Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup

Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup Recipe - Authentic and Flavorful

Region / culture: China, Taiwan | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 3 hours | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup is a popular and comforting dish that is enjoyed by many. This hearty soup is filled with tender beef, flavorful broth, and chewy noodles, making it a satisfying meal on its own.

History

Beef noodle soup is a dish that originated in Taiwan and has become a staple in Taiwanese cuisine. It is believed to have been influenced by Chinese immigrants who brought their culinary traditions to Taiwan. The dish has evolved over time and is now enjoyed by people all over the world.

Ingredients

5 cups water
1 cup soy sauce
1 cup chinese rice wine or medium-dry sherry
0.25 cup packed light brown sugar
1 (1-inch) cube peeled fresh ginger, smashed
1 bunch scallions, white parts smashed with the flat side of a large knife and green parts chopped
3 garlic cloves, smashed
10 fresh cilantro stems plus 0.5 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro sprigs
2 (2-inch-long) pieces Asian dried tangerine peel
4 whole star anise
0.25 tsp dried hot red pepper flakes
2.5 lb (1.13 kg) meaty beef short ribs
1.75 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth (14 oz (397 g))
10 oz (283 g) dried chinese wheat noodles or linguine
1 cup fresh mung bean sprouts
4 tbsp Chinese pickled mustard greens
1 (4-inch-long) fresh red chile (optional), thinly sliced

How to prepare

Boil soy sauce, rice wine, ginger, scallions, garlic, cilantro, tangerine, and red pepper flakes in water.
Simmer for approximately 10 - 12 minutes.
Add the short ribs and cook for another 2.5 hours.
Cut the meat into 0.5 inch slices.
Add chicken broth and allow the soup to simmer.
Cook noodles in boiling water for 7 - 10 minutes.
Drain the noodles and add them to the soup.

Variations

Substitute beef short ribs with beef shank or brisket for a different texture.
Add bok choy or spinach to the soup for added vegetables.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For a richer flavor, you can brown the beef ribs before adding them to the soup.

- Make sure to skim off any excess fat that rises to the surface of the soup while it is simmering.

- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.

- For a more authentic taste, use dried Asian noodles instead of linguine.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup with a side of pickled mustard greens and sliced red chilies for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the soup on low heat to allow the flavors to develop.

- Skim off any excess fat that rises to the surface of the soup.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.

- Substitute sherry with rice wine or dry white wine.

Make Ahead Tips

The broth for Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup in individual bowls garnished with fresh cilantro and sliced red chilies for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup with a side of steamed rice or a light salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup contains approximately 35 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup is a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup is a nutritious and filling dish that is rich in protein and essential nutrients.

Summary

Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With its rich broth, tender beef, and chewy noodles, this soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying dish with your loved ones today!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a strong memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the countryside of Taiwan. My grandmother, who was known for her culinary skills, had invited a group of friends over for a special dinner. As I watched her bustling around the kitchen, preparing various dishes, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and admiration for her.

One of the dishes she was making that day was Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup. I remember the rich aroma that filled the kitchen as she simmered the beef bones and spices in a large pot on the stove. The smell was intoxicating, and I found myself drawn to the pot, eager to learn more about this mysterious dish.

As my grandmother worked, her friends gathered around, asking questions and offering suggestions. They shared stories of their own experiences with the soup, recounting how they had learned to make it from their mothers or grandmothers. Each one had their own unique twist on the recipe, adding special ingredients or cooking techniques that had been passed down through generations.

I listened intently, soaking up every word and trying to commit the recipe to memory. I watched as my grandmother added the beef, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic to the pot, each ingredient carefully measured and added with precision. She explained the importance of letting the soup simmer slowly, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a rich, savory broth.

As the soup cooked, my grandmother shared stories of her own childhood, growing up in Taiwan and learning to cook from her own mother. She talked about the importance of using fresh, local ingredients and the joy of sharing meals with loved ones. I could see the passion in her eyes as she spoke, and I knew that cooking was more than just a task for her – it was a way of connecting with her past and preserving her cultural heritage.

When the soup was finally ready, my grandmother ladled it into bowls and garnished it with fresh cilantro and green onions. The aroma was even more enticing now, and I couldn't wait to taste the dish that had captivated me for so long.

As I took my first spoonful of Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup, I was transported to a world of flavors and memories. The tender beef, the fragrant broth, the chewy noodles – each bite was a revelation, a symphony of tastes and textures that danced on my tongue.

From that day on, I was hooked. I begged my grandmother to teach me how to make the soup, and she gladly agreed. We spent hours in the kitchen together, chopping vegetables, simmering broth, and tasting and adjusting the seasonings until we had perfected the recipe.

Over the years, I have made Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup countless times, sharing it with friends and family and passing down the recipe to the next generation. Each time I make it, I am reminded of that first day in my grandmother's kitchen, surrounded by love, laughter, and the intoxicating aroma of simmering soup.

And though my grandmother is no longer with us, her spirit lives on in every pot of Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup I make. It is a dish that connects me to my past, my culture, and the generations of women who came before me. And for that, I am eternally grateful.