Vietnamese Beef-Noodle Bowl

INGREDIENTS

• 8 cups water
• 2 (14 1/4-ounce) cans fat-free beef broth
• 3 whole star anise (optional)
• 2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
• 1 (1 1/2-inch) piece peeled fresh ginger, sliced
• 4 ounces uncooked rice stick noodles or vermicelli
• 1 1/2 pounds boned sirloin steak, thinly sliced
• 2 1/2 tablespoons minced shallots
• 2 tablespoons sake (rice wine) or rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
• 2 cups fresh bean sprouts
• 1 cup sliced fresh basil leaves
• 1/3 cup minced fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup minced green onions
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon thinly sliced red chile (optional)
• 6 lime wedges (optional)