Authentic Beef Pho

Ingredients

Beef bones

2 pounds, preferably marrow bones

Beef sirloin

1 pound, thinly sliced against the grain

Rice noodles (bánh phở)

8 ounces, flat rice noodles

Onion

1 large, halved

Ginger

1 piece (about 2 inches), sliced

Cinnamon stick

1

Star anise

2

Cloves

4

Cardamom pods

3

Hoisin sauce

2 tablespoons, for serving

Sriracha sauce

1 tablespoon, for serving (adjust to taste)

Lime

1, cut into wedges

Fresh cilantro leaves

1/2 cup, for garnish

Thai basil leaves

1/2 cup, for garnish

Bean sprouts

1 cup, for garnish

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the beef broth: In a large pot, combine the beef bones, halved onion, sliced ginger, cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves, and cardamom pods.
2. Cover the ingredients with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 hours. Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface to maintain a clear broth.
3. After simmering, strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into another pot, discarding the solids. Return the strained broth to the pot and keep warm over low heat.
4. Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
5. In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Blanch the bean sprouts for 1 minute, then drain and set aside.
6. To serve, divide the cooked rice noodles among serving bowls. Layer the thinly sliced beef sirloin on top of the noodles.
7. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and beef, ensuring they are fully submerged and the beef cooks slightly from the heat.
8. Garnish each bowl with fresh bean sprouts, Thai basil leaves, cilantro leaves, and lime wedges. Offer hoisin sauce and sriracha sauce on the side for individual flavor adjustments.
9. Enjoy your steaming bowl of beef pho, savoring each aromatic spoonful!