Herb-Infused Beef Soup with Airag

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

A bright, tangy soup featuring tender beef and wild herbs simmered in fermented milk for a refreshing yet warming meal. This asian-inspired soups ready in about 48 minutes pairs pound, thinly sliced beef chuck, medium, julienned carrots, chopped (e.g., chives, dill) wild herbs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 33 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a pot, combine 1 pound thinly sliced beef chuck, 2 julienned carrots, and 3 cups beef broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes until beef is tender.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped wild herbs and 1/2 cup airag, then simmer for 8 minutes until herbs wilt and flavors meld. Do not boil after adding airag to preserve its tang.
  3. Step 3: Remove from heat, stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and let sit for 5 minutes to allow the lemon to brighten the broth before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Infused Beef Soup with Airag take to make?

Total time is about 48 minutes (15 min prep + 33 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 Herb-Infused Beef Soup with Airag?

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 medium, julienned carrots from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Infused Beef Soup with Airag?

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 Herb-Infused Beef Soup with Airag 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 Herb-Infused Beef Soup with Airag?

Asian 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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