1 litre / 4 cups chicken stock/broth, ( low sodium (Note 1))

2 garlic cloves (, peeled and halved)

1.5 cm / 1/2" ginger piece, (cut into 5 thin slices (optional, but highly recommended))

1 star anise (, optional)

1 1/2 tbsp light soy sauce (, or all purpose soy sauce (Note 2))

2 tsp sugar ((any))

1 1/2 tbsp chinese cooking wine ((Note 3))

1/2 tsp sesame oil (, toasted (optional) (Note 5))

4 - 6 stems Chinese broccoli (or bok choy, stems and leaves sliced and separated (Note 7 for how to chop))

1 small carrot (, peeled, cut in half lengthways then finely sliced on the diagonal )

75g / 2.5 oz enoki mushrooms (("faux" noodles!), or other mushrooms sliced or quartered (Note 8))

1/2 cup coriander/cilantro sprigs/leaves (, lightly packed (or Thai basil, mint, chives))

1 green onion (, green part only finely sliced)

2 tbsp crispy fried shallots ((store bought, staple in my pantry!))

Chilli crisp, chilli sauce or sriracha (, optional )

Other ideas: sesame seeds, sliced chilli, Thai basil