VIETNAMESE PHO

Vietnamese Pho image

When the steaming broth is ladled into the bowl, the eye of round cooks and the onion and scallions lose their raw edge. The broth can be made up to one month ahead; remove the brisket and let the broth cool to room temperature before freezing. Wrap the brisket tightly in plastic, store it in a resealable freezer bag, and freeze it; thaw completely in the refrigerator before slicing.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Time 16h

Number Of Ingredients 24

Ingredients

4 pounds beef marrow or knuckle bones, rinsed and patted dry
3 pounds oxtail, rinsed and patted dry
1 2 1/2-pound piece beef brisket, rinsed and patted dry
10 whole cloves
6 whole star-anise pods
2 cinnamon sticks
2 teaspoons black peppercorns
2 teaspoons coriander seeds
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
2 1/2 large onions, 2 halved lengthwise, 1/2 thinly sliced
4 medium shallots
1 4-inch piece fresh ginger, halved lengthwise
2 teaspoons granulated sugar, or a 1 1/2-inch piece yellow rock sugar (available at kalustyans.com)
1/3 to 1/2 cup Vietnamese or Thai fish sauce, such as nuoc nam or nam pla
1 12-ounce piece beef eye of round
2 pounds rice stick noodles
1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
Cilantro sprigs, preferably Vietnamese, for serving
Fresh basil leaves, preferably Thai, for serving
Bean sprouts, for serving
Thai bird or serrano chiles, thinly sliced, for serving
Lime wedges, for serving
Asian chili sauce, such as sambal oelek or Sriracha, for serving
Hoisin sauce, for serving

Steps:

Bring a large Dutch oven or stockpot of water to a boil. Add beef bones, oxtail, and brisket. Return to a boil; cook 5 minutes. Drain; return beef bones, oxtail, and brisket to pot.
Toast cloves, star anise, cinnamon, peppercorns, coriander, and fennel seeds in a small skillet over medium-high heat, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer to pot.
Heat broiler. Place onion halves, shallots, and ginger on a rimmed baking sheet. Broil, turning occasionally, until charred in spots, about 10 minutes. Transfer to pot.
Add enough water to cover (about 8 quarts). Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat; do not boil. Skim foam with a spoon, adjusting heat as necessary to maintain a simmer.
Simmer until broth is golden brown and liquid level has lowered about 2 inches, 6 to 8 hours. Transfer brisket to a dish; let cool, then cover brisket with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
Remove bones and oxtail; discard. Strain broth through a sieve lined with cheesecloth. Stir in sugar and fish sauce. Refrigerate overnight or up to 2 days, or freeze up to 1 month.
With a large spoon, remove most of hardened fat from surface of broth; discard. Bring broth to a simmer over medium-high heat.
Two and a half hours before serving, freeze eye of round until firm, about 2 hours. Slice very thinly against the grain. Slice chilled brisket thinly against the grain as well.
At least 30 minutes before serving, place noodles in a large baking dish or bowl. Cover with cool water and let stand until pliable. Drain, rinse, then drain again.
Cook noodles in a pot of boiling water until al dente, 3 minutes. Drain; divide among 12 bowls. Top with meats, sliced onions and scallions, and broth. Serve with accompaniments.