro, and all sorts of other goodness. A total bowl of health. This baby will make colds run away in horror.
Traditional pho is supposed to take several hours to make, but let's be honest, I ain't got time for that. So I figured out a cheaters way (aka brilliant way) to make it in just 30 minutes. Not only that but you get to be all sorts of lazy and just toss everything in a pot and let it simmer. I totally have time for that!
Pho is all about the broth, and the broth is all about the right flavours. Pho's unique flavours can be attributed to the spices: star anise, cloves, and cinnamon. Often used as a sweet combination, but pair them with onion, garlic, and soy sauce, and oooeeee is that the yummiest savoury, aromatic soup ever!
Then just decorate your pho with an endless combination of toppings. I love serving all the toppings on a large cutting board or in individual pretty little bowls, and then letting everyone top their pho to their own taste preferences. It makes for a great dinner party or just an easy weeknight meal.
To make quick vegan pho, just quarter an onion, roughly chop the garlic, and slice the ginger into coins. Add the broth, onion, garlic, star anise, whole cloves, ginger, and cinnamon to a large pot and bring to a simmer. Cover and let simmer for 20-30 minutes. Yes, you will have large chunks of stuff floating around, that's how it should be.
In the meantime bring a big pot of water to a boil and cook your rice noodles. Follow the package directions or if there are none, cook until al dente, about 3 minutes. Drain, and rinse with cold water to stop the noodles cooking.
Chop up your toppings, and sauté the mushrooms or tofu if you are using either. Now I am pretty sure you know how to fill a bowl of soup, so I really don't need to do a step by step photo guide on this one, but just look how pretty it is...
Ahhhhhhhh.... This is the stuff of love.
Quick Vegan Pho
Ingredients
For the Broth:
- 2 L vegetable broth (8 cups)
- 3 cups water
- 1 yellow onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 3 whole star anise
- 3 whole cloves (the spice)
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger, sliced into coins
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Soy sauce to taste
- 1 package wide rice noodles
For the Toppings (use whatever combo you like):
- Fresh basil (Thai basil is preferable if you can find it)
- Fresh cilantro
- Fresh mint
- Fresh green onions
- Mung bean sprouts
- Hot peppers (I like Mirasol peppers, which are long, red, and not very spicy)
- Peanuts
- Sautéed mushrooms (I like shiitakes)
- Sautéed tofu
- Hot sauce
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Add the broth, water, onion, garlic, star anise, whole cloves, ginger, and cinnamon, to a large pot and bring to a simmer. Cover and let simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Taste and add soy sauce as needed. The amount you need will vary a bit depending on your taste preference and how salty the broth you used is, I used 2 tablespoons.
- Bring a big pot of water to a boil and cook your rice noodles. Follow the package directions or if there are none, cook until al dente, about 3 minutes. Drain, and rinse with cold water to stop the noodles cooking.
- When everything is ready, serve by adding noodles to a bowl, using a ladle to collect the broth (leaving the onion and spices behind), and then top with garnishes of choice.
Nutrition
Feature Ingredient: Star Anise! 188 days, 69 Recipes to go.
Bon Appetegan!
Sam
Htet says
I love your recipes but I wish this one had a disclaimer about how this varies from traditional pho, or maybe some mention of the regional differences, to acknowledge and be respectful of Vietnamese culture. I do appreciate that it provides a base for people who have never made pho to build on. I recommend for a "quick" version to also use vegetable broth or add a vegetable broth base as well as simmering with dried mushrooms or mushroom powder to add more flavor. Broil the onion and ginger before adding to the broth. Toast the spices also before adding to the broth, black cardamom and fennel as well as coriander seed also add to the taste. If spices are not available search for a "pho chay" soup base or five spice powder. Add rock sugar or brown sugar for extra sweetness if desired. Peanuts as a garnish or peanut butter mixed in the broth change the dish, it is not traditional pho but you may enjoy it. I hope this helps, thank you.
Vidhya Iyer says
Omgg Sam this was sooo good!
