A perfect meal for any weeknight, or Sunday dinner. The bright flavors of authentic Vietnamese food shine through in this easy to make dish. This has some of the best Vietnamese contrasts of flavors: salty, sour, sweet, bitter and some hot chillies for some heat too!
Cook noodles according to package instructions. Run under cold water and set aside.
To cook the meat
Slice the beef into very thin pieces. Combine in a pitcher the salt, ginger, pepper, five spice powder, lime juice and garlic powder. Place the meat slices in a zip top bag and pour in the marinade. Purge the air then seal the bag and be sure all the meat is coated. Squeeze the meat around the bag a bit to cover in the marinade. Place in the refrigerator for about two hours.
Heat oil on medium. Add the beef and cook about 1-2 minutes on each side until brown and cripy on the edges. Set the beef aside and allow to cool before serving.
While the meat is resting assemble your greens. Mix lettuce, cilantro, Thai basil, and mint, in a bowl.
Blanch the bean sprouts, and when completely cool, add to the greens mixture.
Dressing/Broth
In a small bowl whisk together the vinegar and the fish sauce. Add in the sugar, and stir well. The flavor should be more along the lines of sweet and sour.
Crisping Shallots
Add 2 tablespoon of vegetable oil to a skillet on medium heat and place the shallot slices. Fry until crispy and brown. Remove and dry on a paper towel.
To assemble
Portion equal amounts of each item on a plate/bowl. Top with peanuts, crispy shallots and slices of Thai chilies if desired. Serve with rice noodles on the side.