Chinese Braised Beef Noodle Soup
Braised beef noodle soup features tender beef, a slightly spicy and rich broth. Serve with noodles and bok choy for a comforting, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 1 kg Beef Beef finger meat, or use beef chuck, shank, or brisket (please see notes above for their characteristics)
Aromatics:
- 1 tbsp Ginger 5 slices
- 3 stalks Green onion
- 1 Star anise
- ⅓ Cinnamon Stick
- 3 Bay leaves
Condiments:
- 2 tbsp Sugar for caramelizing
- 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tsp Dark soy sauce
- 1½ tbsp Doubanjiang 豆瓣酱
- 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce
- To taste Black pepper
- 2 cups Hot water Add more if needed
- To taste Salt
Serve with:
- Noodles
- Bok Choy
Instructions
Blanch the Beef
- Place the beef in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, skim off any impurities. Remove the beef and discard the water.
- Optional: Rinse the beef under hot or warm water. Avoid rinsing with cold water.
Caramelize the Sugar and Sear the Beef
- In a clean, dry pan over medium-low heat, heat oil and sugar to allow it to melt. Do not stir; just let it gradually melt and turn golden brown. Once it reaches a golden amber color, add the beef back in.
- Add in ginger, green onion, star anise, cinnamon stick and bay leaves. Turn up the heat and stir-fry for a minute.
Add Aromatics and Condiments
- Add a splash of Shaoxing wine, cook until the liquid evaporates.
- Make a space in the middle and add Doubanjing, stir fry it and then mix everything together. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce and black pepper. Mix well.
Braise the Beef
- Add hot water to cover the beef.
- Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for about one hour, or until the beef is tender and easily shreds.
Prepare Noodles and Bok Choy
- While the beef is braising, cook your noodles according to the package instructions.
- Lightly blanch bok choy in boiling water until just tender (about 2 minutes).
Assemble the Soup
- Place cooked noodles and bok choy in individual bowls, then pour the beef and hot broth over the top.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, and chili (if desired). Serve hot and enjoy!