We hardly order pho in restaurants as it's usually made with beef broth but I have been craving for a comforting noodle recipe for the last few weeks , with the rainy weather (here in singapore) plus cos of the flu I had come down with. This recipe completely satisfied all that craving and cleared my head , lol ! Even my hubby who doesn't normally enjoy soupy noodles said he loved it 😉 very flavorful and satisfying indeed ! 🙂 Even the 4 and 1 year old loved it. I added some sauteed tofu, shitake mushrooms, carrots, bean sprouts, coriander n spring onions, plus dried fried shallots to the soup. Also added a dash of organic mushroom seasoning that we get here to the broth when it was boiling with all the other spices. Some red hot chili soaked in soy sauce as a condiment for the adults gave it that extra punch. This recipe is a keeper and might well become a regular weekday dinner option;)
Thank you for this and all your lovely recipes. I always get compliments when I make your recipes - and love your videos too, you are super entertaining ! haha;)
Sam Turnbull says
Aww thank you so much, Vidhya!! Thrilled you are enjoying my content so much 😀
Sheilah says
We loved this with Gardein meatballs cooked in the broth. Thanks for a great recipe!
Sam Turnbull says
Oh yum! You're most welcome, I'm glad you enjoyed 🙂
Cici says
This is an amazing recipe! It didn't take long to make and tasted absolutely delicious. I immediately wished I had doubled the recipe. My husband and I are in agreement that this will become one of our staples.
We did add veggies to ours (broccoli, carrots and cabbage). We also made the fried tofu from the ramen recipe as suggested. Super yummy, thank you for the awesome recipe!
Sam Turnbull says
Wonderful! So happy you and your husband loved it so much, Cici 🙂
Taheerah says
Am I able to freeze the broth? (9 months pregnant and looking for good soups)
Sam Turnbull says
Yes, although from my experience it loses a bit of the punch, so you might want to bump up the spices a bit. Enjoy!
Poppy says
Hi, is there any particular way you saute the tofu? Any special spices or anything? Thanks 🙂
Sam Turnbull says
For this recipe, the tofu would be excellent prepared the way I make it for my ramen noodle soup.
Angela says
I made this and it was very nice. Thanks for the recipe 🙂
Sam Turnbull says
You're most welcome, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
martha says
This recipe is lovely, and truly easy to follow exactly (or make your own variations. I don't strain the broth, and add peanut butter rather than peanuts). Thank you so much!
Sam Turnbull says
Wonderful! So happy you enjoyed it, Martha 🙂
Lil says
Thank you for the recipe. Curious... am I able to throw in the vegetables (broccoli, mushrooms, etc) and the noodles and cook in the broth all together?
Sam Turnbull says
Hi Lil, sure you can. That's not how pho is served, but if that's the way you want to eat it, go for it!
Sada says
My boyfriend made us this recipe last week and WHAT A HIT! Since moving to Australia, we have found it VERY hard to find pho and impossible to find it vegan/vegetarian (always made with real beef stock!). So happy we found this recipe and will be making it again for sure!
***if anyone is located in Australia, note that Massel makes vegetable, chicken and beef flavoured stock cubes/powders ALL VEGAN and plant based***
Sam Turnbull says
Yay!! Thrilled you and your boyfriend love it so much, Sada. Hi from Canada 🙂
Dee says
Where do you live? There are a couple with mushroom broth and no MSG in Twin Cities.
I am making it right now. I couldn't comment without rating it, do i assume it is 5 stars because it smells good. I'd say just mention in the steps when and how and if to cook vegetables. Traditional Vietnamese pho pours hot broth over barely cooked veggies so they are nice and crunchy. 🙂
Dawn W says
I'm about to make the broth part and let it sit until I can pick up a few more ingredients (bean sprouts, peppers, etc)...or, maybe I'll just drink the broth - stay tuned :p
Sam Turnbull says
Haha, enjoy!
Abbie says
Absolutely delicious! Made your veggie scrap stock as my base and it was great. I’ve got some broth leftover so I’ll leave it to sit overnight and I’m sure it’ll infuse even more. Thanks for this great vegan recipe!
Sam Turnbull says
Yay!! Thrilled you enjoyed it so much, Abbie 😀
in2insight says
This was super good and so easy to make. Thanks for sharing!
Sam Turnbull says
Thrilled you loved it so much! 🙂
Heather Moreau says
Thank you!!! Pho is my new addiction - loooove ramen and now I can add this to my home meal list!
