BEEF NOODLE SOUP WITH RICE NOODLES: PHO BO

Steps:

• In a large pot, submerge the oxtail in cold water, add 3 tablespoons salt and soak for 1 hour, then drain.
• To make the spice pouch, dry roast each ingredient separately in a frying pan over medium heat until fragrant.
• Cool, then coarsely grind the spice using a mortar and pestle or small spice grinder. Add the ground spices to the muslin square and tie up tightly in a knot. Set aside.
• Heat a barbecue grill or chargill pan over medium-high heat and grill the unpeeled garlic, onions and ginger evenly for 15 minutes in total until all sides are blackened.
• Now peel the blackened skins and discard them, and then roughly chop. By doing this, the garlic, onion and ginger becomes sweet and fragrant, releasing more flavour into the stock.
• Put the oxtail, brisket and 200 fluid ounces/ 6 litres cold water in a stockpot and bring to the boil. While the stock is boiling, constantly skim any impurities off the surface for 15 minutes (this will ensure a clean, clear broth), then reduce the heat to a low simmer.
• Add the fish sauce, remaining 1 tablespoon salt, rock sugar, garlic, onions, ginger, and spice pouch.
• Cover and simmer for 3 hours, or until the stock has reduced to almost 1/2.
• Strain the stock through a muslin cloth. Remove the brisket, set aside to cool, then thinly slice.
• Blanch each portion of noodles in boiling water for 20 seconds.
• Drain, then transfer to a serving bowl.
• Place 3 or 4 slices of brisket on top of the noodles, followed by 3 or 4 pieces of raw sirloin. Pour over the hot stock to cover the noodles and beef.
• Serve with 1 tablespoon spring onion, a pinch of black pepper, and a coriander sprig to each bowl.
• At the table, add chile, and a squeeze of lime.