Vietnamese Pho

Ingredients

Instructions

1. 1

   TOAST THE SPICES: Heat a large dry pot over medium heat. Add the star anise and cinnamon stick. Toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until very fragrant. Add the halved ginger (cut side down) and char for 2-3 minutes until the cut surface is slightly blackened. This charring adds depth to the broth.

2. 2

   SIMMER THE BROTH: Pour in the beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer (small bubbles, not a rolling boil). Simmer for 30 minutes to let the spices fully infuse the broth. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean pot, discarding the solids. Return broth to the pot.

3. 3

   SEASON THE BROTH: Add the fish sauce to the strained broth. Taste and adjust - the broth should be savory and deeply flavored. Keep at a gentle simmer while you prepare the remaining components. The broth must be piping hot to cook the raw beef.

4. 4

   PREPARE THE NOODLES: While the broth simmers, cook the rice noodles according to package directions (usually soak in boiling water for 5-8 minutes until tender but not mushy). Drain and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking. Divide noodles evenly among 4 large, deep bowls.

5. 5

   SLICE THE BEEF: For paper-thin slices, partially freeze the steak for 20-30 minutes (this makes slicing easier). Using a sharp knife, slice against the grain as thinly as possible - the slices should be almost translucent. Arrange the raw beef slices in a single layer over the noodles in each bowl.

6. 6

   POUR THE BROTH: Bring the broth back to a rolling boil. Immediately ladle the piping hot broth over the beef and noodles - the hot broth will cook the thin beef slices in seconds. Use about 2 cups of broth per bowl. The beef should turn from red to gray almost instantly.

7. 7

   SERVE WITH GARNISHES: Place the bean sprouts, fresh basil, lime wedges, sliced jalapeño, hoisin sauce, and sriracha in small bowls or on a platter. Serve immediately, letting each person customize their bowl with desired toppings. Squeeze lime over the soup before eating.