2poundsbeef stew meatpreferably boneless shank, cut into 2-inch cubes
6thick slices peeled fresh ginger
6garlic clovessmashed
2whole scallionstrimmed and coarsely chopped
2 to 3small fresh red chilies
1large plum tomatocoarsely chopped
2tablespoonssugar
1tablespoonchili bean sauce
1cuprice wine
½cuplight soy sauce(I use low-sodium)
¼cupdark soy sauce
2 ½quartswater
1tablespoonSichuan peppercorns
½teaspoonfive-spice powder
2star anise
1 ½poundsAsian wheat noodlesany width
1whole scalliontrimmed and thinly sliced
8small heads gently blanched baby bok choyor substitute spinach, sweet potato leaves, Swiss chard, or other leafy green (optional)
Instructions
Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add as much of the beef as will fit on the bottom of the pan without too much overlap (you may need to work in batches). Cook, flipping with tongs, until both sides are gently browned, 5 to 6 minutes total. Repeat with the remaining beef, adding more oil as needed. Transfer the meat to a dish and set aside.
Add another tablespoon of the oil, if needed, to the same saute pot until just hot. Add the ginger, garlic, scallions, chilies, and tomato. Cook, stirring occasionally, until very fragrant and the vegetables are softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the sugar and cook until dissolved and the mixture is bubbling. Return the beef and stir in the chili bean sauce.
Stir in the rice wine and bring to a boil, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Let boil for a minute, then add the light and dark soy sauces, the water, peppercorns, five-spice powder, and star anise. Bring just to a boil and then reduce to a low simmer. Skim the scum that rises to the top of the pot. Cover and cook at a low simmer for at least 2 hours, preferably 3 hours.
Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Divide among individual serving bowls. Ladle the soup into each bowl with chunks of the beef, to with scallions and the blanched green vegetables, if using, and serve.