Pho: Vietnamese Noodle Soup for 8

Ingredients and Weight:

• 2 lbs beef shank or brisket
• 2 large yellow onions, sliced
• 6 star anise pods
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
• 1 tablespoon cloves
• 1/2 cup fish sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 packages (8 oz each) rice noodles
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 bunch fresh mint, chopped
• 1/2 cup bean sprouts
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced carrots
• 1/4 cup scallions, thinly sliced

Preparation Time:

• 30 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 3 hours

Difficulty Level:

• 2 (moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the beef shank on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
2. Add the onions, star anise, cinnamon sticks, coriander seeds, and cloves to the pot and cook until the onions are softened.
3. Return the beef to the pot and add the fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Stir to combine.
4. Add enough water to cover the beef and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 hours or until the beef is tender.
5. While the beef is simmering, prepare the noodles according to the package directions.
6. Once the beef is tender, remove it from the broth and let it rest for 10 minutes.
7. Skim any excess fat from the broth.
8. Thinly slice the beef and add it back to the broth.
9. Add the beaten eggs to the broth and stir gently to create ribbons.
10. To serve, place a portion of noodles in a bowl and top with broth, beef, cilantro, mint, bean sprouts, carrots, and scallions.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 350 per serving
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 15g

Dish Characteristics:

• Savory and aromatic
• Balanced flavors of sweet, salty, and tangy
• Rich, flavorful broth
• Tender beef
• Fresh herbs and vegetables

User Comments:

• "Absolutely delicious! The broth is so flavorful and the noodles are perfectly cooked."
• "The beef is so tender and juicy. It melts in my mouth."
• "I love the combination of herbs and vegetables. It adds a nice freshness to the soup."
• "The perfect comfort food on a cold day."
• "This recipe is easy to follow and yields amazing results."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If you can't find beef shank or brisket, you can substitute chuck roast or rump roast.
• Fish sauce is a key ingredient in Pho. It adds a unique umami flavor.
• Taste the broth and adjust the seasonings to your preference.
• Serve the Pho with a side of chili sauce or hoisin sauce for an extra kick.