Name: Szechuan Spicy Beef Noodle Soup
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 150 min
Total time: 180 min
Yield: Serves 4-6
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef shank (or chuck), cut into 1.5-inch cubes; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons Szechuan peppercorns; 6 cloves garlic, smashed; 2-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced; 4 star anise pods; 2 cinnamon sticks; 6-8 dried red chilies, split lengthwise; 3 tablespoons doubanjiang (Szechuan chili bean paste); 1/4 cup Shaoxing wine or dry sherry; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce; 8 cups beef broth; 1 pound fresh wheat noodles (or dried); Garnishes: sliced green onions, cilantro, blanched bok choy, and chopped pickled mustard greens

Instructions

Prepare the beef

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the beef cubes and boil for 2-3 minutes until the surface turns gray and some scum floats to the top. Drain and rinse the beef under cold water to remove any impurities. Set aside.
Toast the spices

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the Szechuan peppercorns, garlic, ginger, star anise, cinnamon sticks, and dried chilies. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the spices.
Build the broth base

Add the doubanjiang (chili bean paste) to the pot and stir-fry for another minute to release its flavors. Pour in the Shaoxing wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the soy sauce and dark soy sauce, then return the blanched beef to the pot.
Simmer the soup

Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. Skim off any fat or foam that rises to the surface during cooking.
Cook the noodles

About 10 minutes before serving, bring a separate pot of water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
Assemble and serve

Divide the cooked noodles among serving bowls. Ladle the hot soup and beef chunks over the noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions, cilantro, blanched bok choy, and chopped pickled mustard greens as desired. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Szechuan Spicy Beef Noodle Soup

Ingredients

Instructions

Nutritional Information