Chinese Beef Stew with Noodles
Chinese Beef Stew with Noodles, often called 'Niu Rou Mian' (牛肉面), is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender, slow-braised beef in a rich, savory broth, served over chewy wheat noodles. The stew is typically flavored with a blend of soy sauce, star anise, ginger, and other aromatics, with common additions like daikon radish or bok choy. It is a beloved staple across China, with regional variations, most famously associated with Sichuan and Taiwanese cuisine.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a well-balanced meal, providing a substantial amount of protein from the beef, complex carbohydrates from the noodles, and a moderate amount of fat, especially if using a richer cut of beef. A typical serving offers iron, B vitamins, and minerals, with a calorie range of approximately 500-700 kcal, depending on portion size and broth richness.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 55 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 980 mg |
| Iron | 4.5 mg |
| Potassium | 480 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.8 µg |
| Zinc | 6.2 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 8.5 mg |
| Phosphorus | 310 mg |
| Selenium | 22 µg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.6 mg |
Per 1 bowl (400 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, this dish represents the Chinese culinary philosophy of 'yi tang dai shui' (一汤带水), where a flavorful broth is integral to the meal, not just a side. Nutritionally, the slow-braising process helps break down collagen in the beef, making it tender while enriching the broth with beneficial amino acids.
