Ingredients

• 2L (8 cups) beef stock

• 2 thick slices ginger

• 1 onion, thinly sliced

• 2 garlic cloves, sliced

• 3 star anise

• 2 cinnamon quills, lightly bruised

• 2 tbsp caster sugar

• 1/3 cup (80ml) fish sauce

• 375g flat rice noodles

• 400g beef eye fillet, very thinly sliced

• 1 cup (80g) been sprouts

• 1 long red chilli, seeds removed, thinly sliced

• 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, to serve

• 1/3 cup fresh mint leaves, to serve

• 1/3 cup coriander leaves, to serve

Instructions

1. Place stock and 2 cups (500ml) water in a saucepan with ginger, onion, garlic, star anise, cinnamon, sugar and fish sauce. Bring to the boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain, discarding solids, then return soup to pan. Cover and return to the boil.
2. Meanwhile, prepare noodles according to packet instructions. Drain well.
3. Divide the noodles among warmed soup bowls, then top with the sliced beef fillet. Pour over the hot soup mixture (the heat will gently cook the meat) and top with the bean sprouts. Serve garnished with chilli and fresh herbs.