Bò Kho (Vietnamese Beef Stew) Recipe

beef

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: pork

Chicken is leaner and pork is often less expensive.

fish sauce

🥗Healthier: soy sauce

💰Cheaper: salt

Soy sauce is a gluten-free alternative; salt is a basic seasoning.

beef broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Vegetable broth reduces calories and is suitable for vegetarians.

carrots

🥗Healthier: zucchini

💰Cheaper: potatoes

Zucchini is lower in calories, while potatoes are often cheaper.

Marinate the beef: Mix the beef with all marinade ingredients in a bowl. Rest for 30 minutes to an hour.

Prep the vegetables: Cut the carrots into thick chunks. Cut a large onion in half, then cut each half into quarters.

Sear the beef: Heat 2 tbsp oil or annatto oil in a large pot. Add the marinated beef and sear until golden. Halfway through searing, add the minced lemongrass (if using minced) and 2 tbsp tomato paste. Stir until fragrant and coated.

Add Carrots and Onions. Add the carrots and onions and mix with the beef. Then add enough broth to cover the meat. Bring to a boil, skim off any foam, then lower to a simmer.

Add aromatics: If using lemongrass stalks instead of minced, add them now. Add ginger slices, bay leaves, and star anise.

Cook: Simmer for at least 1.5-2 hours until the beef is tender and the broth is rich. You can do this faster in an Instapot/pressure cooker if you have one.

Final seasoning: Taste and adjust with sugar, fish sauce, bouillon, salt, and pepper.

Serve: Serve with warm baguette, noodles, or rice. Garnish with herbs, serve with a lime wedge, and enjoy!

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens