Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup

Ingredients

• 3-4 pounds beef shanks with bone still in (or beef short ribs)
• 5 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1 inch knob fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
• 1 bunch scallions, cut in 2 inch slices
• 1 plum tomatoes, quartered
• 1 teaspoon chinese five spice powder
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 4 - 5 whole star anise pods
• 2 thai chilis, split lengthwise (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chili bean sauce
• 1/2 cup chinese (shaoxing) rice wine
• 1 cup good-quality soy sauce
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken stock
• 10 cups water, or enough to cover beef
• 1 pound baby bok choy or broccoli rabe
• 1 pound chinese egg noodles or wheat noodles
• chopped fresh cilantro, if desired