Warm up with this comforting bowl of fragrant broth, fresh herbs, and tender noodles that’s perfect for a cozy night in. Simple to make and full of flavor, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a meat-free meal.
Prep Time20 min
Cook Time30 min
Total Time50 min
Difficulty
Medium
Smart Cooking Tips
Toast the spices gently before simmering to unlock their full aroma.
Use fresh herbs like cilantro and Thai basil for the best flavor.
Don’t rush the broth; a slow simmer helps develop a richer taste.
Ingredients
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Why This Dish Is Worth Trying
A comforting and flavorful bowl that warms you from the inside out. It’s packed with fresh herbs and vegetables, making it both healthy and satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy traditional flavors without any meat.
Step 1
Heat the vegetable broth with lemongrass, vegetable bouillon, and star anise in a saucepan. Let it come to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer gently for about 30 to 45 minutes so all those flavors blend together nicely. Once done, fish out the lemongrass and star anise and toss them.
Step 2
While the broth is simmering, soak the rice noodles in a bowl of hot water for around 10 minutes until they’re soft. Drain them well, then use kitchen scissors to cut the noodles into shorter, manageable pieces. Divide the noodles into your serving bowls.
Step 3
Ladle the hot broth over the noodles, making sure they’re fully covered. Set out bowls of bean sprouts, mushrooms, lime wedges, cilantro, basil, and green onions so everyone can add their own fresh toppings. Alongside those, offer small dishes of teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, chili paste, and sesame oil for extra flavor. Let everyone customize their bowls and enjoy!
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people cooked this recipe
ByDavid Brown
David shares approachable recipes, helpful cooking tips, and simple meal ideas.
Best Foods To Serve With This
Serve with lime wedges, bean sprouts, and sliced chili on the side so everyone can customize their bowl. A drizzle of hoisin sauce or sriracha adds a nice kick. Pair with a light green tea or jasmine tea for a refreshing balance.
Best Storage Tips
Store the broth and noodles separately in airtight containers. Keep the broth in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat gently and add fresh herbs just before serving to keep them vibrant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and check that your rice noodles are certified gluten-free.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep the broth and noodles separate in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I use fresh lemongrass instead of dried?
Yes, fresh lemongrass works well—just bruise the stalks before adding to release more flavor.
What can I substitute for star anise if I don’t have any?
You can use a small pinch of ground fennel or omit it, but star anise adds a distinctive flavor.
Should I cook the mushrooms before adding them?
No, adding fresh sliced mushrooms as a garnish allows them to soften slightly in the hot broth.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level depends on how much chile paste you add; start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Can I prepare the broth in advance?
Yes, the broth can be made a day ahead and refrigerated to develop deeper flavors.
What’s the best way to reheat the noodles without making them mushy?
Briefly dip the noodles in hot water or warm broth just before serving to keep their texture.
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