Lanzhou Beef Noodle Soup (Lamian)

  • Total time - 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Preparation and assembly - 30 minutes
  • Cooking and simmering time - 3 hours
  • Servings: 4
  • Country: China
A rich bowl of Lanzhou Beef Noodle Soup with sliced beef and fresh herbs.

This soup is more than just a meal; it is a culinary experience with deep tradition. Its secret lies in the slow cooking that transforms simple ingredients into a complex and delicious broth. Create this version that focuses on the quality of the broth and assembling the bowl according to the 'five pillars,' and get ready for the true taste of China.

Ingredients

For the Broth

  • 1 kg beef bones (marrow bones)
  • 500 g beef shank
  • 1 piece daikon radish, chopped
  • 5 pieces ginger, sliced
  • 2 pieces whole star anise
  • 1 stick cinnamon stick
  • 2 pieces bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried Sichuan peppercorns
  • 5 pieces cloves
  • 4 liters cold water

For the Assembly and Serving

  • 400 g fresh noodles (lamian or other thin noodles)
  • salt
  • chili oil
  • chopped fresh cilantro
  • chopped scallions

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the broth

Rinse the beef bones and beef shank thoroughly to remove any impurities. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Skim off any scum that rises to the surface.

Step 2: Simmer the broth

Add the daikon radish and all the whole spices (ginger, star anise, cinnamon, bay leaves, Sichuan peppercorns, and cloves) to the pot. Reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover, and cook for at least 2-3 hours. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the meat and noodles

Once the broth is ready, remove the beef shank and let it cool. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into another pot. Slice the cooled beef thinly against the grain. Cook the fresh noodles according to package instructions.

Step 4: Assemble the soup

Place a few slices of daikon radish from the broth into each serving bowl, followed by the cooked, drained noodles. Arrange the thin slices of beef on top.

Step 5: Serve

Ladle the hot, clear broth over everything. Garnish generously with chili oil, chopped cilantro, and scallions. Serve immediately.