Winters are here and winters call for soups. We’re going to take your taste buds on an eating adventure that will take you to the busy streets of Taiwan today. A lovely encounter with the fragrant and comforting Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup awaits you. Envision a bowl of absolute deliciousness consisting of cooked noodles, tender beef chunks, and a rich and delicious broth that swirls together.
What is Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup?
A beloved and well-known dish in Taiwanese cuisine, beef noodle soup is praised for its well-balanced and varied flavour combination. This filling soup is a perfect blend of carefully chosen ingredients, each of which adds to its unique flavour and appeal.
The beef, which is usually cooked to perfection by stewing or cooking, is the main ingredient in the meal. It is soft and flavorful. There is a difference in texture and mouthfeel when the beef is served shredded or thinly sliced.
The noodles are an essential ingredient that raises Taiwanese beef noodle soup to a new level of creative brilliance. These come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from hand-pulled strands to classic wheat noodles, and they offer a lovely contrast between chewiness and smoothness. Usually, the noodles are prepared separately and are introduced to the broth just before serving.
Well, now that you know what Taiwanese beef noodle soup is, let’s see how it’s cooked!
Ingredients:
- 500g of beef shank or brisket:
Selecting the proper cut is crucial to achieving a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Select beef shank or brisket; their marbling guarantees a tender texture.
- Taiwanese Noodles (400g):
Choose thick and chewy Taiwanese Noodles of 400 grams. Wheat noodles work well in place of Taiwanese noodles if you can’t find them.
Beef Broth Base:
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 thumb-sized ginger, sliced
- 2 tomatoes, quartered
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 star anise
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rock sugar (or regular sugar)
Additional Seasoning:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Bok choy or baby bok choy (for a veggie boost)
- Chili oil or chilli flakes (if you like it spicy)
Let’s Cook:
Prep the Beef:
Chop the beef into small bite-sized chunks and cook it in a hot pot until it turns golden brown. In the same hot pot, cook it in water and some salt for extra flavour. In order to preserve the fluids and improve the taste of them overall, this procedure is essential.
Make the Fragrant Soup:
Sauté the ginger, garlic, and onion in the same pot until their aroma fills the kitchen. Stir in the tomatoes, bay leaves, star anise, cinnamon sticks, and Sichuan peppercorns. Give them a few minutes to mix.
Simmer to Perfection:
Add sugar, dark soy sauce, and soy sauce. After the sugar dissolves, stir.
Put the seared beef back in the saucepan and fill it up with enough water to cover everything. Simmer the mixture for a minimum of one and a half to two hours over low heat, making sure the beef reaches a fork-tender perfection.
Time to Add Noodles:
Noodles should be cooked separately. To accomplish this, adhere to the directions on the packaging. On the other hand, you can just put the noodles in a cup of water to boil, add the included spice or flavour pack, and simmer for five to six minutes. To stop them from cooking, rinse them in cold water.
Put Together Your Masterwork:
In a bowl, put a large portion of noodles. Make sure you get a generous portion of meat chunks by ladling the flavorful, thick broth over the noodles. For an added kick, add your preferred vegetables, green onions, and a sprinkle of chilli oil.
Serve it Hot and Enjoy:
Savour the flavour of your homemade Taiwanese beef noodle soup as they move across your tongue. Don’t forget to indulge in the art of noodle slurping – it’s the Taiwanese way!
Pro Tip for Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup:
Finish with Toppings to Add Elegance:
While the beef, the broth, and noodles are unquestionably essential ingredients in your Taiwanese beef Noodle Soup, don’t pass up the chance to add some elegance and freshness at the very end. Set aside a small handful of the colourful green onions, cilantro, and bean sprouts to top off each bowl individually before serving.
This last garnish gives your dish a vibrant, fragrant dimension in addition to a pop of colour. The visual attractiveness and sensory appeal of this dish are enhanced by the contrast between the crisp garnishes and the hot, strong soup.
Approximate Cooking Time:
The technique of making the ideal bowl of Taiwanese beef noodle soup takes patience and effort. Here’s an approximate estimate to help you, though cooking times can vary depending on things like the size of your beef chunks and desired tenderness:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: Two to Three Hours for Beef and Broth
Assembling and Cooking Noodles: 15 minutes
The entire estimated cooking time is between two hours and forty minutes to three hours.
Always keep in mind that the secret to a great Taiwanese beef noodle soup is to let the flavours combine and the broth simmer.
Happy Cooking!
Finally, enjoy creating your Taiwanese noodles! Cooking these noodles isn’t just about eating; it’s like taking a short vacation to Taiwan through your kitchen. Whether you’re an experienced chef or just getting started, you’re sure to have fun creating this dish. Enjoy the flavours and scents.
