clear soup beef noodles

How to Make Clear Beef Noodle Soup

Clear beef noodle soup, a comforting classic, delights with its savory broth, tender beef, and springy noodles. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting this dish.

First, prepare the broth. Use beef bones (shin or marrow bones for richness) and a chunk of beef brisket. Blanch them in boiling water for 5 minutes, then rinse to remove impurities. In a large pot, cover the bones and beef with water, add sliced ginger, smashed garlic, a cinnamon stick, star anise, and a few Sichuan peppercorns. Simmer gently for 2–3 hours until the broth is fragrant and deeply flavored. Skim off any scum occasionally.

Next, cook the beef. Once tender, remove the brisket from the broth, let it cool, and slice thinly against the grain. Reserve the broth for serving.

For the noodles, use fresh or dried wheat noodles. Boil them until al dente, then rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

To assemble, place noodles in a bowl, top with sliced beef, and ladle hot broth over them. Garnish with chopped scallions, cilantro, or a sprinkle of white pepper. For extra flavor, add a side of pickled vegetables or chili oil.

Enjoy this soul-warming dish with its balanced flavors and satisfying textures!