Chilli & ginger broth with prawns; Seared steak with noodles and broth

These light noodle soups are a breeze to make. The prawns can be swapped for pieces of fish or chicken.

Chilli and ginger broth with prawns. Picture: Guy Bailey

Chilli & ginger broth with prawns

750ml (3 cups) chicken or fish stock

2 tablespoons fish sauce

1 tablespoon light soy sauce

1 teaspoon caster sugar

1 red chilli, deseeded, sliced

4 spring onions, finely shredded

1 carrot, peeled, finely shredded

2.5cm fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated

50g rice noodles

250g peeled uncooked prawns

1 small bunch fresh coriander, to serve

Place all ingredients except noodles and prawns into large saucepan and bring to the boil. Reduce to simmer, add noodles and prawns and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently. Ladle into bowls and top with picked coriander leaves. Serves 2

Seared steak with noodles and broth

1cm piece fresh ginger, plus 2 teaspoons finely chopped ginger

4 spring onions, trimmed

2 star anise

2 cloves

1 clove garlic, peeled

1 teaspoon brown sugar

750ml (3 cups) chicken stock

Pinch dried chilli flakes

2 teaspoons sesame oil, plus a little extra for the steak

2 teaspoons rice vinegar or sherry vinegar

250g sirloin steak, trimmed

150g snow peas

1 tablespoon soy sauce

200g fresh egg noodles

Peel 1cm piece of ginger, cut two spring onions into 10cm lengths, place in medium saucepan with star anise, cloves, garlic, brown sugar and stock; heat on medium, stirring to dissolve sugar. Simmer very gently, covered, for 15 minutes. Strain; pour liquid back into pan (discarding solids). Finely chop remaining two spring onions; mix with chopped ginger, chilli flakes, sesame oil, rice vinegar and a splash of water. Brush steak with a little oil; season with salt and pepper. Sear for 2 minutes each side in a hot frying pan. Reheat broth; add snow peas. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until tender. Stir in soy sauce; add noodles to heat through. Divide between 2 bowls; top with sliced steak and the ginger and sesame oil mix. Serves 2