Vegetarian Pho Chicken Soup

Warm, aromatic, and completely plant-based, this Vegetarian Pho Chicken Soup offers all the comforting flavors of traditional pho without the meat. Crafted with a fragrant broth infused with cinnamon, star anise, ginger, and garlic, this recipe is packed with umami from soy sauce and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar. Cubed firm tofu serves as the protein-packed star, while tender rice noodles provide the perfect base. Topped with vibrant garnishes like bean sprouts, fresh basil, cilantro, green onions, and jalapeño, this pho is finished with a burst of zesty lime juice for a bright, refreshing touch. Ready in under an hour, this vegetarian spin on a classic Vietnamese favorite is a satisfying, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy evenings at home.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 cups Vegetable broth
• 1 piece Cinnamon stick
• 3 pieces Star anise
• 2 inches, sliced Ginger
• 1 large, halved Onion
• 4 cloves, smashed Garlic
• 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 14 ounces, cubed Firm tofu
• 8 ounces Rice noodles
• 2 cups Bean sprouts
• 1 cup Fresh basil
• 1 cup Fresh cilantro
• 4 stalks, sliced Green onions
• 1 sliced into wedges Lime
• 1 thinly sliced Jalapeño

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot, add vegetable broth, cinnamon stick, star anise, ginger slices, halved onion, and smashed garlic. Bring to a boil.

Step 2

Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 30 minutes to allow the spices to infuse the broth.

Step 3

While the broth is simmering, cube the firm tofu and prepare the rice noodles according to package instructions, then set them aside.

Step 4

After the broth has simmered, strain out the solids leaving just the clear broth in the pot.

Step 5

Season the broth with soy sauce, brown sugar, and salt. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6

Add the cubed tofu to the broth and let simmer for an additional 5 minutes to warm the tofu through.

Step 7

In serving bowls, place a portion of rice noodles, then ladle the hot broth and tofu over the noodles.

Step 8

Top each bowl with bean sprouts, fresh basil, cilantro, sliced green onions, jalapeño, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Step 9

Serve hot with additional lime wedges on the side for extra flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3026.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1571.3

Total Fat 39.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 8666.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 240.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 42.8g	0%
Total Sugars 56.9g
Protein 95.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1173.2mg	0%
Iron 25.4mg	0%
Potassium 5214.0mg	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: 20.8%

Protein: 22.5%

Carbs: 56.7%