Sam Turnbull says
You're most welcome, Heather 🙂
Mona T says
I just fed this to a family of 7 adults and 1 toddler, 6 of whom have the flu, who are all picky eaters and they loved it and some went back for seconds as well. It tastes amazing. It is versatile for this family of meat eaters and pesceterians to add a protein source on the side. I opted to leave out the soy sauce and it was still great. I’m considering making a version with zoodles.
Sam Turnbull says
Wonderful! So happy everyone enjoyed it, Mona 🙂
Mags says
This pho is incredible! Thank you so much for this recipe, it is a keeper!
Sam Turnbull says
So happy you enjoyed it!
Victoria says
I tried this and if you want good flavor, double the spices. Also let it sit overnight after a boil, and the next day you’ll have your best flavor. We added some natural sweetness with a little can of pineapple tidbits (100% pineapple- no additives).
Michael Parker says
Oh my Gawd this was amazing!!! Made it for my family tonight. Yet again, you delivered an amazing and creative meal my family loves! 🙂
Sam Turnbull says
Yay! So happy to hear that you and your family loved it so much 🙂
Penelope says
Hi,
Thanks for the recipe
What hot sauce do you use please? I'm in Australia, so I'm not sure the sauce choices will be the same, so any help regarding the content of the sauce would be greatly appreciated.
thanks again
Sam Turnbull says
Any Asian type hot sauce would work. I like Sriracha but you could also use a Thai chili hot sauce, or anything along those lines. Omnomnom!
Jennifer Nguyen says
Sriracha. Can find it at Woolworth and all Asian stores
Charlotte says
Just made this and it was so good! I left out the corriander (one of those people) but it didn't seem to matter. Thank you 🙂 x
Sam Turnbull says
Woohoo! So happy you loved it, Charlotte 🙂
Chrissy says
My husband and I love pho, and usually get takeout or use a pre-made vegan pho base we've found online...but I wanted to try to make it myself, and as usual, the most appealing (and easiest) recipe was on your site Sam. Made it tonight, and it was delicious!! The broth was fantastic, so flavorful even after a relatively short time simmering. Thanks!!
On an unrelated note, I'm going to make the almond snacking cheese, tomorrow, so excited to try it!
Sam Turnbull says
Woohoo! Thrilled you loved it so much, Chrissy! I love making pho, it's surprisingly easy (when you use my recipe anyways). 😉
Whytney says
I came home from work early today because I'm stuffed full of a head cold. I currently have this recipe simmering on the stove so hopefully it will help cure me! Even though I might not be able to taste anything.... lol ☹️
Sam Turnbull says
Oh no! I hope you feel better, Whytney, and I hope the soup helps you!
Taliah says
I'm a new fan!
love your recipies! Just made this, it was super good, and a big hit with my boy friend. I'm sure I'll make it often.
thanks!
Sam Turnbull says
Welcome, Taliah!
Woohoo! So happy you and your boyfriend loved it 🙂
Fiona says
I was a little bummed after spending $35 on this recipe for the whole cloves, star anise, and fresh herbs that this wasn't better. It really didn't compare to pho from a restaurant and I made it exactly as stated. It was definitely good, but not restaurant pho good. I wish someone had commented when I read this recipe about the high price of the ingredients as that would have swayed my decision about whether to make it or not.
Sam Turnbull says
Oh no, so bummed you didn't love it, Fiona. All spices tend to be pricey, but the good news is that once you stock up, you will have them for a long time and can use them in many other recipes.
Joanne says
Switching to vegan cooking can be time consuming and expensive. Even after you have stocked up on spices and other new ingredients, it isn't cheap. I go to our local farmers' market to help keep down the expense, but not everyone has that luxury. II would encourage you to stay with it and you will see the many benefits. I know when I started (21 years ago), many a time I bought a box of tofu only to throw it out after its expiration date because I didn't know what the heck to do with it. Just a thought, but whole cloves and star anise can be used in make a chai mix or sangria or mulled wine. Hang in there!!!
Sam Turnbull says
Thanks for sharing your advice, Joanne 🙂
Joanne Freund says
This is my my and just what you need when you are battling a cold! I am going to make a double or triple batch of broth and freeze extra next time. By the way - your tofu crumbles work great in this recipe!
