Step 1

Roast the onion or shallots in the oven at 400°F for about 15 minutes or when they become aromatic. Scrap off any charred areas to prevent browning the broth then set aside.

Step 2

Add the pork bones to a large stockpot and fill with water to cover by 1 inch. Boil the bones for 10 minutes or when you see a lot of foam at the top. Drain the content of the pot into a colander and rinse the bones under cold running water. This helps clean the bones, keeping the stock clear. It also helps rid of any lingering foul pork smell.

Step 3

Add water (3 quarts) to a stockpot and bring to a boil (if you are reusing the same stockpot that was used to blanch the bones, make sure to clean the pot thoroughly before adding water for the stock). Add the blanched bones and onions/shallots. Reduce the heat to your lowest setting and simmer for two hours uncovered. Remove the onions and pork bones from the broth and discard. Sometimes, I leave the bones if they still have a good amount of meat on them.

Step 4

Add chicken or mushroom bouillon powder, sugar, salt, and fish sauce. To color the broth red/orange which is optional, add annatto oil.

Step 5

Cook the noodles per packaged instructions. If the noodles are sticking together, add ½ teaspoon vegetable or sesame seed oil and toss the noodles lightly together.

Step 6

Add a handful of noodles into a bowl. Add a few slices of Vietnamese Ham and fried fish cakes. Ladle in hot broth. Garnish with scallions/cilantro and a sprinkle of ground black pepper.