Pho Bo (Hanoi Beef Noodle Soup)

Ingredients

• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 (1/4-inch thick) slice ginger
• 2 whole star anise*
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/2 pound piece boneless beef sirloin, trimmed of any fat
• 3 ounces dried flat rice noodles*
• 1/4 cup Asian fish sauce*
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup fresh bean sprouts, rinsed and drained
• 1/8 cup minced scallions
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro sprigs, washed and finely chopped
• 1 small thin fresh red or green Asian chilie, sliced very thin
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• Lime wedges for garnish
• *Available at Asian Markets

Directions

In a 2 quart saucepan bring broth, ginger, star anise, and cinnamon to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

With a very sharp knife cut sirloin across the grain into very thin slices.

In a large bowl soak noodles in hot water to cover 15 minutes, or until softened and pliable.

While noodles are soaking, bring a kettle of salted water to a boil for noodles. Drain noodles in a colander and cook in boiling water, stirring 45 seconds, or until tender. Drain noodles in a colander. Set aside.

Strain broth into saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir in fish sauce, salt and pepper. Add sirloin and sprouts and cook 30 to 45 seconds, or until sirloin changes color. Skim any froth from soup.

To serve, divide noodles into 4 bowls. Ladle soup over noodles. Sprinkle scallion greens, cilantro, chilies and basil over soup and serve with lime wedges