Discover the ultimate comfort food with our Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵) recipe. This hearty dish combines tender beef, flavorful noodles, and fresh vegetables simmered in a rich, savory broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, you'll love how simple it is to prepare this classic dish. Try it today and enjoy a bowl of warmth and satisfaction!

Ingredients:

- 1 lb (450g) beef chuck or brisket, cut into bite-sized cubes

- 4 cups beef broth

- 2 cups water

- 1 onion, sliced

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced

- 2 tbsp soy sauce

- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce

- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce

- 1 tbsp rice wine or dry sherry

- 2 star anise

- 1 cinnamon stick

- 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns (optional)

- 2 green onions, chopped

- 1 large carrot, sliced

- 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced

- 2 cups baby bok choy or other leafy greens

- 4 oz (115g) dried egg noodles or fresh noodles

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Beef: In a large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the beef cubes and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.

Cook the Aromatics: In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant and softened.

Make the Broth: Return the beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, water, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice wine, star anise, cinnamon stick, and Sichuan peppercorns. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.

Add Vegetables: Add the carrot, mushrooms, and green onions to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, until the vegetables are cooked through.

Cook the Noodles: In a separate pot, cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Combine and Serve: Divide the cooked noodles among bowls. Ladle the hot beef and vegetable broth over the noodles. Top with baby bok choy or leafy greens. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Enjoy: Serve the Beef Noodle Soup hot and enjoy a comforting bowl of homemade goodness!

Nutritional values

For the Beef Stew:

Beef Chuck or Brisket (1 lb / 450g, cut into bite-sized cubes):

 - Approximately 250 calories

 - 26g protein

 - 0g carbohydrates

 - 17g fat

Benefits: Provides high-quality protein, essential amino acids, iron, and vitamin B12. Supports muscle growth, repair, and overall energy levels.

Beef Broth (4 cups):

 - Approximately 30 calories

 - 2g protein

 - 0g carbohydrates

 - 1g fat

Benefits: Adds flavor and nutrients, including collagen, which supports joint and skin health.

Water (2 cups):

 - 0 calories

 - 0g protein

 - 0g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Essential for hydration and helps to dilute and integrate flavors.

Onion (1, sliced):

 - Approximately 45 calories

 - 1g protein

 - 11g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds flavor, contains antioxidants, and supports heart health and immune function.

Garlic (3 cloves, minced):

 - Approximately 4 calories

 - 0.2g protein

 - 1g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Enhances flavor, supports immune health, and contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Ginger (1 thumb-sized piece, sliced):

 - Approximately 5 calories

 - 0.1g protein

 - 1g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds a zesty flavor, aids digestion, has anti-inflammatory properties, and contains antioxidants.

Soy Sauce (2 tbsp):

 - Approximately 20 calories

 - 2g protein

 - 2g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds umami flavor and provides small amounts of protein and minerals. Use in moderation due to sodium content.

Dark Soy Sauce (1 tbsp):

 - Approximately 10 calories

 - 1g protein

 - 1g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds a rich color and deeper flavor to dishes. Also high in sodium.

1 tbsp hoisin sauce

 - Approximately 35 calories

 - 1g protein

 - 7g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds sweetness and a complex flavor, contains small amounts of protein and vitamins.

Rice Wine or Dry Sherry (1 tbsp):

 - Approximately 25 calories

 - 0g protein

 - 2g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds depth of flavor to the dish. Use in moderation due to alcohol content.

Star Anise (2 pieces):

 - Approximately 7 calories

 - 0.3g protein

 - 2g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds a licorice-like flavor, contains antioxidants, and supports digestive health.

Cinnamon Stick (1 piece):

 - Approximately 6 calories

 - 0.2g protein

 - 2g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds warmth and depth of flavor, contains antioxidants, and supports blood sugar control.

Sichuan Peppercorns (1 tsp, optional):

 - Approximately 6 calories

 - 0.2g protein

 - 1g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds a unique spicy and citrusy flavor, aids in digestion, and contains antioxidants.

Green Onions (2, chopped):

 - Approximately 10 calories

 - 0.5g protein

 - 2g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds fresh flavor, contains vitamins A, C, and K, and supports digestive health.

Carrot (1 large, sliced):

 - Approximately 25 calories

 - 0.5g protein

 - 6g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds sweetness and crunch, rich in beta-carotene, vitamin A, and fiber.

Shiitake Mushrooms (1 cup, sliced):

 - Approximately 35 calories

 - 2g protein

 - 7g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds umami flavor, supports immune health, and contains vitamins D and B.

Baby Bok Choy or Other Leafy Greens (2 cups):

 - Approximately 20 calories

 - 2g protein

 - 4g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds freshness, provides vitamins A, C, and K, and supports bone health.

Dried Egg Noodles or Fresh Noodles (4 oz / 115g):

 - Approximately 180 calories

 - 6g protein

 - 37g carbohydrates

 - 1g fat

Benefits: Provides a source of carbohydrates for energy, and fresh noodles offer a tender texture.

Salt and Pepper (to taste):

 - Salt: 0 calories

 - Pepper: Approximately 6 calories per teaspoon

Benefits: Enhances flavor. Use salt in moderation due to sodium content, while pepper adds minimal calories but enhances taste.

Fresh Cilantro (for garnish, optional):

 - Approximately 1 calorie

 - 0g protein

 - 0g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds a fresh flavor, contains vitamins A, C, and K, and provides antioxidants.

This flavorful beef stew combines rich and savory elements with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.