Slipping off my shoes and sinking into the plush couch, I can already smell the rich, aromatic broth of the Instant Pot Vegan Pho I just prepared. It’s become my go-to comfort meal on these chilly winter evenings, transporting me back to the cozy cafes of Vietnam with every sip. There’s just something so nourishing and satisfying about this plant-based twist on the classic pho – it warms me right down to my soul.
I still remember the first time I tried making Instant Pot Vegan Pho at home. I’d been craving the deeply savory, lightly sweet flavors for weeks, but every time I went to order it from my favorite Vietnamese restaurant, they were sold out. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and see if I could recreate that authentic pho taste using my trusty Instant Pot. Let me tell you, it was an absolute game-changer! Not only was it shockingly simple to make, but the results were even more delicious than anything I’d had from a restaurant.
Since that first successful attempt, Instant Pot Vegan Pho has become a staple in my weekly meal rotation. It’s the perfect cozy, comforting dish to whip up when I’m craving something nourishing yet still deeply satisfying. And the best part? It’s entirely plant-based, so I can enjoy all the flavor without any of the guilt.
Why This Instant Pot Vegan Pho Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Instant Pot Vegan Pho
What makes this Instant Pot Vegan Pho recipe so special is the way it captures all the complex, aromatic flavors of traditional pho, but with a completely plant-based twist. By carefully selecting a blend of spices and simmering them in the Instant Pot, we’re able to extract maximum flavor in a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop. The result is a rich, deeply savory broth that’s perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness and a touch of acidity.
But the real secret is in the technique. Rather than just tossing everything into the Instant Pot and hoping for the best, I’ve developed a multi-step process that ensures every element of the Instant Pot Vegan Pho is cooked to perfection. From toasting the spices to layering the flavors, each step is carefully designed to create a symphony of taste in every bite.
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Instant Pot Vegan Pho
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Discover the secret to making authentic, flavorful Instant Pot Vegan Pho at home! This quick and easy one-pot meal delivers all the aromatic, comforting Vietnamese flavors you love in a fraction of the time.
Ingredients
– 8 cups vegetable broth
– 1 (3-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 2 whole star anise
– 2 whole cloves
– 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
– 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
– 8 ounces extra-firm tofu, cubed
– 8 ounces rice noodles
– 2 cups thinly sliced napa cabbage
– 1 cup mung bean sprouts
– 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
– 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
– 2 green onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. – Add the vegetable broth, ginger, garlic, cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves, coriander seeds, and fennel seeds to the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and set to pressure cook on high for 15 minutes.
2. – Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
3. – Remove and discard the cinnamon stick, star anise, and cloves. Add the tofu, rice noodles, cabbage, bean sprouts, cilantro, basil, and green onions to the broth.
4. – Stir in the lime juice and soy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. – Ladle the Instant Pot Vegan Pho into bowls and enjoy hot, with any additional garnishes or sauces on the side.
Notes
– For a spicier pho, add sliced Thai chiles or a drizzle of chili oil.
– Customize the veggies by swapping in mushrooms, snow peas, or bok choy.
– Leftover pho can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Courses
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
The best part? This Instant Pot Vegan Pho recipe is surprisingly simple and straightforward, with no complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Even if you’re new to plant-based cooking, you’ll be able to whip up a restaurant-worthy bowl of pho in no time. It’s the perfect meal for impressing guests, nourishing your family, or just treating yourself to a little taste of Vietnam in the comfort of your own home.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Instant Pot Vegan Pho, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
Vegetable broth: The foundation of the dish, you’ll want to use a high-quality, flavorful vegetable broth as the base for your pho. Look for low-sodium options to allow you to control the seasoning.
Soy sauce: This provides a savory, umami-rich depth of flavor to the broth. Be sure to use a low-sodium variety to avoid making the pho too salty.
Maple syrup: Just a touch of natural sweetness helps to balance out the other flavors in the broth.
Star anise: An essential spice in traditional pho, star anise lends a subtle licorice note that’s absolutely essential.
Cinnamon stick: Another pho staple, cinnamon adds warmth and a touch of spice to the broth.
Whole cloves: These tiny but mighty spices contribute a lovely aromatic quality to the pho.
Rice noodles: You’ll want to use thin, delicate rice noodles to achieve the authentic pho texture.
Tofu: For a protein-packed plant-based option, extra-firm tofu is the perfect addition.
Veggies: Sliced mushrooms, bean sprouts, and chopped green onions add freshness and crunch.
Herbs: Fresh cilantro, basil, and lime wedges are must-have garnishes to brighten up the dish.
Step-by-Step Instant Pot Vegan Pho Instructions
Preparing Your Instant Pot Vegan Pho
Making Instant Pot Vegan Pho is surprisingly simple, with a total cooking time of just 45 minutes. You’ll need your trusty Instant Pot, a few basic kitchen tools, and a little bit of patience as the flavors meld together to create the perfect plant-based pho.
1- Start by selecting the “Sauté” function on your Instant Pot. Add the star anise, cinnamon stick, and whole cloves, and toast them for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
2- Next, add the vegetable broth, soy sauce, and maple syrup to the Instant Pot. Secure the lid, select the “Soup” function, and set the timer for 30 minutes.
3- While the broth is simmering away, prepare your other ingredients. Slice the mushrooms, cube the tofu, and chop the green onions and cilantro.
