Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup

Makes: 4-6 servings
Free of: gluten and all top allergens

Food photography by Chris Gonzaga

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Ingredients

Soup

  • 2 lb (1 kg) stewing beef, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) chunks
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 inches (5 cm) of fresh ginger, peeled and smashed. [See Method re ‘smashing’]
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 2-inch (5 cm) cinnamon stick
  • 1 tsp peppercorns
  • 6 cloves
  • 4 star anise
  • 4 cups (950 mL) beef broth [look for allergy-friendly brand]
  • 2 cups (475 mL) water (plus 6 cups for cooking noodles)
  • 1/2 lb (230 g) medium-width rice noodles
  • Pinch of salt

Garnish

  • 2 cups (475 mL) bean sprouts
  • 1 cup (250 mL) fresh Thai basil, torn
  • 2 large red Serrano chilies, seeded and finely diced
  • 1 cup (250 mL) fresh coriander leaves
  • 1 lime, sliced in wedges

Instructions

  1. Soak rice noodles in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain.
  2. Meanwhile, in a large soup pot, heat vegetable oil over medium. Add beef and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  3. To smash peeled ginger, place under flat side of a large knife. Press down firmly on knife to squash and release flavours. Add ginger and onion to pot. Sauté 2-3 minutes.
  4. Stir in star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves and peppercorns.
  5. Return beef to pot, add 2 cups water and beef broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer covered for 30 minutes, or until meat is tender. Season with salt to taste.
  6. As broth simmers, bring 6 cups water to boil in a large pot. Add rice noodles, cook 3-5 minutes, until just tender. Do not overcook. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  7. To serve, divide noodles among four to six soup bowls. Ladle soup over noodles and top with each of the garnish ingredients, squeezing lime over top just before serving.

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