| 5 | lb | Oxtails; Or Beef Short Rib Bones |
| 4 | qt | Water; Plus More As Needed |
| 5 | | Star Anise; Pods |
| 1 | | 2-Inch Cinnamon Stick |
| 5 | | Whole Cloves |
| 1 | ts | Black Peppercorns |
| 1 | | 2-To-3 Inch Piece Fresh Ginger |
| 2 | md | Onions; Unpeeled Cut In Half |
| 1 | lb | Beef Roast; Bottom-Round (in one piece) Trimmed Of Fat |
| 2 | tb | Fish Sauce; 2-3 Tablespoons |
| 2 | c | Mung Bean Sprouts |
| 1 | lb | Rice Noodles; Thin Or Medium-Width |
| 3 | | Shallots; Thinly Sliced And Separated Into Rings |
| 1/2 | c | Basil Leaves |
| 3/4 | lb | Beef Sirloin Or Tenderloin; Very Thinly Sliced Across The Grain into 1- To 2-Inch Slices |
| 1/2 | c | Cilantro Leaves |
| | Coarse Salt |
| | Coarsely Ground Black Pepper |
| 2 | | Limes; Cut Into Wedges |
| 2 | | Bird Or Serrano Chiles;, Very Finely Chopped |
