Recipe Instructions:
Ingredients:
For the broth:
2-3 pounds beef bones (oxtail, marrow, or a combination)
1 medium onion, peeled and halved
3-4 inches ginger, sliced and lightly crushed
2-3 star anise pods
2-3 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon sugar
Water
For assembling:
8 oz rice noodles (pho noodles)
Thinly sliced beef (eye of round or flank steak)
Fresh herbs (Thai basil, cilantro, mint)
Lime wedges
Bean sprouts
Sliced chili peppers (optional)
Hoisin sauce and Sriracha sauce (optional, for dipping)
Instructions:
Place the beef bones in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring to a boil and then lower the heat to a simmer. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
Add the onion halves, ginger slices, star anise, cloves, and cinnamon stick to the pot.
Add salt and sugar to the pot, and let the broth simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours, until the flavors are infused.
Strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the solids.
Return the strained broth to the pot and keep it warm on low heat.
Prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Thinly slice the beef and set it aside.
To assemble the Phở Đặc Biệt bowls, place a portion of cooked rice noodles in each bowl. Top with sliced beef.
Pour the hot broth over the noodles and beef.
Serve with a plate of fresh herbs (Thai basil, cilantro, mint), lime wedges, bean sprouts, and sliced chili peppers.
Diners can customize their bowls by adding herbs, sprouts, and squeezing lime over the soup. You can also provide hoisin sauce and Sriracha sauce for dipping.
This simplified version of Phở Đặc Biệt retains the essence of the dish while using fewer ingredients. It's a flavorful and satisfying Vietnamese beef noodle soup. Enjoy your homemade bowl of Phở Đặc Biệt!