Rare Steak & Tendon Pho

Rare Steak & Tendon Pho is a unique and flavorful dish found in many Vietnamese and Asian-fusion restaurants in the US.

Ingredients:

- Beef tendon: Thinly sliced tendons from the beef shank, typically simmered in broth for hours.

- Rare steak: Usually thinly sliced flank steak, cooked to a barely-pink interior.

- Broth: A rich and flavorful broth made from beef bones, spices, and sometimes herbs like lemongrass, ginger, and garlic.

- Herbs and spices: Typically served with lime wedges, chili sauce, Sriracha, fish sauce, and bean sprouts.

Taste and Texture:

- The broth is savory and fragrant, with a hint of sweetness from the tendon.

- The rare steak is tender and slightly chewy, with a rich and beefy flavor.

- The tendon adds a unique textural element, with a gelatinous and chewy texture.

How it's Served:

- The pho is usually served in a large bowl with the broth, tendon, rare steak, and some herbs and spices on the side.

- To eat, you can:

- Dip the steak into the broth to warm it up.

- Use chopsticks to pick up the tendon and chew it.

- Add lime wedges, chili sauce, or Sriracha to the broth to adjust the flavor.

Flavor Profile:

- Savory and beefy broth

- Sweetness from tendon

- Subtle tanginess from lime

- Spicy kick from chili sauce or Sriracha

- Aromatic and herbal notes from spices like lemongrass

What to Look for When Ordering:

- Makes sure the steak is thinly sliced and cooked to your liking.

- Ask about the broth and what herbs and spices are in it.

- Check if it comes with all the usual toppings like lime wedges, chili sauce, and fish sauce.

Tips:

- If you're not sure how to eat tendon, ask the server for guidance.

- Start with a small bowl if you're not used to eating pho.

- Consider ordering a side of rice to soak up the delicious broth.