The development of biomass-derived nitrogen-doped porous carbons (NPCs) for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is important for sustainable energy systems. Herein, NPCs derived from Astragali Radix (AR) via a cost-effective strategy are reported for the first time. The as prepared AR-950-5 catalyst shows a stacked layer-like structure and porosity. Notably, the optimized AR-950-5 delivers catalytic activity comparable to that of commercial Pt/C (C-Pt/C), with high onset potential, positive half-wave potential and large limiting current density. It also displays superior long-term stability and methanol tolerance for ORR. This work will pave the way for a new approach in the development of highly active and low-cost NPCs for fuel cells. 2017 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC.