| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 3 hrs 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 450 | 25g | 10g | 35g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 3g | 30g | 2.5g |
Why I Love Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup
The first time I tried Beef Noodle Soup, its rich, aromatic broth instantly transported me to a bustling night market in Taipei. The combination of tender beef, savory broth, and chewy noodles has a magical way of soothing the soul and warming the heart. This Taiwanese classic holds a special place in my repertoire, not just for its comforting qualities, but for its complex, multi-layered flavors that resonate deeply with my love for both bold and nuanced cuisines.
From my Miami kitchen, where influences of Cuban and Spanish heritage often guide my culinary creations, Beef Noodle Soup is a delightful departure that still feels oddly familiar. The heartiness of the beef and the aromatic depth of the broth, brimming with ginger, garlic, and star anise, beckon memories of hearty Spanish stews like Caldereta de Cordero or Cuban Ropa Vieja.
Nourishing and Satisfying
One of the reasons I cherish this Beef Noodle Soup recipe is its ability to nourish and satisfy on every level. The tender chunks of beef shank or brisket are slow-cooked to perfection, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth tender. Meanwhile, the broth—with its irresistible umami depth from soy sauce and Shaoxing wine—becomes an elixir of comfort. Don’t even get me started on the doubanjiang, which adds a subtle but impactful layer of fermented goodness.
Versatility and Complements
This Beef Noodle Soup pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it alongside some scallion pancakes for a delightful contrast of textures. Alternatively, a plate of pickled vegetables or a simple green salad can offer a refreshing counterpoint to the rich broth and tender beef.
Inspired by chefs like Ivan Orkin, whose innovative approaches to noodle soups have captivated audiences worldwide, this dish allows you to explore the depths of Asian cuisine while adding your unique twist. Whether you choose to garnish with fresh cilantro or pickled mustard greens, every ingredient plays a role in making this Beef Noodle Soup a memorable experience.
So, gather your ingredients, set aside some time for simmering, and let this Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup bring a taste of Taipei’s night markets into your home. Its comforting essence and harmonious flavors make it a recipe worth cherishing and sharing.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds beef shank or brisket, cut into large chunks
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 piece ginger (about 2 inches), sliced
- 6 cups beef broth
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Shaoxing wine
- 2 tablespoons doubanjiang (fermented broad bean paste)
- 1 tablespoon rock sugar or brown sugar
- 2 star anise
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 large tomato, quartered
- 1 pound fresh or dried noodles
- 6 baby bok choy, halved
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (optional)
- Pickled mustard greens, chopped (optional)
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Method
Step One
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks and sear them on all sides until browned. Remove the beef and set aside.
Step Two
In the same pot, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced ginger. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Step Three
Return the seared beef to the pot. Add in the beef broth, water, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, doubanjiang, rock sugar or brown sugar, star anise, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and the quartered tomato. Stir to combine.
Step Four
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 2 to 3 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Step Five
While the soup is simmering, cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step Six
About 10 minutes before serving, add the halved baby bok choy to the pot and let them cook until tender.
Step Seven
To serve, place a portion of the cooked noodles into each bowl. Ladle the beef and broth mixture over the noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and pickled mustard greens if using. Enjoy your Beef Noodle Soup!
