Authentic Vietnamese Beef Stew (Bo Kho) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs beef brisket, cut into 2-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and smashed
  • 1 piece (about 2 inches) ginger, peeled and sliced
  • 2 star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • French baguette, for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, add the garlic, onion, lemongrass, ginger, star anise, and cinnamon stick. Cook until the onions become translucent.
  3. Add the tomato paste, fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper to the pot, stirring to mix well with the other ingredients.
  4. Return the beef to the pot, then add the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 2 hours until the beef is tender.
  5. Add the carrots and potatoes to the pot. Continue cooking for another 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  6. Check the seasoning and add more fish sauce or sugar if needed.
  7. Serve the Bo Kho hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Accompany it with a French baguette.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use a different protein: Substitute the beef with chicken, pork, or tofu.
  • Add more vegetables: Include additional vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms.
  • Adjust the spices: Customize the spice level by adding chili flakes or fresh chilies for some heat.
  • Make it vegetarian or vegan: Omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Replace fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari.
  • Try different herbs: Experiment with different herbs such as Thai basil, mint, or cilantro for added flavor.
  • Change the broth: Use a different type of broth like chicken broth or vegetable broth for a different taste.
  • Add noodles: Serve the Bo Kho over rice noodles or egg noodles for a heartier meal.
  • Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
  • Add a citrus twist: Squeeze some lime juice to brighten up the flavors of the dish.

Recipe overview

Bo Kho is a delicious, hearty Vietnamese beef stew that's perfect for a cozy dinner at home. This dish features tender chunks of beef brisket, potatoes, and carrots, all simmered in a flavorful broth infused with aromatic spices like star anise, cinnamon, and lemongrass. The result is a mouthwatering stew with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors. While Bo Kho is traditionally served with a warm, crusty French baguette for dipping, it can also be enjoyed with noodles or rice. The cooking process is easy to follow and mostly hands-off, making this a great recipe for both weekday meals and special occasions. Enjoy the process of making this wonderful dish and the delightful flavors that come with it.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
    Yes, you can use other cuts of beef such as stew meat or chuck roast. Just make sure to cut them into 2-inch cubes.
  2. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
    Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. After browning the beef and sautéing the onions, transfer everything to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until the beef is tender.
  3. Can I make Bo Kho vegetarian?
    Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Bo Kho by substituting the beef with tofu or your favorite meat substitute. Additionally, you can use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and omit the fish sauce.
  4. Can I freeze Bo Kho?
    Yes, Bo Kho freezes well. Allow the stew to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  5. What can I serve with Bo Kho?
    Bo Kho is traditionally served with French baguette or rice noodles. It also goes well with steamed rice or crusty bread.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Bo Kho, popularly known as Vietnamese Beef Stew, is a dish that tells a tale of cultural amalgamation. It epitomizes the much-celebrated fusion of the traditional Vietnamese cooking style with French culinary influence, a story that dates back to the French colonial era in Vietnam. The use of beef, a rarity in early Vietnamese cuisine, is a testament to this influence. Mirroring the French love for dipping bread into rich stews, the Vietnamese serve Bo Kho with baguette, a nod to the French culinary practice. Yet, amidst these foreign influences, the soul of Vietnam persists through the dish's intricate use of spices and the ever-present fish sauce, reflecting a harmony of cultures within a single, hearty stew.

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.