QUICK AND EASY BEEF AND RICE NOODLE SOUP

Quick and Easy Beef and Rice Noodle Soup image

Provided by Jeff Mauro, host of Sandwich King

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 quarts beef stock
1 tablespoon beef soup base, such as Better Than Bouillon
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoons hoisin sauce, plus more if desired
4 scallions, 2 sliced in half and 2 sliced thinly on the bias
2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and cut into thin rounds
2 whole cloves
2 whole star anise pods
1 cinnamon stick
1 to 2 tablespoons soy sauce
8 ounces thin rice noodles, cooked according to package instructions
4 ounces shaved beef
1 cup bean sprouts
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
1 jalapeno, sliced thin (seeds and ribs can be scooped out)
1 lime, cut into wedges

Steps:

Bring the stock to a very light simmer in a large pot, then add the beef base, fish sauce, hoisin, scallion halves, ginger, cloves, star anise, cinnamon stick and 1 tablespoon of the soy sauce. Simmer for 30 minutes.
Using a spider or strainer, remove all the solids, leaving you with just the broth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with the additional tablespoon of soy sauce if it needs more salt, or hoisin if it needs more sweetness. Bring the broth back to a light simmer.
Meanwhile, set up your bowls. On the bottom, divvy up the rice noodles, then top with the shaved beef. Pour in some simmering broth. Garnish with the bean sprouts, cilantro, mint, scallions sliced on the bias, jalapenos and lime wedges. Drizzle with extra hoisin if desired.