Beef noodle soup
Chinese Beef Noodle Soup is a traditional dish that originates from the Sichuan province of China. This hearty and savory soup is a staple in Chinese cuisine and has been enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. It is a warm and comforting bowl of noodles, vegetables, and tender beef that is perfect for any day of the year.
The Chinese Beef Noodle Soup is often described as a gourmet soup with a well-rounded taste profile. The soup broth is made by simmering beef bones with an array of aromatic spices and herbs such as ginger, garlic, star anise, cinnamon, and Sichuan peppercorns. The slow cooking process allows for all the flavors to develop and blend together, creating a rich and complex broth that is both savory and spicy. The key to a good broth is in the quality of the ingredients and the cooking time. The longer the broth simmers, the more flavor it will have.
The noodles used in this soup are typically thick and chewy, giving the soup a satisfying texture. They are often made from wheat or rice flour, and are readily available in most Asian grocery stores. The noodles are cooked separately from the soup broth to prevent them from becoming too soft and soggy.
The star of this dish is the beef. The beef is sliced thinly and cooked in the soup broth until it is tender and juicy. The beef can be substituted with other meats or tofu for a vegetarian option. Vegetables such as bok choy, carrots, and scallions are also added to the broth to round out the dish and provide a healthy balance.
One of the most distinct features of this soup is the spicy and numbing sensation that comes from using Sichuan peppercorns. These unique peppercorns have a slightly citrusy flavor and produce a tingling sensation on the tongue that is both spicy and refreshing. The spicy element of the soup can be adjusted to personal preferences by adding more or less chili oil or chili paste.
Chinese Beef Noodle Soup is a relatively easy dish to make, but it does require some time and effort to prepare. The soup broth alone can take several hours to simmer, but the end result is worth the wait. It is a perfect dish for a busy day when you want something that is both filling and nutritious.
In conclusion, Chinese Beef Noodle Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that will warm your soul. It has a rich broth, chewy noodles, tender beef, and lots of healthy vegetables. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a perfect meal for any time of day. Whether you are an experienced cook or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and will leave you with a dish that you will want to make again and again. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound beef chuck or flank steak, sliced thinly
- 8 cups beef broth or stock
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 8 ounces fresh Chinese wheat noodles or ramen noodles
- 1 bunch baby bok choy, washed and chopped
- 1/4 cup scallions, chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Instructions:
- Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add sliced beef and cook until browned, around 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic and ginger and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth or stock and bring to a boil.
- Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, cooking wine, sesame oil, sugar, peppercorns, and chili flakes (if using) to the pot.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the soup for around 1 hour, until the beef is tender.
- While the soup is simmering, cook the noodles according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water.
- Add chopped bok choy to the soup and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender.
- To serve, add a serving of noodles to a bowl and ladle the soup over the noodles.
- Garnish with chopped scallions and cilantro, and add extra chili flakes for extra heat if desired. Enjoy!