2 large onions, split in half
1 large hand ginger (about 6 inches long), split in half lengthwise
3 pounds beef shin, with meat attached
2 pounds oxtail, cut into 1/2 to 1-inch thick slices
1 pound boneless beef chuck
1 pound beef brisket
3 whole star anise pods
1 cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
4 cloves
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1/4 cup fish sauce, plus more to taste
2 tablespoons sugar (preferably yellow rock sugar)
Kosher salt

To Serve:
6 to 8 servings pho noodles
1 pound beef flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
2 to 3 cups mixed herbs (cilantro, basil, and mint)
2 to 3 cups trimmed bean sprouts
1/2 cup sliced scallions
Thinly sliced Thai chilis
2 limes, each cut into 4 wedges
Hoisin sauce and Sriracha