Serves: 4

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: Approximately 15 minutes


Ingredients:
450g/1lb lean beef stir-fry strips
10ml/2tsp Chinese five-spice powder
15-30ml/1-2tbsp soy sauce
15ml/1tbsp prepared chilli or Schezuan sauce
1.2L/2pint good, hot beef or vegetable stock
2.5cm/1inch piece fresh root ginger, peeled and finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
Large bunch freshly chopped coriander or parsley
175g/6oz fresh or dried fine egg noodles
200g/7oz pak choi or green cabbage, shredded
1 small red pepper, cored, deseeded and finely sliced and cut into half widthways
Small bunch spring onions, finely chopped
Salt and freshly milled black pepper


Method:

1.In a medium bowl dust the stir-fry strips in the Chinese five-spice powder. Add the soy sauce and chilli or schezuan sauce. Cover and set aside.

2.In a large pan add the stock, ginger and garlic. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

3.Add the noodles and pak choi or cabbage. Simmer for a further 1-2 minutes. Add the beef with the marinade mixture and the red pepper. Simmer for a further 2-3 minutes or until the noodles are tender. Remove from the heat, season if required and stir through half the spring onions and coriander.

4.Divide the broth between four bowls and garnish with the remaining, spring onions and coriander.