Dive into the rich, savory depths of Cantonese Braised Beef Noodle Soup, a culinary masterpiece that perfectly balances tender beef, fragrant broth, and perfectly cooked noodles. This iconic dish, often called "Chintang Neon" (柱腸粉), isn't just a meal; it's a comforting experience, a testament to the artistry of Cantonese cuisine. The slow-braising process unlocks the beef's inherent sweetness, creating a deeply flavorful broth that's both nourishing and incredibly satisfying. Imagine the succulent, melt-in-your-mouth beef, the chewy noodles absorbing every drop of that rich elixir, a symphony of textures and tastes in every spoonful.
This recipe will guide you through each step, from meticulously preparing the beef to achieving the perfect balance of spices in the braising liquid. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving more of this timeless Cantonese classic. Ready to create your own bowl of authentic Cantonese Braised Beef Noodle Soup? Let's begin!
Tools Needed
- large pot
- clay pot (or Dutch oven, slow cooker, instant pot)
- spice bag
- fine sieve/oil strainer
- saucepan
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Preparing the Beef and Broth
- Soak brisket and beef bones in water overnight in the refrigerator to draw out myoglobin (this step is optional).
- Blanch the beef in a large pot of boiling water, leaving the lid partially open. Remove the beef once boiled.
- Preheat a clay pot (or your chosen pot) over medium heat. Add oil, ginger, garlic, and scallions, stir until wilted.
- Add water to the pot. In a spice bag, combine cinnamon, star anise, bay leaves, cloves, black cardamom, tangerine peel, and licorice root (or sugar).
- Add the spice bag, brisket, and bones to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to the lowest setting and simmer for approximately three hours, checking occasionally to ensure it's not boiling.
- Double-peel daikon radish (if using; otherwise, use carrot), discarding both ends and cut into chunks. (Soaking in water is optional to reduce bitterness).
- Add the daikon radish to the pot 30 minutes before the beef is done.
- Skim off excess fat from the broth using a fine sieve.
- Season the soup with fish sauce to taste. It should be saltier than your usual preference.
- Simmer for another 30 minutes. Remove the spice bag and bones. The beef should be tender and easily pierced with chopsticks.
Step 2. Making the Garlic Oil
- Rinse minced garlic to remove bitter compounds. Heat oil in a saucepan, add garlic, and stir constantly over low heat for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside.
Step 3. Cooking the Noodles and Assembling the Dish
- Cook noodles according to package instructions (soak in water for 5-8 minutes).
- Slice the cooled beef into thick slabs. Add noodles to the simmering broth.
Step 4. Serving the Classic Cantonese Braised Beef & Clear Soup
- Serve noodles in bowls, topped with daikon radish, beef slices, diced scallions, and a tablespoon of garlic oil.
Read more: Authentic Cantonese Beef Stew: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Using a clay pot helps retain heat for even braising. You can substitute with a Dutch oven, slow cooker, or Instant Pot.
- Don't overcook the daikon radish.
- Soaking the daikon radish helps to reduce bitterness.
- The broth should be saltier than usual since the noodles will be cooked in it.
- Rice noodles don't release much starch, so cooking them directly in the broth is fine.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use other cuts of beef besides brisket for this recipe?
While brisket is traditional for its tenderness after braising, you can experiment with other cuts like chuck roast or oxtail. Just adjust the braising time accordingly; tougher cuts will require longer cooking.
2. How can I make the broth clearer?
Skimming off any foam that rises during the initial simmering is key. Also, avoid over-boiling, and consider straining the broth through a fine-mesh sieve before serving for an extra clear finish.
With a little patience and attention to detail, you've now mastered the art of making authentic Cantonese Braised Beef & Clear Soup. Enjoy the rich rewards of your labor – a deeply flavorful and comforting bowl of culinary excellence. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.