Vegan Pho

Name: Vegan Pho
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 onion halved; 4-inch piece fresh ginger halved lengthwise; 3 star anise; 1 cinnamon stick; 1 tbsp coriander seeds; 8 cups vegetable broth; 2 tbsp tamari plus more to taste; 8 oz shiitake mushrooms sliced; 2 heads bok choy halved; 8 oz rice noodles; bean sprouts, fresh basil, fresh cilantro, and green onions for serving; lime wedges and sliced jalapeño or chile for serving

Charred aromatics and warm spices build a deeply savory vegan broth — ladled over rice noodles, shiitakes, bok choy, and a whole garden of toppings.

DifficultyMediumTotal time80 minServes4

Overview

Prep20 min

Cook60 min

Total80 min

Servings4

DifficultyMedium

Equipment

Large pot
Baking sheet or dry skillet
Fine-mesh strainer

Method

Char the aromatics

Char the onion and ginger to develop deeper flavor.

Toast the spices

Toast the aromatic spices until fragrant.

Simmer the broth

Combine the aromatics with vegetable broth and seasonings and simmer to build the pho broth.

Strain

Strain the broth and return it to the pot.

Cook the vegetables

Cook the shiitake mushrooms and bok choy until tender.

Cook the noodles

Prepare the rice noodles separately according to their package instructions.

Build the bowls

Divide the noodles and vegetables between bowls.

Add the broth

Ladle the hot broth over everything.

Finish with toppings

Finish with bean sprouts, herbs, green onions, chile, and plenty of lime.

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Tips

NoteDon't treat the toppings as decoration — the basil, cilantro, lime, sprouts, and chile are part of the final flavor of the bowl, so put them all on the table and keep adding as you eat.

NoteChar the aromatics properly — it's the difference between broth and pho broth.

NoteBroth keeps 4 days refrigerated; cook fresh noodles when you reheat.

✦

Nutrition

NoteNutrition varies by ingredient brands and serving size.

✦

Storage

RefrigeratorRefrigerate the broth up to 4 days; store noodles and vegetables separately and assemble fresh.

Frequently asked

Can I shortcut the simmer?+

45 minutes is the minimum for real depth; a pressure cooker does the same work in about 20.

Is it gluten-free?+

Yes, as written — just make sure you use tamari rather than soy sauce and rice noodles.

What other toppings work?+

Crispy tofu, charred corn, or extra mushrooms all belong; the bowl is flexible by design.

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