Cold soba noodles in beef broth (延吉冷面)

For braising the beef

• 500 g beef shank or beef brisket, cut into large chunks 18oz
• 1200 ml water 5 cups
• 2 stalks spring onion, finely chopped
• 1 thumb-sized ginger, sliced
• 1 star-anise
• 1 small piece cassia cinnamon
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ teaspoon Sichuan peppercorn optional
• 1 pinch fennel seeds optional
• 3 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 2 teaspoon white rice vinegar
• ½ tablespoon rock sugar or regular sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

For each bowl of broth

• 4 teaspoon white rice vinegar
• 1 pinch sugar
• 1 pinch salt

You also need

• 170 g dried soba noodles 6oz
• 1 egg
• ½ apple, sliced
• 200 g cucumber, julienned 7oz
• kimchi to taste
• Red chilli paste aka Gochujang, to taste
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds