Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, peeled, halved through root end
• 2 chiles de árbol or 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 star anise pods
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1 1" piece ginger, peeled, crushed
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 bone-in pork shoulder steaks (about 12 ounces each)
• Kosher salt
• freshly ground pepper
• 8 ounces thin rice stick noodles
• Mung bean sprouts
• fresh cilantro leaves with tender stems
• thinly sliced scallions
• chopped unsalted, roasted peanuts
• lime wedges

Instructions

1. Heat a dry large cast-iron skillet over medium-high. Cook onion, cut side down, until lightly charred, about 5 minutes; transfer to a plate.
2. Add chiles (if using crushed red pepper flakes, add with fennel seeds), garlic, cinnamon stick, and star anise to skillet and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add fennel seeds and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 20 seconds (do not burn). Quickly transfer to a large saucepan (reserve skillet) and add onion, ginger, and broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until broth is flavorful. Meanwhile, heat oil in reserved skillet over medium-high heat. Season pork with salt and pepper and cook until browned and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes before thinly slicing.
3. Cook noodles according to package directions. Divide among bowls; add pork. Strain broth and ladle into bowls. Top pho with bean sprouts, cilantro, scallions, and peanuts and serve with lime wedges.