Star Anise-Braised Beef Noodles

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef simmered with aromatic star anise and ginger, served with chewy egg noodles and fresh bok choy for a comforting bowl of savory goodness. This taiwanese-inspired soups ready in about 150 minutes pairs pounds beef chuck, whole star anise, inches, thinly sliced ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 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: 130 min Serves 4 Taiwanese cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine 1.5 pounds beef chuck cubes, 3 whole star anise, 4 inches ginger slices, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice wine, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Add 4 cups water and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  2. Step 2: Cover and reduce heat to low, simmering gently for 120 minutes until beef is fork-tender, skimming any foam that rises.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, cook 8 ounces egg noodles in a pot of boiling salted water for 8 minutes until al dente; drain and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Remove star anise and ginger from the pot. Add 2 cups chopped bok choy and simmer for 3 minutes until tender.
  5. Step 5: Stir in the cooked noodles and heat through for 2 minutes. Divide among bowls and garnish with 3 tablespoons chopped green onions.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Star Anise-Braised Beef Noodles take to make?

Total time is about 150 minutes (20 min prep + 130 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 Star Anise-Braised Beef Noodles?

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 pounds beef chuck from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Star Anise-Braised Beef Noodles?

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 Star Anise-Braised Beef Noodles 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 Star Anise-Braised Beef Noodles?

Taiwanese 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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