Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup is a rich and comforting dish that is considered a national treasure in Taiwan. This flavorful soup features tender, slow-braised beef simmered in a deeply savory broth infused with aromatic spices like star anise, cinnamon, and ginger. Paired with chewy wheat noodles, fresh greens, and a sprinkle of green onions and cilantro, each bowl offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The broth, with its complex and bold profile, is the heart of this dish, making it the perfect comfort food for a chilly day or when you’re craving something deeply satisfying and soulful.
Ingredients:
For the Braised Beef:
- 1.5 lbs beef shank or brisket, cut into large chunks
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced
- 2 star anise pods
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tablespoon doubanjiang (fermented bean paste)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons rock sugar or brown sugar
For the Soup:
- 1 lb wheat noodles (fresh or dried)
- Bok choy or spinach, blanched
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
- Pickled mustard greens (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Sear the Beef:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks and sear them on all sides until browned. Remove the beef and set aside.
- Prepare the Aromatics:
- In the same pot, add the sliced onion, garlic, ginger, star anise, and cinnamon stick. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and the spices are fragrant.
- Braise the Beef:
- Return the beef to the pot and add the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and doubanjiang. Stir to coat the beef in the sauce.
- Pour in the beef broth and water, then add the rock sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Cook the Noodles:
- About 15 minutes before serving, cook the wheat noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the Soup:
- Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed. Remove the beef from the pot and slice it into smaller pieces if desired.
- In individual serving bowls, place a portion of cooked noodles, then ladle the hot beef broth over the noodles. Add a few pieces of the braised beef and some blanched bok choy or spinach.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish each bowl with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and pickled mustard greens if using. Serve hot and enjoy the deeply satisfying flavors of this Taiwanese classic.
Enjoy this Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup as a heartwarming and nourishing meal, perfect for savoring the rich culinary traditions of Taiwan!
