Vietnamese Pork Noodle Soup

A steaming bowl of Vietnamese Pork Noodle Soup is the perfect dish to warm your soul on a chilly evening or to enjoy as a refreshing lunch option. The combination of tender pork, fresh herbs, and flavorful broth creates a symphony of tastes that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Vietnam. This comforting recipe is surprisingly simple to make at home, allowing you to savor the authentic flavors of this beloved Vietnamese classic in the comfort of your own kitchen.

### Vietnamese Pork Noodle Soup

#### Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork shoulder, thinly sliced
– 8 cups chicken broth
– 2 tbsp fish sauce
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp sugar
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
– 2 star anise
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 1 tsp coriander seeds
– 1 tbsp vegetable oil
– 8 oz rice noodles
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Toppings: bean sprouts, lime wedges, fresh herbs (cilantro, Thai basil), thinly sliced chili, hoisin sauce, sriracha

#### Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

2. Add the pork slices to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Pour in the chicken broth and add the fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, star anise, cinnamon stick, and coriander seeds. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

4. Meanwhile, bring a separate pot of water to boil and cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

5. Once the pork is tender and the broth is flavorful, season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning with more fish sauce or sugar if needed.

6. To serve, divide the cooked rice noodles among bowls. Ladle the hot soup over the noodles, making sure each bowl has a generous portion of pork and broth.

7. Garnish the soup with bean sprouts, fresh herbs, a squeeze of lime juice, thinly sliced chili for some heat, and a drizzle of hoisin sauce or sriracha for additional flavor.

8. Serve your Vietnamese Pork Noodle Soup piping hot and allow the fragrant aroma to draw you in before enjoying the harmonious blend of textures and flavors in each spoonful.

Creating Vietnamese Pork Noodle Soup at home allows you to tailor the dish to your preferences, whether you prefer it more brothy, spicy, or herbaceous. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility; feel free to experiment with different herbs and toppings to suit your taste buds. So, next time you crave a comforting and satisfying meal, immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Vietnam with this delightful noodle soup.