Name: Vegetarian Pho
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 2 Servings
Cuisine: Asian

Jule’s Menu Verified

February 13, 2026

This is a simple, homemade vegetarian version of the classic Vietnamese noodle soup made with a fragrant broth of roasted onions, ginger, warm spices like cinnamon, star anise, and cloves, and seasoned with soy sauce and herbs instead of meat. The clear, aromatic broth is simmered for about 40 minutes, then served over wide rice noodles with pan-fried tofu and topped with fresh herbs, spring onions, and lime for a flavorful, comforting bowl of soup.

From the Cook

1/8

Vegetarian Pho

Jule’s Menu Verified

Ingredients

WarningWheat and 2 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Broth

Preheat the oven to 260°C (or the highest possible temperature). Peel and quarter the onions, and slice the ginger lengthwise. Place the onion and ginger pieces on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, roast the cinnamon stick, cloves and star anise in a pot over medium-high heat until the spices smell aromatic and light roasted aromas develop.

Deglaze the pot with the vegetable broth. Add the roasted onion and ginger pieces, a peeled garlic clove, soy sauce, and coriander. Simmer the broth, covered, over low heat for 40 minutes.

After 40 minutes, strain the broth through a fine sieve into a second pot . Discard any overcooked vegetables and spices, and keep the broth warm over low heat until serving.

Serving

Place rice noodles in a bowl and pour boiling water over them, then let them soak for 5 to 10 minutes according to the package instructions.

Meanwhile, heat oil in a pan, cut the tofu into thin slices, and press out excess moisture between two layers of kitchen paper. Fry the tofu slices for about 3 to 4 minutes, until the undersides are golden brown. Season the tofu with salt, turn it over, and fry for another 2 to 3 minutes on the other side.

Divide the noodles between two bowls, pour over the pho broth, and add the tofu. Top with fresh herbs and spring onions, if desired, and serve with lime wedges.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Roast Spices for Maximum Flavor 🌟
Dry toast the star anise, cloves, and cinnamon stick in a hot pan for 2-3 minutes before adding to the broth to intensify their aromatic qualities and unlock deeper flavor profiles.
Tofu Pressing Technique 🧊
Press tofu for at least 30 minutes between two plates with a weight on top to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy exterior and better absorption of seasonings when pan-frying.
Broth Clarity Secret 🥣
Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth to achieve a crystal-clear, restaurant-quality liquid that showcases the delicate spice and herb infusion.
Herb Layering Technique 🌿
Add fresh herbs in stages - some in the broth during simmering, some chopped as a garnish - to create multiple layers of fresh, vibrant herbal complexity.
Umami Boost Hack 🥄
Add a small amount of miso paste or nutritional yeast to the broth to enhance the depth of flavor and provide a rich, savory undertone typical of traditional pho.

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About the Cook

Jule’s Menu

Hi, I’m Julia, and I’m the recipe developer, photographer, and author behind Jules’ Menu. I’ve spent the last eight years perfecting healthy everyday recipes so they strike the perfect balance between healthy and nourishing, simple and practical, and gourmet-level delicious.