Beef and Broccoli Noodle Soup

Introduction

History

The origins of Beef and Broccoli Noodle Soup can be traced back to Chinese cuisine, where beef and broccoli are commonly paired in stir-fries and other dishes. The concept of combining these ingredients in a noodle soup is a fusion of traditional Asian flavors with the comforting nature of soup, making it a popular choice in many parts of the world. Over time, variations of this recipe have emerged, incorporating different ingredients and cooking techniques to suit various tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Notes

1. Wrap beef in plastic wrap then place in a freezer for about 0.5 hour to partially freeze to make it easier to slice.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

1. Marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes to enhance its flavor and tenderness.

2. Use low-sodium soy sauce and beef broth to control the saltiness of the soup.

3. Slice the beef thinly against the grain for more tender pieces.

4. Blanch the broccoli florets before adding them to the soup to preserve their vibrant green color.

5. Cook the noodles separately to prevent them from becoming too soft and absorbing all the broth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Beef and Broccoli Noodle Soup hot, garnished with additional chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture. A side of crusty bread or steamed rice can complement the soup for a more filling meal.

Cooking Techniques

Marinating the beef and blanching the broccoli are key techniques in this recipe. Marinating helps tenderize and flavor the beef, while blanching preserves the broccoli's color and texture. Simmering the soup gently ensures that the flavors meld together without overcooking the ingredients.

Ingredient Substitutions

1. Tamari or coconut aminos can replace soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

2. Any type of noodle can be used in place of egg noodles, such as rice noodles or udon.

3. Vegetable broth can substitute beef broth for a vegetarian version.

Make Ahead Tips

The beef can be marinated overnight to save time and enhance flavor. The soup can also be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the soup in deep bowls, with the noodles and beef at the bottom and the broth poured over. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

A light, crisp white wine or a cold beer can complement the flavors of the soup. For a non-alcoholic option, green tea or a sparkling water with lemon pairs well.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove, adding a little extra broth or water if needed to adjust the consistency.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Beef and Broccoli Noodle Soup contains approximately 350 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie option for a main meal. The balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats provides sustained energy without being overly heavy.

Carbohydrates

This Beef and Broccoli Noodle Soup is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the primary source being the egg noodles. A serving of this soup contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates, making it a suitable option for those monitoring their carb intake. The vegetables add minimal carbohydrates while providing fiber and nutrients.

Fats

The lean beef used in this recipe keeps the fat content moderate, with a serving containing about 10 grams of fat. The sesame oil adds a negligible amount of fat but contributes to the soup's rich flavor. Choosing lean cuts of beef and measuring the sesame oil can help control the fat content.

Proteins

This soup is an excellent source of protein, thanks to the lean beef and egg noodles. A serving provides approximately 25 grams of protein, contributing to muscle repair and growth. The protein content also makes this soup filling and satisfying.

Vitamins and minerals

Beef and Broccoli Noodle Soup is packed with vitamins and minerals. The beef is a good source of iron and B vitamins, while the broccoli provides vitamins C, K, and A, along with potassium and fiber. The other vegetables and the beef broth contribute additional nutrients, making this soup a nutritious choice.

Alergens

This recipe contains common allergens such as soy (soy sauce) and gluten (egg noodles). Those with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients should seek suitable substitutions.

Summary

Overall, Beef and Broccoli Noodle Soup is a balanced and nutritious meal. It offers a good mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, along with a variety of vitamins and minerals. It's also relatively low in calories and can be adapted to suit different dietary needs.

Summary

Beef and Broccoli Noodle Soup is a delicious and nutritious meal that combines tender beef, fresh broccoli, and hearty noodles in a flavorful broth. With its balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, along with a variety of vitamins and minerals, this soup is a satisfying option for any meal. The recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs, making it a valuable addition to any recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Beef and Broccoli Noodle Soup. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a wise and skillful cook, with a treasure trove of recipes passed down through generations.

One day, as I sat at the kitchen table watching my grandmother work her magic, she pulled out a tattered old cookbook from the shelf. It was filled with stained and dog-eared pages, a testament to the many delicious meals that had been created from its recipes. As she flipped through the pages, she came to a recipe that caught my eye - Beef and Broccoli Noodle Soup.

I was immediately drawn to the recipe, with its hearty beef, tender broccoli, and comforting noodles. My grandmother smiled at my enthusiasm and told me that this was a recipe she had learned many years ago from a dear friend who had traveled to Asia. She explained that the key to a good Beef and Broccoli Noodle Soup was in the quality of the ingredients and the careful balance of flavors.

With eager hands, I helped my grandmother gather the ingredients for the soup - thinly sliced beef, fresh broccoli, fragrant garlic and ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil. As she guided me through the steps of preparing the ingredients, I listened intently, soaking up every bit of knowledge she shared.

We started by marinating the beef in a mixture of soy sauce and sesame oil, allowing the flavors to meld and infuse the meat with a rich umami taste. While the beef marinated, we blanched the broccoli in boiling water, just until it was tender-crisp. The vibrant green color of the broccoli against the deep brown of the beef was a feast for the eyes.

Next, we sautéed the garlic and ginger in a hot wok, filling the kitchen with their intoxicating aroma. The beef sizzled as it hit the hot pan, caramelizing and browning beautifully. My grandmother showed me how to stir-fry the beef quickly, so it stayed tender and juicy.

Finally, we added the blanched broccoli and cooked noodles to the wok, tossing everything together with a splash of broth and soy sauce. The noodles soaked up the savory flavors of the broth, becoming perfectly seasoned and tender.

As we ladled the steaming soup into bowls and garnished it with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, I could hardly contain my excitement. The Beef and Broccoli Noodle Soup looked and smelled absolutely divine, a testament to the skill and love that had gone into its creation.

As I took my first bite of the soup, I was transported to a world of flavors and memories. The tender beef, crisp broccoli, and savory noodles danced on my tongue, each bite a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and umami. I could taste the care and attention that my grandmother had put into every step of the recipe, and it filled me with a sense of pride and gratitude.

From that day on, Beef and Broccoli Noodle Soup became a staple in our household, a comforting and nourishing meal that we shared with family and friends. I continued to hone my skills as a cook, learning new recipes and techniques from my grandmother and others along the way.

But no matter how many recipes I collected or mastered, the Beef and Broccoli Noodle Soup always held a special place in my heart. It was a reminder of the time spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, of the joy and love that went into every meal we shared.

And so, as I sit here now, with my own grandchildren gathered around the table, I pass on the recipe for Beef and Broccoli Noodle Soup to them. I hope that they will feel the same excitement and pride that I did when I first learned to make it, and that they will carry on the tradition of good food and good memories for generations to come.

Categories

| Asian Recipes | Asian Soups | Baby Corn Recipes | Beef Recipes | Broccoli Recipes | Egg Noodle Recipes | Leek Recipes |

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