Sam Turnbull says
Oh great tip!! I hope you feel better Joanne, so happy you love the recipe 😀
Joanne says
Oh dear, I see my general condition impacted my ability to type. I think I intended to say, this is amazing.
Sam Turnbull says
Hahaha! All good 🙂
Cheryl says
I made this for dinner tonight. I was amazing! I bought some shrimp for my meat eating boyfriend's portion since he was such a good sport in eating vegan last night (And tonight he said yes to pho without even knowing what it was).
I didn't have star anise so I threw some fennel in instead. I also used red pepper flakes and saracha at the end to spice it up. Yum!
I will be eating leftovers for lunch.
BTW, last night's dinner - your bbq pulled jackfruit. (It's a regular in our house)
Sam Turnbull says
Yay! So happy it was well enjoyed, and that the jackfruit is a regular in your house! Awesome 🙂
Cheryl says
OMG! Thank you! I have been craving pho. Now I know at least one meal I'll be making this week!
Sam Turnbull says
Woo hoo! I hope you love it 🙂
Hannah Jones says
Just made this for my omni family and they were so impressed!! So satisfying to give them vegan food and have them enjoy it so much, will definitely be making this again!
Sam Turnbull says
Yay!! So happy everyone loved it, wonderful you can all share a meal together. 😀
stephanie baptiste says
Ok...Hats off! whoa...so so good
Sam Turnbull says
Haha, so happy you loved it Stephanie!! 🙂
Sam Katy says
I made this last night! was so good. Thanks for the recipe.
Sam Turnbull says
Woot woot! You're welcome Sam. Great name by the way 😉
Desi says
Great Recipe! You have mastered this dish veggie style, and I love it!
Absolutely Delicious!
Sam Turnbull says
Woohoo! Mastery! So happy you love it Desi 🙂
Mel says
AMAZING!! Thank you soooo much. The only thing I do have a question on is the 3 cups of water. Is that meant for the broth? I added it and felt like I had to simmer it for another 20 mins or so to increase the flavors. But in the end it was soo good. Better than the vegan pho I've had at some places!! Thanks a bunches.
Sam Turnbull says
You're very welcome Mel! 🙂
Yes, the water is to thin the broth a bit. It sounds like the vegetable broth you used was maybe a bit milder in flavour that the one I used, so if you like you can skip the water or add it to taste next time. So happy you enjoyed it so much!
Jennie says
Oh my goodness! Absolutley delicious!!
Sam Turnbull says
So happy you enjoyed it Jennie!
EDF says
Just made your recipe! Loved it!
Sam Turnbull says
Yay! So happy 🙂
Bethany says
I tried this last night and loved the results! I added a dried wild mushroom mix to the base for some extra flavor. Great recipe, thanks so much for sharing!
Sam Turnbull says
Woot woot! So happy you loved it! Dried mushrooms sound like a great addition 🙂
Pam says
I definitely need to give this Pho a try. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Sam Turnbull says
Yes you do! Haha. I hope you love it when you try it 🙂
Naiomi says
I barely found your site because of this recipe but I am SO excited to try some new recipes because I always LOVE finding new recipes. Also, this might just help persuade my family members who aren't vegan to become vegan because we all love pho so much. Thank you for this. Now, I'm going to go find more recipes on here. ☺️
Sam Turnbull says
So happy you found my site Naiomi! I hope you and your family members enjoy the pho!
Suzanne says
Thanks for the recipe, very easy and very tasty... Enjoying mine right now!
Sam Turnbull says
Yay! So happy you are enjoying it Suzanne 🙂
Bronte May Calligaro says
Super tasty. I made this tonight for my boyfriend and his boss and went down a treat. Thanks for the recipe!
Sam Turnbull says
Yay! So happy everyone enjoyed it 🙂
Susel says
omg I cannot wait to make this tonight!!! Thank you!
Sam Turnbull says
Yay! I hope you enjoy 🙂
Susan quarrier says
Made this for malaysian meat eating son in law for breakfast today. His comment "this is seriously good. Can we have this every week?" Thank you Sam for these really excellent recipes.
Sam says
Haha! I love that. You know it's not the first person I have heard who eats my pho on a weekly basis! (I am one of them!!). So happy you are enjoying the recipes!
E says
I've never commented on a recipe but this was AMAZING.
Tasted exactly like my favourite local pho, can already tell I will be making this alot!
