Boat Noodles

🔥 Prep

• Rinse the 400 g rice noodles under cold water, then soak in warm water for 10 minutes until pliable, then drain.
• Slice the 300 g pork into thin bite-sized strips.
• Mince the 1 tbsp garlic.
• Rinse the 1 cup bean sprouts and set aside.
• Break the 1 cinnamon stick into pieces and have the 2 star anise pods ready.

🔥 Cook

• 1. In a large pot, combine 6 cups water, the cinnamon stick, and star anise; bring to a boil over medium-high heat for 5 minutes.
• 2. Add the sliced pork to the boiling broth; reduce heat to medium and simmer for 8 minutes until pork is just cooked.
• 3. Stir in the minced garlic, 2 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tbsp dark soy sauce; continue to simmer on low for 3 minutes to meld flavors.
• 4. While the broth simmers, cook the soaked rice noodles in a separate pot of boiling water for 2 minutes until tender, then drain and rinse with cold water.
• 5. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with additional fish sauce or soy sauce if needed; keep on low heat.

🔥 Serve

• Divide the drained noodles into serving bowls.
• Top each bowl with bean sprouts and a portion of the pork and broth.
• Garnish with optional sliced chilies, lime wedges, or fresh cilantro.
• Serve hot and enjoy the rich pork noodle soup.