Easy Vegetarian Pho Recipe

Ingredients

• 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

Step 1

Pour the vegetable broth into a saucepan along with the lemongrass, vegetable bouillon, and star anise pods. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently for about 30 to 45 minutes so the flavors can really meld together. Once done, fish out the lemongrass and star anise with a slotted spoon 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 soften. Drain the noodles, then use kitchen scissors to cut them into shorter, bite-sized pieces. Divide the noodles between your soup bowls.

Step 3

Ladle the hot broth over the noodles to warm everything through. Set out bowls of bean sprouts, mushrooms, lime wedges, cilantro, basil, and green onions so everyone can add their favorite fresh toppings. You can also offer small bowls with teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, chili paste, and a drizzle of sesame oil for extra flavor.

Step 4

Let everyone customize their pho just the way they like it, and enjoy!