Spicy Beef Noodle Soup Recipe

Introduction

Spicy Beef Noodle Soup is a deliciously flavorful dish that combines tender beef, rich broth, and the perfect balance of heat and spices. Originating from various Asian cuisines, this soup is a hearty, savory, and spicy meal that will warm you from the inside out. It features tender slices of beef, noodles, vegetables, and a rich, spicy broth infused with bold flavors. Perfect for those who love a bit of spice, this soup is satisfying, comforting, and full of deep umami flavors.

The spicy broth is the heart of the dish, complemented by the tender beef and chewy noodles. It’s a fantastic option for a cozy dinner, a family gathering, or for meal prep throughout the week. With its balance of rich, spicy, and savory elements, Spicy Beef Noodle Soup will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes. Whether you’re looking for a comforting bowl of noodles or something to spice up your dinner routine, this recipe is sure to please.

Why You’ll Love Spicy Beef Noodle Soup

• Bold, Flavorful Broth: The spicy broth in this soup is a tantalizing combination of chili paste, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, creating a rich and fragrant base that enhances every bite of beef and noodles.
• Hearty and Satisfying: With tender beef, chewy noodles, and hearty vegetables, this soup is filling enough to serve as a complete meal. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or when you need a comforting dish that packs a punch.
• Balanced Heat: The spice level is adjustable to suit your preferences, whether you like it mild, medium, or extra hot. The spicy broth gives a satisfying kick without overpowering the other flavors.
• Easy to Customize: You can adjust the vegetables, add more or less heat, or use different types of noodles to create your perfect version of Spicy Beef Noodle Soup.
• Comforting and Nourishing: This soup is not only packed with flavor, but it’s also nourishing. The beef provides protein, while the vegetables and broth offer vitamins, minerals, and a hearty base that feels like a warm hug on a cold day.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4-6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 12-15g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fiber: 3-4g
• Sugar: 5-6g

Ingredients

For the Spicy Beef Noodle Soup:

• 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for browning the beef)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili paste (adjust to taste for desired spice level)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional, for added depth of flavor)
• 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium for a healthier option)
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance the spice)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional, for a hint of tang)
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for added heat)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for garnish)
• 2 cups fresh bok choy or spinach (optional, for added greens)
• 4 oz rice noodles or your preferred noodles (egg noodles, udon, or ramen noodles also work well)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Sliced chili peppers for garnish (optional, for extra heat)
• Lime wedges for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef

To start, thinly slice the beef into bite-sized strips. If your beef is difficult to slice, freeze it for 30-45 minutes before slicing to make it easier to cut. Choose a tender cut of beef like sirloin or flank steak for the best texture, but any thinly sliced beef will work in this recipe.

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef to the pot in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the beef for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly on all sides. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once hot, add the sliced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and ginger and cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to bloom. These aromatics form the base of your soup’s rich, flavorful broth.

3. Add the Spices and Seasonings

Once the onions are softened and fragrant, add the chili paste, soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), and ground coriander and cumin. Stir to combine and let the spices toast in the hot oil for 1-2 minutes. This step intensifies the flavors and helps bring out the heat and depth in the broth.

For additional heat, you can add chili flakes to taste. The chili paste and chili flakes will provide the spicy kick, but feel free to adjust the amount based on your personal preference.

4. Add the Broth and Simmer

Pour in the beef broth and water, stirring to combine with the spices. Add the sugar, which helps balance the heat and enhances the flavors in the broth. If you prefer a slightly tangy broth, add the rice vinegar to balance the spice with some acidity.

Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and aromatic broth.

5. Cook the Noodles

While the soup is simmering, cook the noodles according to the package instructions. If you’re using rice noodles, they typically take only 3-4 minutes to cook, so keep an eye on them. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.

For the best texture, it’s recommended to cook the noodles separately so they don’t become too soft or soggy in the broth. This will allow the noodles to retain their chewiness and make the soup even more enjoyable.

