Vegan Pho Recipe – A Hearty Bowl of Comfort
Welcome, my dear friends, to my recipe article on vegetarian pho crock pot. I’m thrilled to share this exciting dish you can easily make at the comfort of your home. Now, you might be wondering what pho is? Well, if you’re not familiar with Vietnamese cuisine, Pho pronounced as “fuh” is a rice noodle soup that was first introduced to the world in the early 20th century by Vietnamese migrants.
This recipe is a vegetarian version of the traditional beef pho that you will commonly find in Vietnamese restaurants. But don’t let the word “vegetarian” fool you! This flavorful meal will make you forget that meat ever existed. The combination of spices like star anise, cloves, and cinnamon stick create a mouth-watering aroma that will have your taste buds tingling with excitement. Plus, the savory broth made with vegetable stock and spices is so hearty that it can easily replace its beef counterpart.
But wait, there’s more! By using a slow cooker, this recipe is actually quite easy to make despite its intricate flavors. You can literally just set it and forget it for 4-6 hours, allowing you to enjoy your day while a delicious bowl of pho cooks up in your kitchen!
I assure you; this vegetarian pho crock pot recipe will satisfy every single one of your senses with its bold flavors and warming aroma. So go ahead and treat yourself to a bowl of authentic Vietnamese noodle soup without leaving your home – trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian pho recipe is one of the most soul-satisfying soups that I have ever tasted. If you are a fan of Vietnamese noodle soup, then this vegan and gluten-free pho will take your taste buds on a journey to Vietnam without leaving the comfort of your home.
The best part about this dish is that it is super simple and easy to make. You can throw all the ingredients into your crockpot or slow cooker, set it on low heat, and go about your daily activities for 6 hours. The result? A mouth-watering concoction that is full of flavor and nutrition.
This soup combines the intense flavors of hot water, anise cloves, cinnamon stick, sliced ginger as well as some other broth ingredients that will blow your mind away. But that’s not all; you will also enjoy the refreshing taste of lime juice and the classic aroma of cilantro and scallions. Plus, you can always mix-and-match toppings such as bean sprouts, green chili pepper, seitan, and tofu to suit your preferences.
If you are looking for a vegetarian meal packed with bold flavors and nutritious vegetables in one pot recipe food com style. Look no further than this vegan pho recipe. Trust me, from the first slurp of this rich broth to the last bite of rice noodles, you won’t be able to resist its seductive charm.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make a delicious vegetarian pho in your slow cooker:
For the broth:
- 1 onion, halved
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 star anise
- 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 8 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 2 teaspoons barley miso paste (gluten-free if necessary)
- Juice of 1 lime
For the pho soup:
- 4 cups hot water
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 4 portobello mushrooms, sliced
- 1 lemongrass stalk, crushed with the back of a knife
- 1 green chili pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For serving:
- Rice noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- Seitan or tofu, thinly sliced (use tofu for a vegan version)
- Bok choy or green cabbage, chopped into small pieces
- Bean sprouts
- Scallions
- Cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Chili sauce or hoisin sauce
Note that these ingredients are just suggestions, feel free to add or remove any ingredient that you prefer.
The Recipe How-To
Before getting started, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients for making this vegetarian pho. You can either follow the recipe closely or make substitutions as needed. To make this dish, you will need:
- 8 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise pod
- 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
- 1 small green chili pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons barley miso
- Rice or wheat noodles
- Your choice of protein such as tofu or seitan
- For serving: cilantro, scallions, bean sprouts, lime wedges, hoisin sauce
Prepare the Vegetables and Spices
Start by cutting up the onion into quarters and mincing the garlic. Slice a piece of ginger and chop up a small green chili pepper. Next, gather your spices: one cinnamon stick and one star anise pod.
Make the Broth
Pour the vegetable broth into your slow cooker along with your quartered onion, minced garlic, sliced ginger, chili pepper, cinnamon stick, star anise pod and tamari sauce. Cook on low heat for 4 – 6 hours until it is fragrant.
Remove the Aromatics
After you have cooked the broth for 4 -6 hours turn off the heat and strain out all of the aromatics. Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove any small pieces that have been left behind.
Add Protein and Noodles
Add your protein of choice (tofu or seitan), to your broth along with your starch choice (rice noodles). Cook on high heat for about 30 minutes until everything is warmed up and fully cooked.
Serve with Toppings
Now it’s time to serve! Bring out some bowls and ladle in your pho: noodle soup with vegetable based broth. Add a splash of cilantro along with scallions, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.
Why not invite some friends over and share in this delicious Vegetarian Pho feast?
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making vegetarian pho, there are countless substitutions and variations you can try to tailor the recipe to your preferences. Whether you’re substituting ingredients for dietary restrictions or simply experimenting with new flavors, there’s no limit to what you can do with this dish.
One of the most common substitutions is using different proteins in place of seitan. Tofu is a popular option, either pressed and baked or fried to add texture. Portobello mushrooms are also a great choice for a meaty flavor without the actual meat. If you’re looking for something with more protein, try tempeh or lentils.
For the broth ingredients, barley miso can be replaced by other types of miso paste like red or white. Vegetable broth is a good substitute for vegetable stock if it’s not readily available. Tamari can be swapped with soy sauce for a similar salty taste.
While cinnamon sticks and star anise drive the complex flavors of pho, cloves and coriander can be used as variations. If you’re not a fan of spicy food, reduce or skip adding green chili pepper.
