Pho soup broth

• 1 teaspoon canola oil
• 1 small onion (peeled and halved)
• 1 3-inch piece ginger (peeled)
• 1 quart low sodium beef broth (946ml)
• 2 cups water
• 2 star anise
• 2 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Noodles and toppings

• 4 ounces dry flat rice noodles
• 1/4 small onion (thinly sliced into half moons)
• 1/3 pound sirloin or London broil steak (cut into ⅛ inch slices (putting the steak in the freezer about 15–20 minutes prior to cutting makes it easier to slice))
• 2 stalks scallions (thinly sliced on the bias)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 6–8 mint leaves
• 6–8 basil leaves
• 6–8 sprigs cilantro
• 1 lime (sliced into wedges)
• 1 jalapeno pepper (thinly sliced)