Clear Beef and Bok Choy Noodle Soup

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A light, savory broth with tender beef and crisp bok choy, finished with fresh ginger and garlic for a warming bowl. This vietnamese-inspired soups ready in about 22 minutes pairs beef sirloin, beef broth, rice noodles for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 390 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, bring 4 cups beef broth to a simmer over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Add 12 oz thinly sliced beef sirloin and cook for 2 minutes until browned on edges.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp minced ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp soy sauce. Add 8 oz rice noodles and cook for 3 minutes until tender.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups thinly sliced bok choy and simmer for 2 minutes until greens are wilted and vibrant.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tsp sesame oil, then ladle into bowls and serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Clear Beef and Bok Choy Noodle Soup take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Clear Beef and Bok Choy Noodle Soup?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef sirloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Clear Beef and Bok Choy Noodle Soup?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Clear Beef and Bok Choy Noodle Soup for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Clear Beef and Bok Choy Noodle Soup?

Vietnamese soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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