For a gluten-free version of the recipe, choose gluten-free noodle options, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure that your miso paste is free from gluten.
Lastly, vegetables like bok choy and any fresh herb like mint can be added at the end for some crunch and additional flavors. Whether it’s adding more lime juice, hoisin sauce or throwing in some lemon grass into the broth mix, don’t be afraid to experiment with new flavors too.
Substitutions and variations are a great way to customize this classic Vietnamese noodle soup to your liking. You never know what combination of ingredients might become your new favorite way to enjoy pho!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your vegetarian pho is ready, it’s time to enjoy it! One of the best things about this dish is that it’s so versatile and pairs well with a variety of different sides.
First and foremost, you’ll want to prepare some garnishes so that your guests can customize their bowls to their liking. Cilantro, scallions, bean sprouts, and lime wedges are all classic options. Provide some hoisin sauce and tamari for guests who want a richer, savory flavor profile.
If you’re looking to keep things vegan, you can substitute a vegan version of fish sauce (made with mushroom extract) so that everyone can still enjoy the traditional flavors of Vietnamese pho.
When it comes to sides, consider serving some crispy spring rolls as an appetizer or side dish. Steamed or stir-fried bok choy makes for a delicious veggie side dish. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, why not add some tofu or seitan to your soup?
You can also serve your pho alongside a crusty baguette for a French-inspired twist on this Vietnamese classic. The combination of the soft, fragrant broth and crispy bread makes for an incredibly satisfying meal.
Finally, don’t forget the beverages! Vietnamese iced coffee, tea, or beer would all be perfect choices to enjoy with your pho. Whatever you choose, make sure you have enough on hand because everyone will be asking for seconds!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a busy person, I appreciate recipes that are easy to make ahead and store for later. This vegetarian pho recipe is no exception. In fact, it tastes even better the next day after all the flavors have had time to meld together.
To make ahead, simply cook the pho broth and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also cook your noodles ahead of time and toss them with a little oil to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the broth on the stove over medium-low heat until hot and steamy.
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave for a minute or two or heat on the stove over medium-low heat until hot.
If you’re looking to freeze your pho broth, be sure to strain out any solid ingredients like mushrooms and bok choy before storing. Allow the broth to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. The broth can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen pho, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
No matter how you choose to make-ahead, store, or reheat this vegetarian pho recipe, you can’t go wrong with its delicious combination of savory broth, hearty noodles, fresh vegetables, and bold spices.
Tips for Perfect Results
Preparing the perfect vegetarian pho requires patience, precision, and the perfect ingredients. Fortunately, below are some tips to help you achieve flawless results with our vegetarian pho recipe.
Firstly, when it comes to selecting vegetables for this recipe, it’s important to pick fresh ingredients that will infuse the broth with flavor and aroma. Therefore, opt for fresh ginger and green chili pepper. Do not use dried spices if you can avoid it, as using freshly grated ginger and chopped chili pepper will give the dish more depth and complexity.
Secondly, be sure to infuse the broth with deep, warm flavors by adding cloves, cinnamon stick, star anise and coriander seeds. These spices remain the soul of the dish as they slowly diffuse in the simmering pot during the long hours of cooking.
When cooking your pho broth from scratch, remember that time is key. You want to make sure you simmer your broth low and slow–whether on a stovetop or crock pot–allowing all of those rich flavors to truly develop over time. The longer you cook the broth, the more delicious and nutritious it becomes.
Lastly, do not skimp on toppings! The toppings – scallions, cilantro, bean sprouts – add freshness and texture to a rich soup base. The contrast between the different flavors creates an exciting gustatory dance that makes every bite exciting.
By following these tips for our vegetarian pho recipe, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a deliciously rich soup base with plenty of pleasing aromas and textures that will leave your tastebuds wanting more.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Vegetarian Pho recipe is the perfect addition to any meal plan. With a rich and savory flavor, it will warm you up on a cold day while providing you with plenty of nutrients that your body needs. Plus, it is entirely vegan and customizable, making it suitable for people with dietary restrictions or preferences.
By using a crockpot or slow cooker, you can save time and effort while still achieving delicious results. This recipe requires minimal preparation time but yields maximum taste satisfaction, making it ideal for busy individuals or those who want to try out a new dish without spending countless hours in the kitchen.
Whether you choose to make this Vegan Pho as a comforting meal for yourself or share it with friends and family on special occasions, I can assure you that it is sure to impress. So why not give it a try today? With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, there’s no excuse not to!
Vegetarian Pho (Crock Pot) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green chili pepper, seeded and chopped
- 3 slices ginger
- 2 star anise, whole
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 tablespoons tamari (or your favorite soy sauce)
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil
- 4 ounces seitan, cut into strips, optional (I didn't use any)
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons barley miso (or regular miso(I used white miso)
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 6 ounces rice noodles, soaked for 15 minutes in cold water and drained
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts, garnish
- 4 scallions, chopped, garnish
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped, garnish
Instructions
- In crock pot combine the first 7 ingredients (onion - broth), cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in skillet over medium high heat and add seitan strips. Brown on all sides. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Strain broth/stock and return broth to crock pot.
- In a small cup combine miso paste with water.
- In a small bowl combine the next 2 ingredients and the miso/water mixture. Add to broth in crock pot. Stir in drained rice sticks and seitan. Cook for 5-10 minutes longer or until rice sticks are soft.
- To serve, ladle soup into bowls and garnish with bean sprouts, scallions and cilantro.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.