Bean Sprouts Pho Recipe - Simply Bakings (2024)

by Lainey · Originally Published: · Modified: · This post may contain affiliate links ·

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This Bean Sprouts Pho is a super comforting soup that is nutritious, heartwarming, and perfect for a cozy day! It features a rich, aromatic broth infused with plant-based ingredients like fragrant spices, fresh herbs, and hearty vegetables.

Looking for my soup recipes? Try my Lemongrass Soup or my Thai Noodle Soup.

Bean Sprouts Pho Recipe - Simply Bakings (1)
Jump to:
  • What are bean sprouts?
  • Top Tip
  • Substitutions
  • Variations
  • Storage
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Bean Sprouts Pho Recipe

What are bean sprouts?

Bean Sprouts Pho Recipe - Simply Bakings (2)

Bean sprouts are young sprouts that grow from mung beans, typically harvested within a few days of germination. They are crunchy and slightly sweet with a mild flavor, making them a popular ingredient in various cuisines, particularly in Asian dishes.

Are bean sprouts good for you?

Yes! Bean sprouts are rich in nutrients like vitamins C and K, as well as folate, fiber, and antioxidants.

Top Tip

Don’t skip the garnishes.When ordering pho at a Vietnamese restaurant, it always comes with Thai basil, bean sprouts, lime, and chiles. Even though they are only considered garnishes, I believe they are an essential part of the soup- so stir them in to get the rich authentic flavors!

Substitutions

  • Broth: Use Mushroom Broth for a more savory taste
  • Noodles: Opt for rice noodles, which are typically vegan-friendly and gluten-free. Make sure to check the ingredients list to ensure they contain no animal products.
  • Aromatics and spices: Use a combination of aromatic vegetables like onions, garlic, ginger, and spices such as star anise, cloves, cinnamon, and coriander to infuse the

Variations

  • Feel free to customize this vegan pho recipe by adding fried or baked tofu, some veggie meat,hoisin sauce, or even chili oil, chili sauce, or chili peppers for some spice!
  • If you want more of a fishy taste, add vegan fish sauce.
  • Condiments: Serve with vegan-friendly condiments such as hoisin sauce, sriracha, or chili garlic sauce on the side for added flavor.

Storage

  • Broth can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
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Ingredients

Listed below are all the ingredients you will need:

  • cinnamon sticks
  • whole cloves
  • star anise
  • white onion
  • fresh ginger
  • vegetable stock or broth
  • water
  • soy sauce
  • rice noodles
  • vegetable oil or neutral-flavored oil of choice
  • shiitake mushrooms
  • salt

Garnishes

  • mung bean sprouts
  • Thai basil
  • cilantro
  • basil leaves
  • sprigs of fresh mint
  • green onions
  • fresh jalapeño
  • lime wedges
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Instructions

Warm a medium soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise and toast until fragrant, stirring occasionally, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Add the onion, ginger, water, broth and soy sauce and raise the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer for 30 minutes to give the flavors to meld.

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In the meantime, prepare your rice noodles by cooking them according to package directions. Set them aside.

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To prepare the shiitake mushrooms, I added them to the broth and cooked the mushrooms until they were tender. But feel free to cook this separately.

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Once the broth is done cooking, strain out the onions, ginger, and spices. The easy way is to use a small metal sieve, but you can also strain the mixture through a colander into another large bowl. Don’t forget to leave the mushrooms in the broth.

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Season it to taste with salt and then add the cooked noodles. I love eating pho with tons of vegetables so feel free to add steamed broccoli, steamed bok choy, or bean sprouts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the bean sprouts in pho?

The bean sprouts in pho are typically mung bean sprouts. These sprouts are the young shoots that grow from mung beans. They are crunchy, slightly sweet, and add a refreshing texture to the dish.

Can I eat bean sprouts in pho while pregnant?

Eating bean sprouts, including those in pho, while pregnant can carry some risks. Bean sprouts, especially if not properly cleaned or cooked, can potentially harbor harmful bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli, which can cause foodborne illnesses. These illnesses can be particularly risky for pregnant women, as they may lead to complications such as dehydration or even miscarriage.

Looking for more heartwarming soup? Try these!

