Beef Shank Noodle Soup Recipe
Introduction
This comforting Beef Shank Noodle Soup combines tender braised beef with fresh noodles and vibrant greens in a flavorful broth. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a perfect quick meal for chilly days or whenever you crave something hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil
- 1/2 onion, minced
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup beef braising liquid from homemade braised beef shank
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 8 oz (220 g) fresh wheat noodles, or 5 oz (140 g) dried noodles
- 4 heads baby bok choy (or yu choy, spinach, or other leafy greens)
- 1 cup homemade braised beef shank, chopped
- Salt to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon Chinese pickled radish (optional)
- 2 tablespoons homemade chili oil (with chili flakes)
- Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat peanut oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat until hot. Add minced onion and sliced carrot, cooking and stirring until the onion turns golden, about 3 minutes.
- Step 2: Add water, beef braising liquid, and ketchup to the pot. Simmer until the onions are very soft, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Step 3: While the broth simmers, bring a separate pot of water to a boil. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rinse briefly with tap water to stop cooking, then divide noodles into two serving bowls.
- Step 4: Using the noodle boiling water, add baby bok choy and cook for 1 minute or until desired tenderness. Transfer cooked greens onto the noodles.
- Step 5: If braised beef shank is cold, add it to the broth to warm for about 1 minute.
- Step 6: Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with salt and white pepper as needed. Ladle broth into the bowls over noodles and greens. Top with braised beef shank and pickled radish if using. Drizzle with chili oil and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Use rice noodles or soba noodles if you prefer a different texture or are avoiding wheat.
- Add a soft-boiled egg for extra protein and richness.
- Adjust chili oil amount to control the spice level.
- Baby bok choy can be swapped for spinach or kale to suit your taste.
- Prepare the braised beef shank in advance to save time; the soup comes together quickly once the beef is ready.
Storage
Store leftover soup broth and beef separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep noodles and greens separate to avoid sogginess. Reheat broth and beef gently on the stovetop. Reheat noodles by briefly plunging them into hot water, then combine everything before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought beef broth instead of braising liquid?
Yes, you can substitute with high-quality store-bought beef broth, but homemade braising liquid adds richer flavor and depth to the soup.
How do I prevent noodles from sticking together?
Rinse cooked noodles briefly under cold tap water to stop cooking and remove excess starch, then drain well. Tossing them with a small drizzle of oil can also help prevent sticking.
Print
Beef Shank Noodle Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and flavorful Beef Shank Noodle Soup made with tender homemade braised beef shank, fresh wheat noodles, crisp baby bok choy, and a savory broth infused with ketchup and Chinese chili oil. Perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil
- 1/2 onion, minced
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup beef braising liquid from homemade braised beef shank
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- Salt to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
Noodles and Greens
- 8 oz (220 g) fresh wheat noodles, or 5 oz (140 g) dried noodles
- 4 heads baby bok choy (or yu choy, spinach, or other leafy greens)
Meat and Garnishes
- 1 cup homemade braised beef shank, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Chinese pickled radish (optional)
- 2 tablespoons homemade chili oil (with chili flakes)
- Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat the peanut oil in a medium-sized pot over medium-high heat until hot. Add the minced onion and sliced carrot. Cook and stir frequently until the onion turns golden, about 3 minutes.
- Make the Broth: Pour in the water, beef braising liquid, and ketchup. Bring to a simmer and cook until the onions become very soft and the flavors meld, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Cook the Noodles: While the broth simmers, bring a separate pot of water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Once cooked, rinse under tap water briefly to stop cooking, drain well, and divide the noodles into two serving bowls.
- Cook the Greens: Using the same boiling water for the noodles, add the baby bok choy or your choice of greens. Cook for about 1 minute or until just tender. Transfer the greens onto the noodles in the serving bowls.
- Warm the Beef: If the braised beef shank is cold, add it to the broth. Warm it through by cooking for 1 minute or until heated.
- Season and Serve: Taste the broth and adjust seasoning by adding salt and white pepper as needed. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and greens. Top with the chopped braised beef, pickled radish if using, drizzle with homemade chili oil, and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve immediately as a warm, comforting main dish.
Notes
- Fresh wheat noodles are preferred for the best texture, but dried noodles can be used as a convenient alternative.
- If you do not have homemade braised beef shank and its braising liquid, substitute with store-bought beef broth and cooked beef chunks but note that flavor will be less rich.
- The ketchup adds a unique tang and sweetness to the broth; adjust to taste or substitute with tomato paste if desired.
- Pickled radish is optional but adds a nice contrast of flavor to the rich broth.
- Homemade chili oil can be replaced with store-bought chili oil for convenience.
- This soup is best served fresh but can be reheated gently on stovetop without overcooking the noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Keywords: Beef shank noodle soup, Chinese beef noodle soup, braised beef soup, comforting noodle soup, homemade beef broth, baby bok choy soup
