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1
Place the oxtails in a large stockpot and add the water.
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2
Bring the water to a full boil, then reduce heat and bring water to a simmer.
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3
Scrape any scum off the top of the water and discard.
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4
Cut the onion in half and peel off the outer portion.
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5
Place on a baking sheet along with the ginger and broil in the over about 20 minutes, making sure not to blacken it.
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6
Turn over halfway through.
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7
Allow to cool.
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8
Place the star anise, cloves, cinnamon, and fennel seeds in a piece of cheesecloth and tie it shut with twine.
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9
Add the spice pack, onion halves, ginger, bay leaves, salt, and fish sauce to the broth.
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10
Allow the broth to simmer at least 5-6 hours (to your taste) uncovered.
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11
Remove the spice pack, onions, ginger, and bay leaves and discard.
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12
Remove the oxtails and set them aside.
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13
When cool enough to handle, remove the meat and trim of any remaining fat.
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14
Set the meat aside and return the bones to the broth.
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15
Allow the broth to simmer another hour or two until you achieve the desired taste then remove the bones.
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16
You may adjust the salt, but you don't want it too salty.
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17
Soak the rice noodles in COLD water 15-20 minutes, while starting a large pot of water boiling.
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18
While the noodles are soaking, place the cilantro, basil leaves, mint leaves, sliced onions, sliced scallions, and bean sprouts on a serving platter.
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19
After the noodles have soaked, place them in the boiling water and allow to cook until tender, but don't let them get mushy.
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20
It should only take a couple minutes.
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21
Rinse the noodles in cold water if not serving immediately.
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22
When ready to eat (you can do this earlier, like when you're boiling the water for the noodles) return the broth to a rolling boil.
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23
Place the noodles in a serving bowl and arrange the sliced meat (leftover oxtail meat if desired) over them.
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24
Ladle the boiling broth over the noodles and beef, making sure to cover the meat.
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25
Serve and allow each person to place the desired amount of garnish from the platter, hoisin sauce, and sriracha in their own bowl to taste.
