Classic Vegetarian Pho

Warm up with this comforting bowl of fragrant broth, fresh herbs, and tender noodles that’s perfect for a cozy night in. Simple to make and full of flavor, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a meat-free meal.

★★★★★5(1 reviews)Updated: Mar 31, 2026

Prep Time 20 min

Cook Time 30 min

Total Time 50 min

Difficulty Medium

Ingredients 0/18

Broth: 3 (32 fluid ounce) containers vegetable broth 6 stalks lemon grass, cut into 1-inch pieces 2 tablespoons vegetable bouillon (such as Better Than Bouillon®) 5 whole star anise pods Noodles and Garnish: 1 (16 ounce) package dried thin rice noodles 1 (8 ounce) package bean sprouts 1 (8 ounce) package sliced fresh mushrooms 2 limes, sliced, or as desired 1 bunch fresh cilantro 1 (.75 ounce) package fresh basil 1 bunch green onions, sliced Flavoring: ¼ cup teriyaki sauce, or to taste ¼ cup soy sauce, or to taste ¼ cup chile paste, or to taste ¼ cup sesame oil, or to taste

Why This Dish Is Worth Trying

A comforting and flavorful bowl that warms you from the inside out. It’s packed with fresh herbs and vegetables, making it both healthy and satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy traditional flavors without any meat.

Smart Cooking Tips

- Toast the spices gently before simmering to unlock their full aroma.
- Use fresh herbs like cilantro and Thai basil for the best flavor.
- Don’t rush the broth; a slow simmer helps develop a richer taste.

Step 1

Heat the vegetable broth with lemongrass, vegetable bouillon, and star anise in a saucepan. Let it come to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer gently for about 30 to 45 minutes so all those flavors blend together nicely. Once done, fish out the lemongrass and star anise and toss them.

Step 2

While the broth is simmering, soak the rice noodles in a bowl of hot water for around 10 minutes until they’re soft. Drain them well, then use kitchen scissors to cut the noodles into shorter, manageable pieces. Divide the noodles into your serving bowls.

Step 3

Ladle the hot broth over the noodles, making sure they’re fully covered. Set out bowls of bean sprouts, mushrooms, lime wedges, cilantro, basil, and green onions so everyone can add their own fresh toppings. Alongside those, offer small dishes of teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, chili paste, and sesame oil for extra flavor. Let everyone customize their bowls and enjoy!

Best Foods To Serve With This

Serve with lime wedges, bean sprouts, and sliced chili on the side so everyone can customize their bowl. A drizzle of hoisin sauce or sriracha adds a nice kick. Pair with a light green tea or jasmine tea for a refreshing balance.

Best Storage Tips

Store the broth and noodles separately in airtight containers. Keep the broth in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat gently and add fresh herbs just before serving to keep them vibrant.

371

people cooked this recipe

AP

By Arjun Patel

Recipe Contributor

Arjun enjoys creating straightforward recipes that work well in real kitchens.