From Phở to Fish Sauce: The Subtle Strength of Vietnamese Cuisine | SLICE | FULL DOCUMENTARY

beef bones

🥗Healthier: chicken bones

💰Cheaper: pork bones

Chicken bones provide a lighter broth, while pork bones are often more affordable.

beef brisket

🥗Healthier: lean beef

💰Cheaper: flank steak

Lean beef reduces fat content, while flank steak is a budget-friendly cut.

fish sauce

🥗Healthier: soy sauce

💰Cheaper: salt

Soy sauce is a vegetarian alternative, while salt is a basic substitute.

rice noodles

🥗Healthier: zucchini noodles

💰Cheaper: pasta

Zucchini noodles lower carbs, while pasta is often less expensive.

Roast onions and ginger over an open flame until charred, about 5-7 minutes.

Blanch beef bones in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain and rinse.

Simmer beef bones in a large pot with water for 6-8 hours, skimming foam.

Add charred onions, ginger, star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom to the pot.

Season broth with fish sauce and sugar, then simmer for an additional hour.

Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into a clean pot.

Cook rice noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.

Slice beef brisket thinly against the grain.

Place cooked noodles in bowls, top with raw sliced beef, and ladle hot broth over.

Garnish with lime wedges, basil, bean sprouts, jalapeños, and green onions.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: