If you’ve ever found yourself in Quincy, Massachusetts, craving a taste of authentic Taiwanese cuisine, then Taipei Cuisine is the place to be. Known for its vibrant flavors and traditional dishes, one item consistently steals the show: their beef noodle soup. This bowl of comfort is a favorite among both locals and visitors, drawing food lovers from near and far. But here’s the big question: Is Taipei Cuisine Quincy beef noodle soup the best in Quincy? Let’s find out what makes this dish so special and see if it lives up to the hype!
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Discovering Taipei Cuisine Quincy Beef Noodle Soup
Located in the heart of Quincy, Taipei Cuisine is a family-owned gem known for its authentic Taiwanese beef noodle soup. The restaurant has earned a loyal following with its focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
The beef noodle soup stands out for its slow-braised beef, tender noodles, and rich, aromatic broth—delivering the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s no wonder this dish has become a must-try in Quincy, earning rave reviews from diners.
What Makes Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup Special?
Taiwanese beef noodle soup is a cultural icon and a symbol of Taiwan’s rich culinary heritage. It quickly became a national favorite and remains a staple dish, loved for its comforting qualities.
The key to its uniqueness lies in the slow-braised beef, tender and melt-in-your-mouth, and the aromatic, spicy broth that offers deep, savory flavors. Paired with tender noodles, this dish is both satisfying and comforting.
At Taipei Cuisine Quincy, their Taiwanese beef broth stands out with perfectly balanced flavors and a touch of heat, making it a must-try for newcomers and regulars alike.
A Taste of Taipei Cuisine Quincy Beef Noodle Soup
When your bowl of Taipei Cuisine Quincy Beef noodle bowl arrives, its deep amber broth and aromatic spices immediately captivate. Garnished with fresh herbs and scallions, it beckons you to dive in.
The broth steals the show—rich, savory, and slightly spicy, with layers of flavor from slow-cooked beef bones, garlic, and star anise. The tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef absorbs all the broth’s flavors, while the firm yet tender noodles soak up the rich liquid, offering a satisfying chewiness.
How to Make Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup at Home
Ingredients:
- Beef shank or short ribs – 2 lbs (for tender, flavorful beef)
- Beef bones – 2-3 large bones (for a rich broth)
- Taiwanese wheat noodles – 12 oz (or any firm Asian-style noodles)
- Soy sauce – 1/4 cup
- Dark soy sauce – 1/4 cup
- Rice wine – 1/4 cup (or Shaoxing wine)
- Oyster sauce – 2 tablespoons
- Sugar – 1 tablespoon
- Star anise – 2 pods
- Chinese five-spice powder – 1/2 teaspoon
- Garlic – 6 cloves, smashed
- Ginger – 2-inch piece, sliced
- Green onions – 4 stalks (2 for broth, 2 for garnish)
- Cilantro – 1/4 cup (for garnish)
- Chili paste or dried chili – 1 tablespoon (adjust for desired spice level)
- Water – 8 cups
- Salt – to taste
- Pickled mustard greens – 1/2 cup (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beef:
- Cut beef into 2-inch pieces (keep bone marrow in shank). Blanch the beef and bones in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water.
- Make the Broth:
- In a large pot, combine beef bones, beef shank, garlic, ginger, and 2 stalks of green onions. Add 8 cups of water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 2-2.5 hours, skimming off scum occasionally.
- Season the Broth:
- Strain the broth, return to the pot, and add soy sauces, rice wine, oyster sauce, sugar, star anise, five-spice powder, and chili paste. Simmer for 30 more minutes and adjust salt to taste.
- Cook the Noodles:
- Cook noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Assemble the Soup:
- Place cooked noodles in bowls, ladle the broth with beef over them, and garnish with cilantro, green onions, and optional pickled mustard greens.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of Taiwanese beef noodle bowl.
Pro Tips and Variations for Taipei Cuisine Quincy Beef Noodle Soup
Enhance the Flavor:
- Slow-simmer the broth for 3-4 hours to deepen the flavor.
