Southeast Asian Beef and Rice-Noodle Soup

Ingredients for Southeast Asian Beef and Rice-Noodle Soup

• 1.4kg meaty beef short ribs

• 1.4kg beef shank in 2 or 3 pieces

• 2 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil, divided

• 1 large onion, sliced

• 2 (1-inch) pieces peeled ginger, smashed

• 1 bunch spring onions, white parts smashed and greens chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, smashed

• 1 (4-inch-long) fresh red or green chilli, stemmed and halved lengthwise

• 1.9L water

• 60ml soy sauce

• 4 whole star anise

• 1 (4-inch) cinnamon stick

• 400g dried flat Asian rice noodles

• Accompaniments: mint sprigs

• thinly sliced seedless cucumber

• Sriracha and hoisin sauces

• lime wedges

How to make Southeast Asian Beef and Rice-Noodle Soup

Pat meat dry. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in an 8- to 10-quart heavy pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers, then brown meat in batches (do not crowd), about 5 minutes per batch. Transfer to a platter.

Cook onion, ginger, white parts of spring onions, garlic, and chilli in remaining tablespoon oil in same pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 12 minutes.

Add water, soy sauce, star anise, cinnamon stick, and meat (with juices) and simmer, covered, until meat is tender but not falling apart, 2 to 21/2 hours.

Transfer meat with tongs to a cutting board. Discard bones and membranes, then cut meat across the grain into 1/2-inch pieces.

Strain broth through a sieve lined with a double layer of dampened paper towels set into a large saucepan. Discard solids. Skim off fat. Season broth with salt, then return meat to broth and reheat.

Meanwhile, add noodles to a 4-quart pot of unsalted boiling water and let stand off heat, covered, until softened, 4 to 8 minutes. Drain and divide among large soup bowls. Add spring onion greens and ladle in soup.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.