Step into the vibrant culinary landscape of Taiwan with this enticing recipe for Traditional Taiwanese Braised Beef Noodles.
Renowned for its rich flavors, tender beef, and hearty broth, this beloved dish is a quintessential part of Taiwanese cuisine.
From bustling night markets to humble family kitchens, Braised Beef Noodles hold a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike.
Join us as we journey through the aromatic world of Taiwanese cuisine and learn how to recreate this comforting classic in your own home.
The Legacy of Taiwanese Braised Beef Noodles:
Braised Beef Noodles, known as “Hong Shao Niu Rou Mian” in Mandarin, have a storied history that dates back to the mid-20th century in Taiwan.
Influenced by the island’s diverse culinary heritage, this dish combines elements of Chinese, Japanese, and Taiwanese cooking techniques to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Slow-cooked beef, aromatic spices, and savory broth simmer together to perfection, resulting in a dish that is both comforting and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients:
To prepare this authentic Taiwanese Braised Beef Noodles, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of beef shank or brisket, sliced thinly
- 4 bundles of dried wheat noodles (about 1 pound)
- 6 cups of beef broth
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2-inch piece of ginger, sliced
- 2 tomatoes, quartered
- 2 stalks of green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of rice wine
- 1 tablespoon of rock sugar or brown sugar
- 1 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chili oil or chili paste (optional, for serving)
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, sliced onion, and ginger, and cook until fragrant.
- Add the beef slices to the pot and sear them until browned on all sides.
- Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice wine, and sugar. Stir to combine.
- Add the tomatoes, green onions, star anise, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves to the pot.
- Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- While the beef is simmering, cook the dried wheat noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Once the beef is tender, taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- To serve, divide the cooked noodles into bowls and ladle the braised beef and broth over the top. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with chili oil or chili paste on the side if desired.
With its robust flavors and comforting warmth, Traditional Taiwanese Braised Beef Noodles are a true delight for the senses.
Whether enjoyed as a street food favorite or a homemade culinary masterpiece, this iconic dish offers a taste of Taiwan’s rich culinary heritage.
So gather your ingredients, simmer a pot of fragrant broth, and savor the flavors of this beloved Taiwanese classic in the comfort of your own kitchen.
