Ingredients

• 1 lb ham hock
• 6 stalks lemongrass , crushed and sliced thin
• 2 tablespoons nuoc nam
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 teaspoons shrimp paste (mam ruoc)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 ounces boneless sirloin
• 4 ounces boneless pork loin
• 16 ounces rice noodles , cooked
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 4 sprigs Thai holy basil (regular basil ok)
• 4 sprigs fresh mint
• 4 sprigs fresh cilantro
• 4 teaspoons sambal oelek or 4 teaspoons hot chili sauce
• 4 -8 fresh Thai red chili peppers (optional)
• 1 lime , cut into quarters

Instructions

1. Bring 2 1/2 quarts water to a boil; add ham hocks and lemongrass.
2. Skim constantly for 10 minutes then cover the pan, reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2-2 hours.
3. Strain the broth, reserving ham hocks if you desire them.
4. Dilute the shrimp paste in 1/4 cup of cold water and set aside for 10 minutes.
5. Add nuoc mam, shrimp paste solution, sugar, salt and pepper,sirloin, and pork loin to the broth and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until meat is cooked and tender; remove meat.
6. Thinly slice meats into small pieces.
7. To serve, place a portion of noodles in serving bowl,top with some bean sprouts,pork, beef, and some ham hock (if using),and ladle the broth over; add herbs,chili sauce,chilies, and lime juice to taste.