Description
A cozy and aromatic Vietnamese noodle soup with savory broth, tender beef, and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds beef marrow and knuckle bones
- 1 pound beef brisket or flank
- 8 ounces beef sirloin or eye of round, thinly sliced
- 1 large yellow onion
- 1 4-inch piece of fresh ginger
- 3 whole star anise
- 5 whole cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 2 cardamom pods
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon rock sugar or brown sugar
- 14 ounces flat rice noodles
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 cups bean sprouts
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
- 1–2 red chilies, sliced (optional)
- Hoisin sauce, to serve
- Sriracha, to serve
Instructions
- Start by slicing the onion and ginger in half. Broil them until charred, about 5–7 minutes for that smoky flavor.
- Place the beef bones in a large pot, cover them with water, and bring to a boil for 10 minutes. Discard the water and rinse the bones to ensure a clearer broth.
- Return the bones to the pot and add 4 quarts of water, along with the charred onion, ginger, and the spices. Simmer uncovered for 3 hours to develop a rich broth.
- Add the beef brisket or flank and continue simmering for 2 more hours until tender. Remember to skim off any foam that rises to the top.
- Remove the solids, strain the broth, and then stir in the fish sauce and sugar. Thinly slice the cooked brisket for serving.
- Cook the rice noodles according to the package directions; drain and set aside.
- Thinly slice the raw sirloin or eye of round.
- In serving bowls, layer the noodles, cooked brisket, and raw beef slices.
- Pour the hot broth over the raw beef so it cooks in the steaming liquid. Add fresh herbs, bean sprouts, chili, lime wedges, and optional sauces like Hoisin or Sriracha to taste.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute beef with chicken or tofu. Store broth and ingredients separately for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 210 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg