Soy-Free Vietnamese Pho Soup

Delight in the aromatic embrace of this Soy-Free Vietnamese Pho Soup, a wholesome twist on the classic Vietnamese dish that's perfect for anyone avoiding soy. Crafted with a rich, slow-simmered broth made from charred onion, fragrant spices like star anise and cinnamon, and nutrient-packed bones, this pho captures authentic flavors while using coconut aminos or soy-free fish sauce as a clever alternative. Tender rice noodles serve as the base, while vibrant toppings like fresh Thai basil, cilantro, bean sprouts, and lime wedges add layers of freshness and texture. Whether you're looking for a comforting meal or a flavorful new experience, this pho is a gluten-free, soy-free masterpiece that's bound to impress. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests who crave bold, Southeast Asian flavors!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:240 mins

Total Time:260 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Beef bones or chicken bones (for broth)
• 1 Onion, halved and charred
• 4 inches Fresh ginger, sliced and charred
• 4 Star anise
• 1 Cinnamon stick
• 4 Cloves
• 1 tablespoon Coriander seeds
• 1 Cardamom pod
• 3 tablespoons Fish sauce substitute (coconut aminos or a soy-free vegan alternative)
• 1 Daikon radish, sliced (optional)
• 2 Carrots, cut into chunks
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 14 ounces Rice noodles (pho-style)
• 2 cups Bean sprouts
• 1 cup Fresh Thai basil leaves
• 0.5 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 3 stalks Green onions, sliced
• 1 Lime, cut into wedges
• 1 Serrano or jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced
• 0 (optional ingredient) Hoisin sauce substitute (optional, soy-free)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the beef or chicken bones under cold water to remove impurities. Place them in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat and let boil for 5 minutes. Discard the water and rinse the bones to remove scum.

Step 2

Clean the pot and refill it with 4 quarts of fresh water. Add the bones back to the pot.

Step 3

Char the onion halves and ginger slices by placing them directly on an open flame (like a gas stove) or under a broiler until slightly blackened. Add to the pot with the bones.

Step 4

Toast the star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, coriander seeds, and cardamom pod in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add the spices to the pot.

Step 5

Add the daikon radish (if using), carrots, and salt to the pot. Simmer on low heat for 3–4 hours, skimming off any foam or fat that rises to the top.

Step 6

After the broth has simmered, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean pot. Discard the solids and adjust seasoning with coconut aminos or a soy-free fish sauce substitute.

Step 7

Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and divide the noodles among serving bowls.

Step 8

Ladle the hot broth over the noodles in each bowl.

Step 9

Top with bean sprouts, Thai basil, cilantro, green onions, and sliced peppers. Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the soup.

Step 10

Optionally, serve with a soy-free hoisin sauce substitute for additional flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2477.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1439.0

Total Fat 27.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 90.7mg	0%
Sodium 6182.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 216.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 45.8g	0%
Total Sugars 36.3g
Protein 101.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1100.1mg	0%
Iron 45.6mg	0%
Potassium 4149.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 16.3%

Protein: 26.7%

Carbs: 57.1%