This Instant Pot Vegan Pho is a comforting, quick, and flavorful one-pot recipe that brings together a delicious vegan broth, classic pho ingredients, and the cozy, aromatic flavors of pho right at home. Perfect for busy nights or a satisfying lunch, this vegan pho recipe is a great addition to your Instant Pot meals and fits seamlessly into clean eating, dairy-free, and healthy routines.
Ingredients List:
For the Broth:
- 1 onion (peeled and halved)
- 2-inch piece of fresh ginger (sliced)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 2-3 star anise pods
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2-3 cloves
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar (or regular sugar)
- 1-2 tablespoons rice vinegar (to taste)
- 1-2 tablespoons miso paste (optional, for deeper umami flavor)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Pho:
- 200g dried rice noodles (pho noodles or other thin rice noodles)
- 1 cup mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, or your choice, sliced)
- 1 cup tofu (firm, cubed)
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup green onions (chopped)
- 1 fresh lime (cut into wedges)
- 1-2 red chilies (optional, for heat, sliced)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Preparation Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté Onion and Ginger
Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode. Add the onion and ginger and sauté for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly charred. Tip: For added depth of flavor, you can char the onion and ginger directly over an open flame before adding them to the Instant Pot.
Step 2: Add Broth and Spices
Add the vegetable broth, star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, soy sauce, coconut sugar, and rice vinegar to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine. Key Tip: Adjust the soy sauce and vinegar according to your taste for saltiness and acidity.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Broth
Close the Instant Pot lid, seal the vent, and set it to “Pressure Cook” on high for 20 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
Step 4: Prepare the Pho Ingredients
While the broth is cooking, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions (usually by boiling them for 3-4 minutes). Drain and set aside. Tip: Rinse the noodles with cold water to prevent them from sticking together.
Step 5: Sauté the Tofu and Mushrooms
Once the broth is done, open the Instant Pot lid and remove the whole spices (star anise, cinnamon stick, and cloves). Add the mushrooms and cubed tofu to the broth and set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode again. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and the tofu is heated through. Optional: For crispy tofu, sauté the cubes separately in a pan before adding them to the broth.
Step 6: Assemble the Pho Bowls
Divide the cooked noodles into bowls. Ladle the broth with tofu and mushrooms over the noodles. Tip: Be sure to pour the broth gently so the noodles don’t break apart.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Top each bowl with fresh bean sprouts, cilantro leaves, chopped green onions, lime wedges, sliced red chilies, and fresh basil leaves. Optional: Add a drizzle of hoisin sauce or chili sauce for extra flavor.
Expert Tips:
- Tip 1: Adjust the flavor of the broth with more soy sauce or rice vinegar to balance the sweetness and acidity.
- Tip 2: For a richer flavor, you can add a spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter to the broth for a creamy texture.
- Tip 3: For a more substantial meal, add other vegetables like bok choy, spinach, or carrots to the broth during the final sauté step.
Why This Recipe Works:
This Instant Pot Vegan Pho is a quick and easy way to enjoy the comforting flavors of traditional pho in a plant-based version. The Instant Pot ensures the broth is rich and flavorful, and the combination of tofu, mushrooms, and fresh herbs provides depth and texture. The result is a satisfying, heartwarming dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re craving something cozy on a chilly night or looking for a light yet flavorful meal.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this vegan pho with a side of crusty bread or a small salad for a balanced meal. You can also pair it with a light appetizer like summer rolls or vegetable dumplings.
Conclusion:
This Instant Pot Vegan Pho is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings the warmth and spice of pho into your home without any hassle. With its savory broth, tender noodles, and vibrant fresh garnishes, it’s a satisfying and healthy meal that’s perfect for vegan diets, clean eating, and busy weeknights. Try it out and enjoy the comforting goodness of this plant-based pho recipe!