Clear Beef Soup with Ophiopogon and Solomon’s Seal is light, sweet, and nourishing. The broth is clear and comforting. The beef shank is sliced thinly, blanched, and simmered until tender. It’s perfect for warming the stomach in autumn and winter.
🌴 Ingredients:
· 300g beef shank (sliced thinly against the grain)
· 10g Ophiopogon
· 10g Solomon’s Seal
🌴 Aromatics:
· 5-6 slices of ginger
· 2 stalks of scallion (cut into segments)
· A small handful of goji berries (optional)
🌴 Seasonings:
· Salt, to taste (add at the end)
· A pinch of white pepper powder
· Water, as needed
🌴 Instructions:
- Slice the Beef
Slice the beef shank thinly against the grain. Cutting against the grain breaks the fibers, making the meat tender. Rinse with water and pat dry. ⚠️ Note: Cutting against the grain is the key to tender beef. I’ve tried cutting with the grain, and it turned out tough and chewy. - Blanch the Beef
Bring a pot of water to a boil with a few slices of ginger and a spoonful of cooking wine. Add the beef slices and blanch for 1-2 minutes. Skim off the foam, drain, and rinse with warm water. ⚠️ Note: Don’t blanch for too long; remove as soon as they change color. I’ve tried blanching too long, and the beef turned tough. - Simmer the Broth
Add plenty of water to a pot with ginger, scallion, Ophiopogon, and Solomon’s Seal. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low heat and simmer for 15 minutes to release the flavors. ⚠️ Note: Simmer the herbs first to create a naturally sweet broth. - Add the Beef
Add the blanched beef slices to the pot. Reduce to low heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. ⚠️ Note: Don’t simmer for too long, or the thin slices will become tough. - Season
Add salt and a pinch of white pepper. Stir well. Add the goji berries just before turning off the heat. ⚠️ Note: Add salt at the end for a fresher taste. I’ve tried adding it early, and the beef flavor was lost. - Serve
Serve hot. The broth is clear and sweet, and the beef is tender. ⚠️ Note: Best enjoyed hot.
💡 More Nourishing and Comforting Soups:
If you enjoy this clear beef soup, you should also try my [Radish and Beef Soup] for another incredibly savory and comforting bowl.
Want to explore more? Check out my full [soups] category!
💡 Tips:
The key to Clear Beef Soup is “clear, sweet broth and tender beef.” Slice the beef shank thinly against the grain for tenderness. Blanch first to remove the odor. Keep the simmering time to 10-15 minutes. Ophiopogon and Solomon’s Seal are nourishing; 10g each is enough. Add salt at the end for a fresher taste.
❤️ Click the homepage for more delicious recipes!