- Roast the beef bones at 400°F for 20-30 minutes to add a rich, caramelized taste.
- Add extra garlic, ginger, or shallots, and a cinnamon stick for added depth.
Adjust Spice Levels:
- Milder Version: Reduce or omit chili paste and dried chilies, and use white pepper for a subtle heat.
- Spicy Kick: Increase chili paste or add extra dried red chilies, or serve with chili oil for more heat.
Add Traditional Toppings:
- Pickled Mustard Greens: A tangy, crunchy topping that balances the soup’s richness.
- Cilantro and Green Onions: Fresh herbs for contrast.
- Soft-Boiled Egg: Adds richness with a slightly runny yolk.
Serving Suggestions for Taipei Cuisine Quincy Beef Noodle Soup
- Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken: Crispy, savory chicken bites with aromatic herbs and spices complement the richness of the beef noodle soup.
- Taiwanese Dumplings: These delicious dumplings, filled with pork, cabbage, or shrimp, make a great side to round out the meal.
- Simple Side Salad: For a refreshing contrast, pair the soup with a crisp, light salad—perhaps a simple mix of cucumber, tomatoes, and sesame dressing.
- Taiwanese Pickled Vegetables: Add a small side of pickled vegetables for some tangy crunch that complements the beef broth’s rich flavors.
Conclusion
Taipei Cuisine Quincy’s beef noodle soup delivers rich broth, tender beef, and perfectly cooked noodles; an authentic taste of Taiwanese cuisine. Its depth of flavor and attention to detail make it a standout.
Is it the best? If you love bold, satisfying flavors, it’s certainly a top contender. Whether you’re dining in or making it at home, this dish won’t disappoint.
Looking for a great noodle alternative? Gluten-free egg noodles are a fantastic option!
Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup (Inspired by Taipei Cuisine Quincy)
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef shank or brisket
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2- inch piece of ginger sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 star anise
- 2 teaspoons five-spice powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 green onions chopped
- 1 package of fresh wheat noodles
- Pickled mustard greens optional
- Fresh cilantro optional
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the beef shank or brisket and brown on all sides.
- Add soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice wine, and sugar, and stir to coat the beef.
- Pour in the beef broth and add the star anise and five-spice powder. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender.
- Strain the broth, return the liquid to the pot, and simmer for another 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions and divide them into bowls.
- Pour the broth over the noodles and top with the tender beef. Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, and pickled mustard greens if desired.
Notes
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- For a richer flavor, you can use a mix of beef shank and brisket.
- If you don’t have beef broth, you can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth.
- You can adjust the spice level by adding chili peppers or increasing the amount of five-spice powder.
- Calories: 450-500 calories per serving (estimate)
FAQs About Beef Noodle Soup
Why is beef noodle soup famous in Taiwan?
Beef noodle soup, Taiwan’s national dish, became popular post-World War II as Chinese immigrants introduced it. Its rich, savory broth and tender beef made it a beloved staple of Taiwanese cuisine.
What beef for Taiwanese beef noodle soup?
Taiwanese beef noodle bowl typically uses beef shank or brisket, as these cuts become tender when slow-cooked, absorbing the broth’s rich flavors while maintaining a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
What is noodles soup?
Noodle soup is a versatile dish featuring noodles in a rich broth, often with vegetables, meat, or tofu. Popular worldwide, it varies by cuisine—Taiwanese beef noodle soup, for example, highlights slow-cooked beef in a savory broth.
Can I make a quick beef noodle soup?
Yes, you can make a quick beef noodle soup by using pre-cooked beef or beef stew meat and simmering the broth for less time. While it won’t have the richness of slow-cooked beef, it’ll still be tasty and satisfying.
What is an old-fashioned beef noodle soup recipe?
An old-fashioned beef noodle soup recipe involves slow-braising beef shank or brisket with soy sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, star anise, and ginger. The beef is served with freshly cooked noodles and garnished with pickled mustard greens or cilantro for extra flavor.
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