4- When the 30 minutes are up, carefully release the pressure and remove the lid. The broth should be deeply fragrant and slightly reduced.
5- Add the rice noodles, tofu, and mushrooms to the Instant Pot and stir to combine. Let the pho simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
6- Ladle the steaming hot Instant Pot Vegan Pho into bowls, and top with the chopped green onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve immediately, and enjoy every slurp-worthy bite!
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Instant Pot Vegan Pho turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips:
– Toast the spices before adding the liquid to help intensify their aroma and flavor.
– Be sure to use low-sodium soy sauce and broth to allow you to control the seasoning.
– Don’t be tempted to skip the 5-minute simmer with the noodles – this helps them achieve the perfect tender-yet-chewy texture.
– Garnish generously with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime wedges to brighten up the dish.
– If you prefer a thicker broth, you can let it simmer for an extra 5-10 minutes before adding the noodles.
Serving and Storing Your Instant Pot Vegan Pho
Perfect Pairings for Instant Pot Vegan Pho
Instant Pot Vegan Pho is the ultimate cozy, comforting meal, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and beverages. For a complete Vietnamese-inspired feast, serve it alongside fresh spring rolls, sesame-ginger sautéed greens, or a bright, crunchy cabbage slaw. And to drink, a refreshing Thai iced tea or a crisp lager would be the perfect accompaniment.
This Instant Pot Vegan Pho also makes a wonderful dish for sharing with friends and family. It’s the perfect thing to serve at a casual dinner party or potluck, where guests can customize their bowls with an array of tasty toppings. And don’t forget – this recipe is also great for meal prepping, so you can enjoy the delicious flavors of pho all week long.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, Instant Pot Vegan Pho stores and reheats beautifully, making it the perfect dish to meal prep in advance. Simply store the broth, noodles, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The broth will keep for up to 5 days, while the noodles and toppings will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy your Instant Pot Vegan Pho, simply reheat the broth in the microwave or on the stovetop until steaming hot. Then, add the noodles and toppings and you’re good to go! You can also freeze the broth for up to 3 months, thawing it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Instant Pot Vegan Pho
Creative Instant Pot Vegan Pho Variations
While this Instant Pot Vegan Pho recipe is utterly delicious as-is, there’s plenty of room for creativity and personalization. For a twist on the classic, try swapping out the tofu for shredded jackfruit or seasoned tempeh. You could also add in other veggies like bok choy, spinach, or julienned carrots.
And don’t be afraid to play around with the spices, either. Try adding a touch of ginger or star anise for a more pronounced licorice note, or experiment with different chili oils or hot sauces to control the heat level. The possibilities are endless when it comes to making this Instant Pot Vegan Pho your own.
Making Instant Pot Vegan Pho Diet-Friendly
One of the best things about this Instant Pot Vegan Pho recipe is that it’s already completely plant-based and suitable for a wide range of dietary needs. But if you have any additional restrictions, it’s easy to adapt.
For a gluten-free version, simply swap out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. And if you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can use miracle noodles or shirataki noodles in place of the traditional rice noodles.
The best part is that these substitutions won’t compromise the flavor or authenticity of the dish – you’ll still enjoy all the same rich, aromatic flavors of the Instant Pot Vegan Pho, just tailored to your specific dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of protein besides tofu?
A: Absolutely! This Instant Pot Vegan Pho recipe is highly versatile when it comes to protein. You can swap out the tofu for shredded jackfruit, seasoned tempeh, or even chickpeas or lentils. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed for your protein of choice.
Q: How long does the Instant Pot Vegan Pho take to make?
A: From start to finish, this Instant Pot Vegan Pho recipe takes just 45 minutes. The active prep time is only about 15 minutes, with the remaining 30 minutes dedicated to the Instant Pot simmering process. It’s a quick and easy weeknight meal that delivers big, restaurant-worthy flavor.
Q: Can I make Instant Pot Vegan Pho ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Instant Pot Vegan Pho is the perfect make-ahead meal. You can store the broth, noodles, and toppings separately in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the broth and assemble your bowls. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Q: How many servings does this Instant Pot Vegan Pho recipe make?
A: This Instant Pot Vegan Pho recipe yields 4-6 servings, depending on portion size. It’s a very hearty and filling dish, so a serving size is typically 1-1.5 cups of broth with noodles and toppings. It’s easy to scale the recipe up or down to feed a crowd or meal prep for the week.
Q: What if my Instant Pot Vegan Pho broth comes out too thin?
A: If you find the broth is a bit on the thin side, no problem! You can easily thicken it up by letting it simmer for an extra 5-10 minutes after adding the noodles. This will allow some of the liquid to evaporate, resulting in a richer, more concentrated broth. You can also try mixing in a slurry of cornstarch and water to quickly thicken it up.
Conclusion
I hope this Instant Pot Vegan Pho recipe has inspired you to give this Vietnamese classic a delicious, plant-based twist. Trust me, once you taste the deep, complex flavors of this broth simmered to perfection in the Instant Pot, you’ll be hooked. It’s the ultimate cozy, comforting meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare at home.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your Instant Pot and get ready to transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Hanoi. I can’t wait to hear all about your Instant Pot Vegan Pho adventures – be sure to leave a comment and let me know how it turns out!