Taiwanese Braised Beef Noodle Soup with Star Anise

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

Rich and aromatic beef noodle soup simmered with star anise and soy-infused broth, featuring tender beef chunks and chewy noodles. This Chinese-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 120 minutes, pairs beef shank, beef broth, dried star anise for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 100 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 500 grams beef shank cubes and sear for 6-7 minutes until browned on all sides.
  2. Step 2: Add 2-inch sliced ginger, 5 smashed garlic cloves, and 3 dried star anise to the pot. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 6 cups beef broth, 4 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp dark soy sauce, and 1 tbsp rock sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1.5 hours until beef is tender.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, cook 300 grams Chinese wheat noodles in boiling water for 4 minutes until al dente, then drain.
  5. Step 5: To serve, divide noodles into bowls, ladle hot beef broth and beef chunks over them, and top with 150 grams blanched bok choy and 2 chopped scallions. Enjoy immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Taiwanese Braised Beef Noodle Soup with Star Anise take to make?

Total time is about 120 minutes (20 min prep + 100 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 Taiwanese Braised Beef Noodle Soup with Star Anise?

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 shank from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Taiwanese Braised Beef Noodle Soup with Star Anise?

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 Taiwanese Braised Beef Noodle Soup with Star Anise 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 Taiwanese Braised Beef Noodle Soup with Star Anise?

Chinese beef 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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