6. Add the Vegetables

Once the broth has simmered and the flavors have developed, add the fresh bok choy or spinach to the soup. These greens add color and nutrition, and they cook quickly in the hot broth, wilting down in just a few minutes.

Stir the soup to incorporate the vegetables, allowing them to soften in the broth for 2-3 minutes. If you prefer your greens to have more bite, you can cook them for a shorter period.

7. Return the Beef to the Soup

Now, return the browned beef to the pot, stirring to combine with the broth and vegetables. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes to heat the beef through. If you prefer a thicker broth, you can use a slotted spoon to remove some of the vegetables and beef and then reduce the liquid further by simmering it uncovered for a few extra minutes.

8. Assemble the Soup

To serve, divide the cooked noodles among bowls. Ladle the hot broth, beef, and vegetables over the noodles. Garnish the soup with a drizzle of sesame oil, fresh cilantro, and sliced chili peppers for an extra kick of heat. Serve with lime wedges on the side, which add a fresh, tangy contrast to the richness of the broth.

Tips for Perfect Spicy Beef Noodle Soup

• Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the chili paste, chili flakes, and fresh chili peppers to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder soup, start with less chili paste and add more to taste.
• Use a Tender Cut of Beef: Choose tender cuts of beef like sirloin, flank steak, or rib-eye for the best texture in this soup. Thinly slice the beef across the grain to ensure it remains tender after cooking.
• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Be careful not to overcook the noodles, as they can become mushy in the broth. Cook them separately and add them to the soup just before serving to maintain their texture.
• Add Vegetables to Taste: Bok choy, spinach, and other leafy greens work well in this soup, but feel free to experiment with other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or even zucchini.
• Make It a One-Pot Meal: If you prefer a more rustic version, you can add the noodles directly into the pot with the broth and beef to cook together. Just keep an eye on the noodles to prevent them from becoming too soft.

Variations of Spicy Beef Noodle Soup

• Spicy Beef and Ramen Soup: Swap out the rice noodles for ramen noodles for a more traditional approach. You can also add a boiled egg on top for extra richness.
• Spicy Beef and Kimchi Soup: Add a few tablespoons of kimchi to the broth for a tangy, spicy twist that adds even more depth of flavor to the soup.
• Spicy Beef and Coconut Soup: For a creamier broth, add a can of coconut milk to the soup along with the beef broth. This variation adds a subtle sweetness that balances the heat from the chili paste.
• Beef and Vegetable Soup: Add more hearty vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or even sweet potatoes to make the soup even more filling and nutritious.

Storage and Shelf Life

Spicy Beef Noodle Soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To store, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. The noodles may soak up some of the broth as the soup sits, so you may want to store the noodles separately if you plan to have leftovers.

To freeze the soup, let it cool completely and store it in a freezer-safe container. The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove. If the noodles have become too soft, you can cook fresh noodles to add to the reheated soup.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Spicy Beef Noodle Soup

• Steamed Dumplings: Pair the soup with steamed dumplings filled with pork, shrimp, or vegetables for a complete meal.
• Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp, vegetables, and herbs are a light and refreshing side dish that complements the spicy soup.
• Pickled Vegetables: The tangy crunch of pickled vegetables offers a nice contrast to the heat and richness of the soup.
• Fried Tofu: Serve the soup with crispy fried tofu on the side, or add it directly to the soup for a vegetarian alternative.

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Conclusion

Spicy Beef Noodle Soup is a bold, flavorful dish that combines tender beef, chewy noodles, and a spicy, aromatic broth. With its customizable heat level and variety of ingredients, this soup is both versatile and satisfying. Whether you’re craving something warming on a chilly day or looking to spice up your regular dinner routine, this soup has everything you need. The balance of heat, savory flavors, and hearty ingredients makes Spicy Beef Noodle Soup the perfect comfort food with a bit of extra kick.

This recipe is easy to follow, and with the tips and variations provided, you can create a soup that’s perfectly suited to your tastes. Enjoy a steaming bowl of Spicy Beef Noodle Soup and savor the rich, comforting flavors that will keep you coming back for more.