Our friend Sandra Kurtin fixed this one weekend in port Aransas - it was wonderful.
Pho Bo (Hanoi Beef Noodle Soup)
Courtesy of Gourmet Magazine, from the Food Channel
6 c beef broth
1 (1/4" thick) slice ginger root
2 whole star anise
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 lb piece boneless beef sirloin, trimmed of any fat
3 oz dried flat rice noodles
1/4 c Asian fish sauce
1 c fresh bean sprouts, rinsed and drained
2 T finely sliced green onions
1/4 c fresh cilantro sprigs, washed and chopped
1 sm fresh chile, sliced very thin
1/2 c fresh basil leaves
lime wedges for garnish
In a 2 qt 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. 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. 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 30-45 seconds, or until sirloin changes color. Skim any froth from soup.
To serve, divide noodles into 4 bowls. Ladle soup over noodles. Sprinkle green onions, cilantro, chilies and basil over soup and serve with lime wedges.