Thank you!
Sam says
Awww well thank you for commenting E! Yes, this is one of my go-to recipes as well. Pho for the win! So happy you loved the recipe and decided to leave a comment 🙂
Sham says
Simply Amazing!! Just made it and it is perfect however I love the flavor of serrano peppers and used those instead.
Sam says
So happy you loved the recipe Sham! 🙂
Ashleigh says
Do you think you could double the recipe and make the broth in a slow cooker? Seems like the perfect thing to make in a big batch and freeze individual portions of.
Sam says
Hi Ashleigh,
Yes I think that would work just fine. Enjoy!
Ashleigh says
This seems like a great recipe to make in bulk then freeze in 2-4 cup servings, then when you just want some, just defrost and heat up!
Sam says
That's a great idea! Pho on the go. 🙂
Gluten Free A-Z says
So glad to have this recipe- love pho and need it vegetarian ... thanks
Sam says
You are very welcome! 😀
Caryn Bradley says
What do you use for the vegetable broth? Any particular brand?
Samantha Turnbull says
Hi Caryn,
Any brand will work, so whatever your favourite is. I like Pacific, and Presidents Choice (Canada only).
Suzy says
Sam! This is so delicious I can not stop eating it!!
Samantha Turnbull says
Mission complete!! Thank you Suzy 🙂
Anonymous says
I had this for dinner and This was Amazing and so easy!! thanks for the great recipe
Samantha Turnbull says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! You can never go wrong with a giant bowl of noodle soup!
longmeal says
This is fantastic! Thank you. Just had two huge bowls.
Samantha Turnbull says
Yay! So glad you enjoyed it. I don't think I can ever have too much pho!
MyWifeMakes.com says
OH WOW! How amazing does this look? Pho is incredible, and I can't stand how the "Veggie Phos" at stores are still served with beef broth! This post has been so informative as I've always wanted to make Pho at home. Love love love mine with extra bean sprouts, so delish!
Samantha Turnbull says
Yes, it's so annoying when veggie pho is made with beef broth, or any vegetable soup for that matter. I'm so glad you found the post helpful, I love making pho. So comforting, yet so healthy!
Beth Hornback | Eat Within Your Means says
I always find it difficult to pronounce Pho correctly, as in "phuh". But I sure don't find it difficult to eat! Definitely trying out this recipe, and love the tip above about toasting the spices first. Thanks for the recipe, Sam!
Samantha Turnbull says
Haha! I'm the same Beth! I always pronounce it worn. Enjoy your "phuh"!
sara delaney says
Looks yum - going to give it a go....
Samantha Turnbull says
Ooo enjoy!!! Let me know how it turns out for you Sara 🙂
Happy Fit Mama (@happyfitmama) says
This looks like the perfectly (easy) winter's night comforting food. Yum!
Samantha Turnbull says
Thank you! It really is. It took me awhile to perfect, but now it's my go to. (Luckily I worked out all the kinks for you).
LaDonne says
Just finished making and eating this dish - was delicious. Didn't have the Star Anise this time round but will be adding that next time. This will be on my go to list for a yummy cold day meal. Thanks Sam.....
Samantha Turnbull says
Yay! So glad you enjoyed it LaDonne! Thanks for coming back and leaving your review! It's definitely one of. My go to cold day dishes! Star anise will just add another awesome layer of spice in this broth. Yum!
Anonymous says
If you toast the spices in your stock pot before you add the other ingredients, it gets even better. That is the traditional way to do it. All the oils come out and that's when the magic happens. Love Pho!
Samantha Turnbull says
Awesome! Go for it. Pho is the best!
40aprons says
Uh.. YUM! Omar is the same - he could eat a bowl every single night, which is nuts because he doesn't otherwise "like soup".. or so he claims. YupItsVegan just posted a spaghetti squash vegan pho, like two days ago.. crazy, eh?!
Samantha Turnbull says
Oh really!? That's so funny, I didn't see that. Great minds think a like! Haha what is it with boys and pho? Whatever it is, it's a-ok by me!
Kathy Sturr says
Yum!! I am so making this.
Samantha Turnbull says
Do! It's so yummy. Such a nice treat for the winter. Thanks for always commenting Kathy! So fun to always hear from you 🙂