Simmered Spicy Beef Noodle Soup with Bok Choy

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

A comforting bowl of tender beef and fresh vegetables simmered in a rich, aromatic broth with a gentle kick of chili heat. This chinese-inspired soups ready in about 45 minutes pairs beef sirloin, rice noodles, beef broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, add 12 oz rice noodles, and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender; drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 oz thinly sliced beef sirloin to the pot, cooking for 2-3 minutes until browned, then stir in 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 4 cups beef broth, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 thinly sliced red chili; bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 cups bok choy stems and cook for 3 minutes, then add bok choy leaves and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Stir in the drained noodles and season with salt to taste; heat through for 2 minutes.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Simmered Spicy Beef Noodle Soup with Bok Choy take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Simmered Spicy Beef Noodle Soup with Bok Choy?

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 Simmered Spicy Beef Noodle Soup with Bok Choy?

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 Simmered Spicy Beef Noodle Soup with Bok Choy 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 Simmered Spicy Beef Noodle Soup with Bok Choy?

Chinese 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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