A quicker-to-make imitation of Vietnamese Pho soup. Beef broth flavored with whole spices and charred veggies, served with thinly sliced beef, rice noodles, and toppings such as bean sprouts, jalapeños, and fresh herbs.
Set the oven broiler to preheat. Peel the onions and cut them into quarters. Peel the ginger and slice it into a few large pieces. Arrange the pieces on an aluminum foil lined cookie sheet and roast under the broiler. The goal is to char the veggies in some spots-- roast for about 5 minutes, then toss and roast further (time needed will vary from oven to oven).
Peel the carrots and chop them into large pieces, set aside.
Place the whole spices in a medium stock pot and dry toast them over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Then add in the beef broth, 1 cup of water, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, MSG, charred onion and ginger, and carrots.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover the pot with a lid. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, prep the toppings and prepare the rice noodles per package directions. Divide the rice noodles evenly between the bowls and top the noodles with the raw steak (steak will cook when the hot soup is added) spread the steak out as much as possible.
When the soup is done simmering, carefully strain it into another pot, removing all the solids. Taste the broth and add more seasoning to taste (I usually add a little salt).
Bring the broth back to a simmer, then quickly pour it into the bowls, directly onto the steak. You should see the steak cook immediately as the hot soup hits it. Top each bowl with your desired toppings and serve immediately.
Notes
If you can find it, beef that is already thinly sliced is the easiest choice for this recipe. You can find thinly sliced beef at most Asian grocery stores, and some traditional grocery stores in the US.If slicing the beef yourself, use sirloin, round eye, or London broil. Freeze the steak for about 15 minutes to help with cutting, then slice as thin as possible (1/16th of an inch).