Growing up in Hangzhou, the smell of west lake beef soup was always there. As a kid, I looked forward to weekends. My grandmother would make her famous xihu beef soup for the family. The broth was rich, the beef tender, and the noodles just right. It was a mix of flavors that I still remember.
Now, whenever I go back home, I always try a bowl of this chinese soup recipe. It's more than food; it's a trip back in time. It celebrates Hangzhou's food traditions and the skill of slow-cooking. If you’re into rich, hearty soups, check out this Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for more comforting flavors.
The Rich Heritage of West Lake's Signature Dish
In the heart of Hangzhou, West Lake is famous for its amazing food. The Xihu beef soup, or west lake soup, is a top dish in Zhejiang local cuisine. It has a long history in Hangzhou, loved by many.
Origins in Hangzhou's Cultural History
The west lake soup started in ancient China's imperial courts. It was a favorite of the elite, showing off culinary skill. Hangzhou, as the Southern Song Dynasty's capital, was known for its culture and chefs.
From Imperial Courts to Modern Tables
Over time, the Xihu beef soup became a favorite for everyone. It's now a key part of Hangzhou specialties. Its mix of tender beef and savory broth is unmatched.
Today, the west lake soup is a key part of Zhejiang local cuisine. It's enjoyed by locals and visitors, showing Hangzhou's love for its food. It's a dish that keeps people coming back for more.
What Makes Xihu Beef Soup Special
I'm a big fan of xihu cuisine, and the Xihu beef soup is a standout. It's a mix of authentic flavors that shows off traditional Chinese cooking. This dish from Jiangsu is a true masterpiece.
The soup's heart is the premium beef, slow-cooked to perfection. The meat is so tender, it just melts in your mouth. The broth, simmered for hours, adds a rich, umami flavor to the dish.
The Xihu beef soup is special because of its balanced flavors. The savory beef and the deep broth, with its spices and herbs, create a taste experience. It's like a journey to Jiangsu's culinary heart.
Every spoonful of Xihu beef soup is a mix of old and new. It honors Jiangsu's cooking traditions but also meets today's tastes. The mix of flavors, textures, and skill makes it a top choice for braised beef noodle soups.
Essential Ingredients and Traditional Preparation
Making the perfect west lake beef soup, or Chinese soup recipes, needs a deep understanding of key ingredients and traditional ways. Choosing the best beef and making a rich broth base are crucial. Each step is important for the dish's rich flavors, making it a beloved part of Chinese cooking.
Ingredients
For Soup Base
- 1 lb beef (preferably chuck or sirloin), sliced thin
- 6 cups water
- 1 large piece of ginger, sliced
- 3 scallions, trimmed and halved
- 1 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
For Seasonings
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- Salt to taste
For Noodles & Garnish
- 12 oz fresh Chinese noodles
- 2 tbsp chopped scallions
- 1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Premium Beef Selection Tips
The heart of west lake beef soup recipe is the quality of the beef. Look for tender, well-marbled meat that's perfect for melting in your mouth. Choose lean cuts like sirloin or chuck for the best flavor and texture. Stay away from tougher cuts to keep the dish delicate.
Quick Xihu Beef Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add beef slices, ginger, scallions, star anise, and cinnamon stick. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 1.5-2 hours until the beef becomes tender and the broth rich.
- Add Seasonings: Remove the beef and strain the broth to discard aromatics. Return the broth to the pot. Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, white pepper, and salt. Adjust flavors as needed.
- Cook the Noodles: Cook noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the Dish: Divide noodles among bowls. Pour hot broth over the noodles and top with beef slices. Garnish with scallions, cilantro, and a drizzle of sesame oil.
Notes
- Beef Substitutes: If chuck or sirloin isn’t available, you can use brisket for a richer flavor.
- Broth Tip: For deeper umami, add a splash of fish sauce or a piece of kombu.
- Spicy Kick: Add Sichuan peppercorns or chili oil for a modern twist on the traditional west lake beef soup recipe.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 780mg
Best Pairing and Serving Suggestions
To enjoy xihu beef soup fully, pair it with Zhejiang-style side dishes. Stir-fried Chinese greens like bok choy or spinach offer a nice contrast. For more, try steamed rice or Chinese dumplings.
For drinks, jasmine tea or plum juice are great. They clean your palate and let you enjoy the soup's flavors. These drinks highlight Zhejiang's local cuisine traditions.
Serve the soup in a large, shallow bowl for the best experience. Add fresh herbs like cilantro or scallions for extra flavor and look. The xihu beef soup encourages you to slow down and enjoy Zhejiang's Chinese soup recipes.
The Xihu beef soup is more than just a meal – it's a culinary masterpiece that brings history, flavor, and tradition together in one comforting bowl. Whether you're reminiscing about Hangzhou's food heritage or exploring new dishes, this recipe is a must-try. And don’t forget to explore more amazing recipes on So Damn Delish.
FAQs
Q: What is Xihu beef soup, and where does it come from?
A: Xihu beef soup, also known as West Lake beef soup, comes from Hangzhou in Zhejiang province. It's a hearty soup with tender beef in a rich broth.
Q: What makes Xihu beef soup so special?
A: Its perfect flavor balance, tender meat, and rich broth make Xihu beef soup unique. It's a true taste of Jiangsu cuisine and Hangzhou's culinary traditions.
Q: What are the key ingredients in Xihu beef soup?
A: The soup features premium beef, an aromatic broth, and special seasonings like soy sauce and rice vinegar. Choosing the right beef and preparing the broth are key to its flavor.
Q: How is Xihu beef soup traditionally prepared?
A: It's made by simmering beef in a flavorful broth for hours. The meat becomes tender, and the broth is filled with spices and aromatics.
Q: Are there any regional variations of Xihu beef soup?
A: Yes, there are variations like Nanjing-style beef soup. Modern versions might mix in Sichuan or Wuxi flavors.
Q: What are the best ways to serve and enjoy Xihu beef soup?
A: Serve it with handmade Chinese noodles, rice, or on its own. It goes well with Zhejiang side dishes. Garnish with fresh herbs, scallions, and sesame oil for extra flavor.
PrintXihu Beef Soup: Best Traditional Chinese Noodle Bowl
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Comfort Food
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Discover the authentic taste of Xihu beef soup, a hearty Chinese noodle bowl that combines tender meat, rich broth, and hand-pulled noodles with So Damn Delish.
Ingredients
For Soup Base
- 1 lb beef (preferably chuck or sirloin), sliced thin
- 6 cups water
- 1 large piece of ginger, sliced
- 3 scallions, trimmed and halved
- 1 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
For Seasonings
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- Salt to taste
For Noodles & Garnish
- 12 oz fresh Chinese noodles
- 2 tbsp chopped scallions
- 1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add beef slices, ginger, scallions, star anise, and cinnamon stick. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 1.5-2 hours until the beef becomes tender and the broth rich.
- Add Seasonings: Remove the beef and strain the broth to discard aromatics. Return the broth to the pot. Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, white pepper, and salt. Adjust flavors as needed.
- Cook the Noodles: Cook noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Assemble the Dish: Divide noodles among bowls. Pour hot broth over the noodles and top with beef slices. Garnish with scallions, cilantro, and a drizzle of sesame oil.
Notes
- Beef Substitutes: If chuck or sirloin isn’t available, you can use brisket for a richer flavor.
- Broth Tip: For deeper umami, add a splash of fish sauce or a piece of kombu.
- Spicy Kick: Add Sichuan peppercorns or chili oil for a modern twist on the traditional west lake beef soup recipe.
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 50mg