Beef noodle soup ~ Banh pho bo

Recipe Categories : | Beef | All Soups | Meat Soups | Vietnamese |

Ingredients :

• 3 large onions
• 1 tbsp peanut oil
• 5 lb beef & chicken bones, meaty combination
• 4 ginger slices, julienne
• 2 carrot, julienne
• 1 small cinnamon stick
• 1 star anise
• 2 cloves, whole
• 1 tspn peppercorn, black , whole
• 2 garlic clove, smashed
• ½ lb fresh bean sprouts
• ½ lb beef sirloin, sliced very thin across grain, bitesize
• 1 scallion, finely sliced
• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
• 4 chilies serranos, sliced
• 2 lime, cut into wedges
• 8 oz rice sticks, soaked in hot water for 30 minutes then drained
• 3 tbsp nuoc mam
• fresh black pepper, to taste

Preparation and Cooking Instructions

1. Slice 2 of the onions into ¼" slices. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a frying pan. Add the sliced onion, and cook, stirring, until the outside has browned. Remove and drain. Slice the remaining onion into paper-thin slices and set aside.
2. Rinse the bones and place in a stockpot. Cover with cold water. Bring slowly to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered. For a clear broth skim off foam. After 10 - 15 minutes, add browned onion and ginger, carrots, cinnamon, cardamom, star anise, cloves, garlic and peppercorns. Bring to a boil. Simmer the stock, partially covered for 6 to 12 hours, skimming regularly. If necessary add more water to keep the bones covered. Strain the stock, skim off, and discard any fat.
3. At serving time, arrange the sliced beef on a platter. Garnish with reserved white and green onion. On another platter, arrange the bean sprouts, coriander, chilies and limes. Meanwhile, plunge the rice sticks in boiling water to heat. Drain. Place equal portions in each soup bowl. Cover to keep warm. Heat beef stock to boiling. Season with fish sauce and pepper. Pour into a soup tureen or chafing dish. At the table, place the soup on a portable warmer to keep hot. Offer each guest a bowl of warm rice noodles. Each diner adds some beef and onion to a bowl. Ladle the hot stock over the meat, stirring to cook the meat. Add the bean sprouts, coriander, chilies, and lime to taste. Enjoy with chopsticks and a soup spoon.