Spicy Beef Noodle Soup is a warming and robust dish that features tender chunks of beef, springy noodles, and a rich, spiced broth infused with aromatic herbs and bold seasonings. This dish is perfect for chilly evenings, offering a satisfying balance of heat, depth of flavor, and hearty ingredients in every bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You will appreciate this recipe for its complex layers of flavor and comforting nature. The broth is deeply savory with just the right level of heat, making every sip enjoyable and soul-soothing. The tender beef and perfectly cooked noodles create a complete, filling meal. This dish is easy to customize based on your spice tolerance and available ingredients, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Beef (chuck, brisket, or stewing beef), cut into cubes
- Noodles (egg noodles, ramen, or rice noodles)
- Olive oil or vegetable oil
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, sliced
- Star anise (optional)
- Soy sauce
- Chili paste or chili oil
- Beef broth
- Rice vinegar or lime juice (for balance)
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Salt
- Black pepper
Directions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Sear beef cubes on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
- Add star anise (if using), soy sauce, chili paste, and beef broth. Return beef to the pot.
- Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook on low for 1.5 to 2 hours, until beef is tender.
- In the last 10 minutes of cooking, adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and rice vinegar or lime juice.
- Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and divide among bowls.
- Ladle the spicy broth and beef over the noodles.
- Garnish with green onions and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Mild version: Reduce or omit chili paste for a gentler broth.
- Vegetable addition: Add bok choy, spinach, or mushrooms during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Herb twist: Include fresh Thai basil or mint for added aroma.
- Noodle swap: Use udon, soba, or glass noodles for a different texture.
Storage/reheating
Store broth and beef separately from noodles in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat broth and beef on the stovetop until simmering. Warm the noodles briefly in hot water or broth before serving. The broth freezes well for up to 2 months.
FAQs
What beef cut works best for this soup?
Chuck, brisket, or stewing beef are ideal because they become tender during long simmering.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes. Sear the beef first, then cook on low for 6-8 hours.
How spicy is this soup?
The heat level is adjustable. Start with a small amount of chili paste and add more to taste.
Can I use pre-cooked beef?
While possible, slow-simmered beef provides better flavor and tenderness.
What type of noodles is traditional?
Egg noodles or hand-pulled noodles are commonly used, but any hearty noodle will work.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting soggy?
Cook them separately and add to the bowl just before serving.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Yes. The flavors deepen overnight. Reheat gently before serving.
How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles.
Can I add other seasonings?
Yes. Sichuan peppercorns, cinnamon sticks, or cloves can deepen the flavor.
What side dishes pair well with this soup?
Steamed buns, dumplings, or a light cucumber salad complement it well.
Conclusion
Spicy Beef Noodle Soup is a rich, satisfying dish that offers comfort and bold flavors in every bowl. With its tender beef, warming broth, and springy noodles, this soup is perfect for cozy nights or when you crave a meal with a kick. Customize it to suit your taste and enjoy its hearty, nourishing qualities.
PrintSpicy Beef Noodle Soup
Spicy Beef Noodle Soup is a warming and robust dish that features tender chunks of beef, springy noodles, and a rich, spiced broth infused with aromatic herbs and bold seasonings. Perfect for chilly evenings, this dish offers a satisfying balance of heat, depth of flavor, and hearty ingredients in every bowl.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Beef (chuck, brisket, or stewing beef), cut into cubes
- Noodles (egg noodles, ramen, or rice noodles)
- Olive oil or vegetable oil
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, sliced
- Star anise (optional)
- Soy sauce
- Chili paste or chili oil
- Beef broth
- Rice vinegar or lime juice
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Sear beef cubes on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
- Add star anise (if using), soy sauce, chili paste, and beef broth. Return beef to the pot.
- Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook on low for 1.5 to 2 hours, until beef is tender.
- In the last 10 minutes of cooking, adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and rice vinegar or lime juice.
- Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and divide among bowls.
- Ladle the spicy broth and beef over the noodles.
- Garnish with green onions and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Mild version: Reduce or omit chili paste for a gentler broth.
- Vegetable addition: Add bok choy, spinach, or mushrooms during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Herb twist: Include fresh Thai basil or mint for added aroma.
- Noodle swap: Use udon, soba, or glass noodles for a different texture.
- Storage: Store broth and beef separately from noodles in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat broth and beef on the stovetop until simmering. The broth freezes well for up to 2 months.
- To prevent soggy noodles: Cook them separately and add them to the bowl just before serving.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg