Sichuan Beef Noodle Soup

Sichuan Beef Noodle Soup
Makes 8 to 10 servings

3 pounds boneless beef stew, cubed
vegetable oil
1 2 1/2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled, cut into 1/3-inch-thick rounds, each smashed with flat side of knife
1 small head garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
1 large chopped onion
3 tablespoons chili bean paste (Sichuan hot bean paste; dou ban jiang)
8 green onions, whites and greens divided
1/2 cup (or more)
salt
6 whole star anise
2 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns
Pepper
1 pound eggless Chinese wheat noodles (Shandong la mian)
1 medium bok choy, prepped
Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Bean sprouts

Bring large pot of water to boil over high heat. Add beef; return water to boil. Reduce heat. Simmer until beef is brown on outside, turning occasionally, about 8 minutes; drain. Rinse beef under cold water until cool; cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes. Wipe out pot.
Heat 1/4 cup oil in same pot over medium-high heat. Add ginger and garlic. Sauté 1 minute. Add chopped onions; sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add chili bean paste; stir 30 seconds. Add 16 cups water, whole green onions, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons salt, star anise, and rock sugar. Mix in beef. Tie peppercorns in cheesecloth; add to pot. Bring soup to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Gently simmer uncovered 1 hour, adjusting heat to avoid boiling.
Add tomatoes to pot. Continue to simmer soup until beef is very tender, 45 to 60 minutes. Adjust seasoning, adding more soy sauce by tablespoonfuls and more salt, if desired. Season with pepper.
Meanwhile, cook noodles according to package directions. Drain well.
Divide noodles among large soup bowls. Add some bok choy to each, if desired. Ladle soup and meat over. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro.