Beef Pho (Quick & Easy)

Ingredients:

250g rice noodles

250g beef strip loin or shabu-shabu

1 cup Vietnamese basil leaves

1 cup bean sprouts

1/2 cup cilantro leaves

Chilies ~ sliced thin

4 scallions ~ sliced thin

1/2 yellow onion ~ sliced thin

1 lime ~ cut wedges

Pho Stock

2 tbsp beef bouillon or base

1 tbsp Vietnamese fish sauce

1 tbsp white sugar

2" ginger ~ sliced thin

1/2 yellow onion ~ large dice

1/2 tsp salt

2 cloves

2-star anise

1 cinnamon stick

Directions/Instructions:

1. In a large pot, add the beef base (1.9L) and bring to a low boil.  Add the fish sauce, sugar, ginger, onion, and salt to the stock.  Reduce the heat to a simmer.
2. Wrap the cloves, star anise, and cinnamon stick in a piece of cheesecloth and tie it into a satchel.  Add the satchel to the broth and simmer for at least 30 mins but no more than 45 mins.
3. Around 30 min mark, taste the broth to see the spice flavor has been extracted, and adjust the seasoning if necessary.  Strain the aromatics and satchel from the broth, return to a pot, and reserve for assembly.
4. Bring the broth back to a simmer.  In a separate pot, bring water to a boil.  Using a sieve/basket, quickly dip the noodles into the boiling water until the noodle is al dente.  Drain the excess water from the noodles and distribute the noodle between 4 bowls.
5. Top each bowl with some sliced beef, basil, bean sprouts, cilantro, chili, scallions, and onion.  Ladle in enough broth to cover the ingredients in the bowl.  Garnish with lime wedges.  Enjoy!