Bean Sprouts Pho Recipe - Simply Bakings (11)

5 from 2 votes

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Bean Sprouts Pho Recipe

This Bean Sprouts Pho is a comforting, nutritious soup with a rich, aromatic plant-based broth. Packed with fragrant spices, fresh herbs, and hearty vegetables, it's perfect for a cozy day and sure to satisfy your cravings while nourishing your body.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Total Time35 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer, Soup

Cuisine: Vietnamese

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 236kcal

Author: Lainey

Ingredients

  • 2 3 inch cinnamon sticks
  • 3 whole cloves
  • 2 star anise
  • 1 large white onion peeled and quartered
  • 4 inch piece of fresh ginger peeled and halved lengthwise
  • 4 cups vegetable stock or broth 32 ounces
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 6 ounces rice noodles
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 5 ounces shiitake mushrooms thinly sliced
  • salt to taste

Garnishes

  • mung bean sprouts
  • sprigs of fresh Thai basil
  • cilantro
  • Sprigs of fresh mint
  • thinly sliced green onions mostly green parts
  • very thinly sliced fresh jalapeño omit if sensitive to spice
  • small wedges of lime

Instructions

  • Warm a medium soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise and toast until fragrant, stirring occasionally, about 3 to 4 minutes.

  • Add the onion, ginger, water, broth, and soy sauce and raise the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer for 30 minutes to give the flavors to meld.

  • In the meantime, prepare your rice noodles by cooking them according to package directions. Set them aside.

  • To prepare the shiitake mushrooms, I added it to the broth and cooked the mushrooms until they were tender. But feel free to cook this separately.

  • Once the broth is done cooking, strain out the onions, ginger, and spices. The easy way is to use a small metal sieve, but you can also strain the mixture through a colander into another large bowl. Don’t forget to leave the mushrooms in the broth.

  • Season it to taste with salt and then add the cooked noodles. I love eating pho with tons of vegetables so feel free to add steamed broccoli or steamed bok choy.

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Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 236kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 1539mg | Potassium: 226mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 505IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 1mg

Did you make this recipe?Share it on instagram or tag @simplybakings or #simplybakings!

Bean Sprouts Pho Recipe - Simply Bakings (2024)

FAQs

How do you cook bean sprouts for pho? ›

In fact while bean sprouts are often provided raw in the plate of pho garnishing, some pho recipes recommend blanching bean sprouts in hot water for five to ten seconds.

What is the secret ingredient in pho? ›

Sa sung—dried peanut worms—have been described as the secret ingredient of great pho.

What are the best sprouts for pho? ›

Bean Sprouts (Giá)

Bean sprouts are young sprouted beans typically made from mung beans. These sprouts are prized for their crisp and crunchy texture, which contrasts wonderfully with the soft noodles and savoury broth of pho.

What are the best bones for pho? ›

The best bones for homemade pho are beef bones rich in collagen and marrow, which guarantee rich flavor. Try knuckle, leg, neck, and marrow bones. For the most interesting flavor, use a variety. Onion and fresh ginger: I love the onion and ginger in this broth.

Do you have to wash bean sprouts before cooking? ›

What is the safest way to prepare sprouts? Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap before and after handling food, including sprouted seeds. Rinse the sprouts thoroughly under cool, running drinking water to clean them.

What do bean sprouts do for your body? ›

Bean sprouts may help to improve your overall heart health by balancing cholesterol. Studies show that sprouts may help reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol, which causes the buildup of artery-clogging plaque. Bean sprouts may also increase levels of “good” HDL cholesterol, which helps clear fatty deposits from the blood.

Are canned bean sprouts good for pho? ›

Canned Bean Sprouts Are A Convenient Staple

Cooked bean sprouts, on the other hand, are versatile ingredients in Asian recipes, particularly bibimbap, stir-fry, ramen, pho, and various noodle dishes, where they contribute a subtle sweetness and tender texture.

What is the crunchy stuff in pho? ›

The flank steak piece itself has a silver layer/membrane on one side that is trimmed off (along with some fat) for North American consumption. For pho, though, we Viet people leave this on to get the vè dòn. Properly cooked and sliced, it gives a chewy and crunchy texture in addition to the awesome flank beef taste.

What is the healthiest pho to eat? ›

Chicken pho generally has the least fat and is a good source of lean protein. If you're just here for the beef, round cuts are the leanest, followed by brisket and flank.

What is rare in pho? ›

The rare beef used in pho is normally round eye steak that is thinly sliced. Ribeye or tenderloin can also be used for tai pho meat. These tender thin slices of beef offer a clean beefy flavor.

How to prep bean sprouts for ramen? ›

To blanch bean sprouts for ramen, bring a pot of water to a boil and add the bean sprouts. Let them cook for about 1-2 minutes until they turn slightly translucent. Then, quickly transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their crispness. Drain well before adding them to your ramen.

Why do we blanch bean sprouts in boiling water? ›

Blanching is scalding vegetables in boiling water or steam for a short time. It is typically followed by quick, thorough cooling in very cold or ice water. Blanching stops enzyme actions which otherwise cause loss of flavor, color and texture.

Can you steam cook bean sprouts? ›

All you have to do is microwave some bean sprouts to steam them and add some condiments for a light, but textured topping to our miso ramen noodles!

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