Ingredients:

1-2 quarts water
2 tablespoons sugar
2 star anise
5 tablespoons soy sauce
1-2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tablespoons dark sweet soy sauce
1 cinnamon stick
7-10 sprigs cilantro
1 stalk celery
1 lb beef
1 bay leaf
1 green onion, sliced Optional
3 leaves green lettuce Optional
1-1/2 cup bean sprouts Optional

Methods:

Cut beef into cubes, 1 inch x inch x inch. If you cut the beef smaller, it will require less time to cook. make a big pot with various size of beef cubes for several meals. So some chunks will be ready soon and some later. Crush garlic. Put all ingredients in a large pot and cover the beef with water. Boil for at least 2 hours. You may need to add water from time to time.The flavors come together better the next day.

Cut lettuce into big pieces in a bowl. Add bean sprouts. Pour soup over. Garnish with sliced cilantro and green onion. Add a teaspoon of fried garlic. Serve hot with vinegar chili sauce.