30-minute meal, anyone? Vegetarian Pho Soup with hoisin sautéed shiitake mushrooms is quick, easy, and Vietnamese.
So…this is awkward. Did you know you’re supposed to remove the stems from shiitake mushrooms prior to cooking the mushroom caps? Because shiitake mushroom stems are fibrous pieces of leather and they’re like eating a stetson?
Yeah, I was absent on shiitake day too.
The first time I made this pho, I pho-ed and photoed including the shiitake stems. Whilst eating the pho, did I stop to think, “wow, these stems are fibrous pieces of leather, and they’re like eating a stetson!”? No. Because I eat at such a rate and volume that chewing isn’t really something I do.
Nevertheless, I got a tap on the shoulder from Kiersten after all pho was faced and photoed, giving me the stem-ly reminder. What.would.I.do.without.her? I’d continually eat fibrous pieces of stetson-like leather, that’s what.
You don’t need to twist my arm to convince me to eat massive quantities of Vietnamese food, so after the stem-ly reminder, I happily pho-ed and photoed again. Sans stems. The leathery bits went into the rubbish bin.
Have you pho-ed before? If the answer is no, I’m going to hop on my high horse and corral you into the pho corner until you pho.
Are you sick of the word, “pho” yet? Have you been pronouncing it, “phoh” this entire time in your head? Me too. But it should be “fuh,” so you may want to go back and re-read this whole post using the correct pronunciation in order to be culturally mindful. Just pho for thought.
30-Minute Vegetarian Pho Soup will wriggle its way into your heart and home. You can make it after work in a split second. And if you’ve never sautéed stem-less shiitakes in hoisin sauce, you had better do so, or else: corral.
Get your pho while the gettin’s good! Take a cruise over to Oh My Veggies to get my recipe for 30-Minute Vegetarian Pho Soup!
I’ve never tried making my own pho before but this looks great! I actually hold onto the shiitake stems and use them to make mushroom/veggie broths etc. They also work well in slow cooked stews because they take so long too cook but when you get them tender they are a flavor powerhouse!
I had no idea about shiitake stems! This may or may not explain why I’ve previously believed I didn’t like them. Hmm. Thankfully I have you and Kiersten in my life!
GAH! One of the things i miss with all my heart is PHO, double exclamation mark. This looks lovely!!
I’m a huge pho fan. I even know how to make beef pho already (and it’s good). I may have to try this vegetarian version though, mix it up some.
I love adding sliced beef into pho too, but the shiitakes in this recipe are so good that they’re all you really need for a tasty meal. Hope you try the recipe – no shame in adding some animal protein to make it more filling! 🙂
This looks awesome, Julia!
Thanks, my dear!! I love how easy and flavorful this pho is. It makes you feel like you’re eating authentic Vietnamese takeout and it’s perfect to share with friends and family. No one has to know it only takes 30 minutes…shhhhh! 😉
Yikes, I didn’t know that either! Thanks for the heads up! Pho looks perfect anyway 😉
I am a sucker for a punny recipe post. I love this! And I had NO idea about the mushroom stems hehe. Also, every time I eat pho I never think I’m going to finish it all -and then I do! It’s just so darn good. I’ll have to try this recipe out to make it at home 🙂
Looks fantastic!! And I never, ever use that word! 🙂
Must make!
Fuh??? Uh, no. I like Foh. Fuh foh fee fum. I smell…oh, never mind. That was not going to be appropriate for a food blog. But it had to do with eating fiber like shiitake stems. 😀
Bahahaha! You know you can say anything you want on my food blog any ol’ time 😉 Pho jokes are phun 😉
I’ve just recently discovered Vietnamese cuisine and it’s so addictive. This is perfect for quick meal fix!
Yeeeeeah, you’ll love it! Thanks, Gintare!
I love that you ate the stems even though they were like leather! You are a true food lover! I have to admit that I’ve never pho-ed before, but it has been on my list of things to do for a while, so I will pho sure have to try it soon! 🙂
Yup, there’s no stopping me when it comes to food, leather stem or not 😉 I admit, the shiitakes are way better when stemless. Let me know if you try the recipe!
I need to quit pho-ing around and actually make this dish! This looks amazing!
Luckily, pho will always be there for your pho-ing pleasure 😉 Let me know as soon as you pho!
Hahha this cracks me up! 1) Had no clue about the stems and 2) I’ve phO’d and ph’d haha
So glad I’m not the only one who was unaware about the stems! Thanks, Samantha!
Pinned! I love pho. I have always thought that it would be waaay to time consuming to make it at home. Not so much anymore!! This looks awesome.
Heck yes, this recipe takes no time at all! Hope you enjoy, Rebecca!
Use the stems to add depth of flavors in your broth. My mom also uses whole carrots, daikon radish whole onion with skin on, cinnamon stick and star anise pods yo make the broth more flavorful.
Great advice, Diem! Thanks so much for the feedback!
heading over to check out the recipe. I love pho and cannot wait to whip this up!
Wahooo! <>
I’ve eaten more than my fair share of pho, but for some inexplicable reason I’ve never considered making it at home. I’m getting on that….sans leathery mushroom stems 🙂