Authentic Vietnamese Beef Curry: Cà Ri Bò Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 kg beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1 tablespoon lemongrass paste
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 400 ml coconut milk
  • 500 ml beef broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Coriander leaves for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until they become translucent.
  3. Add the beef to the pot and sear on all sides until it is browned.
  4. Mix in the curry powder, lemongrass paste, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure the beef is well coated with the spices.
  5. Add the carrots and potatoes to the pot and stir again to mix them with the beef and spices.
  6. Pour in the coconut milk and beef broth. Add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  7. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors are well combined.
  8. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
  9. Garnish the dish with coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or bread.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - A pot large enough to hold all the ingredients and simmer the curry.
  • Vegetable knife - A sharp knife for chopping garlic, onions, carrots, and potatoes.
  • Cutting board - A sturdy surface for safely chopping vegetables and meat.
  • Wooden spoon - A utensil for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pot.
  • Measuring spoons - To accurately measure the curry powder, lemongrass paste, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
  • Measuring cup - To measure the coconut milk and beef broth.
  • Ladle - Used for serving the curry into bowls.

Recipe variations

  • Use chicken instead of beef for a Cà Ri Gà (Chicken Curry) variation.
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or green beans for additional color and flavor.
  • Replace the curry powder with a homemade curry paste for a more intense and authentic flavor.
  • For a vegetarian or vegan option, substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh.
  • Experiment with different spices and herbs such as turmeric, cumin, or ginger to customize the flavor profile.
  • Add a splash of fish sauce or soy sauce for an extra umami kick.
  • For a lighter version, use light coconut milk or substitute part of it with vegetable broth.
  • Try serving the curry with different accompaniments like naan bread, roti, or rice noodles.
  • For a spicier variation, add chili peppers or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
  • Incorporate other ingredients like pineapple chunks or raisins for a touch of sweetness and complexity.

Recipe overview

Cà Ri Bò, or Vietnamese Beef Curry, is a comforting and rich dish full of vibrant flavors. This recipe combines tender chunks of beef with hearty potatoes and carrots, all simmered in a satisfying, creamy coconut milk and beef broth based curry. The unique blend of spices, including lemongrass and curry powder, provide a wonderful depth of flavor that sets it apart from other types of curry. This dish is traditionally served with rice or bread, making it a substantial meal that is perfect for a family dinner or gathering. The cooking process is straightforward and largely hands-off, letting the stove do most of the work while you enjoy the tantalizing aromas filling your kitchen. Dive into the world of Vietnamese cuisine with this delightful Cà Ri Bò recipe!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe? Yes, you can use a different cut of beef such as stew meat or beef shank if you prefer.
  2. Can I substitute the curry powder with curry paste? Yes, you can substitute curry paste for the curry powder. Use about 2 tablespoons of curry paste instead.
  3. Can I use light coconut milk instead of regular coconut milk? Yes, you can use light coconut milk if you prefer a lighter version of the dish. However, note that it may slightly affect the richness and creaminess of the curry.
  4. Can I add other vegetables to the curry? Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can add other vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or green beans according to your preference.
  5. How spicy is this curry? The level of spiciness can vary depending on the curry powder you use. If you prefer a milder curry, you can use a mild curry powder. Adjust the amount of curry powder according to your spice preference.
  6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make this curry ahead of time. In fact, the flavors tend to develop and improve when it is allowed to sit for a few hours or overnight. Simply reheat it gently before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - A large pot is needed to cook the curry and simmer the ingredients.
  • Chef's knife - A chef's knife is essential for cutting the beef, onion, garlic, carrots, and potatoes.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing the ingredients.
  • Spatula or wooden spoon - A spatula or wooden spoon is helpful for stirring the curry and ensuring the ingredients are well mixed.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are needed to accurately measure the curry powder, lemongrass paste, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  • Ladle or serving spoon - A ladle or serving spoon is used for serving the Cà Ri Bò onto plates or bowls.
  • Garnish tools - Optional tools such as kitchen shears or herb scissors can be used to finely chop the coriander leaves for garnishing.
  • Rice or bread serving utensils - Depending on the choice of serving, rice cooker or bread knife can be helpful for portioning and serving rice or bread.

Origin stories

Cà Ri Bò, or Vietnamese beef curry, is a delightful fusion of culinary influences. It is a testament to Vietnam's historical trade relationships and its adaptability to incorporate foreign flavors into local cuisine. The dish is most likely a product of the Indian influence brought by traders and merchants, combined with French culinary methods during the colonial era, then blended with traditional Vietnamese ingredients. The use of curry spices hints at Indian cuisine, while the slow-cooking process echoes French cooking techniques. The addition of local ingredients, such as lemongrass and coconut milk, make it distinctly Vietnamese. Today, it is considered a comfort food staple in many Vietnamese households, often enjoyed with a side of warm baguette, another French influence, or over steamed rice.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.