Authentic Vietnamese Beef Stew - Pho Bo Kho Recipe

Ingredients

1 kg Beef chuck or shank, cut into 1.5 inch pieces
5 cloves Garlic, minced
2 medium Onions, thinly sliced
1 four-inch piece of fresh Ginger, thinly sliced
4 Star Anise
1 Cinnamon Stick
1 tablespoon Coriander Seeds
1 tablespoon Fennel Seeds
1 tablespoon Salt
2 tablespoons Sugar
2 tablespoons Fish Sauce
3 litres Water
3 Carrots, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
500g Daikon Radish, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
Freshly ground Black Pepper
Serve with: Fresh Basil, Cilantro, Lime wedges, Sliced fresh Chili, Bean sprouts

Steps and instructions

In a large pot, add the beef, garlic, half of the onions, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, salt, sugar, fish sauce, and water. Bring it to a boil over high heat.
Lower the heat to medium, cover the pot partially, and simmer for about 2 hours or until the beef is tender.
Using a slotted spoon, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside. Strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer into another pot, discard the solids.
Return the beef to the pot with the broth. Add the carrots and daikon, and simmer for another 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Meanwhile, in a skillet over medium heat, add a little oil and the remaining onions. Cook until they are caramelized. This will take about 15 minutes.
Add the caramelized onions to the pot. Season the broth with salt, sugar, and fish sauce, if needed. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh basil, cilantro, lime wedges, sliced fresh chili, and bean sprouts on the side.

Tools for making

Large pot - A pot large enough to accommodate the beef, vegetables, and broth.
Fine mesh strainer - A strainer used to remove solids from the broth.
Slotted spoon - A spoon with slots or holes to easily remove the beef from the broth.
Skillet - A frying pan with low, slanted sides used to caramelize the onions.

Recipe variations

Use chicken or pork instead of beef for a different flavor.
Add lemongrass for a citrusy note.
Include star anise, cloves, and cardamom pods for a more complex spice profile.
Replace the beef with tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian or vegan version.
Add vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, or snow peas for added freshness and crunch.
Experiment with different herbs and garnishes such as Thai basil, mint, or sliced scallions.
For a spicier kick, add sliced jalapenos or chili flakes.
Try using beef or vegetable broth instead of water for a richer flavor.
Serve the pho with different types of noodles such as rice noodles, egg noodles, or udon noodles.
Add a splash of coconut milk for a creamy twist.

Recipe overview

Pho Bo Kho is a delectable Vietnamese beef stew that's packed with flavor and hearty ingredients. This aromatic dish is made with tender pieces of beef and a rich, spiced broth that will tantalize your taste buds. The addition of hearty vegetables like carrots and daikon radish lend a delightful crunch, while a topping of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime add a tangy freshness that perfectly complements the rich stew. This recipe takes about 3 hours to cook, but the majority of that time is hands-off, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. This is a dish that's perfect for a comforting dinner on a cold evening and is sure to impress anyone who tastes it. A side of hot steamed rice would complete this meal perfectly.

Common questions

Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, you can use beef chuck or shank for this recipe. These cuts are ideal as they become tender and flavorful when cooked slowly.
How long does it take to cook the beef? The beef needs to simmer for about 2 hours or until it becomes tender.
How do I strain the broth? Use a fine mesh strainer to strain the broth, separating it from the solids.
Can I adjust the seasoning? Yes, feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can add more salt, sugar, or fish sauce if needed.
What are some suggested garnishes? Fresh basil, cilantro, lime wedges, sliced fresh chili, and bean sprouts are commonly used as garnishes for Pho bo kho.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large Pot - A pot large enough to hold the beef and vegetables, and simmer the broth.
Fine Mesh Strainer - Used to strain the broth and remove any solids.
Slotted Spoon - To remove the beef from the pot without taking the broth.
Skillet - A pan used to caramelize the onions.
Soup Bowls - For serving the Pho bo kho.
Chopsticks - Traditional utensils for enjoying the Pho bo kho.
Soup Spoons - Used to consume the broth and solid ingredients.

Origin stories

Pho Bo Kho is a rich and fragrant Vietnamese stew that is most often enjoyed for breakfast, but can be savored any time of the day. Its roots can be traced back to the French influence in Vietnam, as it is thought to be a Vietnamese adaptation of the famous French dish "Pot-au-feu". The name "Pho Bo Kho" translates to "beef stew pho", however, the dish is quite different from the traditional pho soup. It showcases the wonderful melding of French and Vietnamese culinary traditions, with its use of herbs and spices like star anise, cinnamon, and coriander, and the French method of slow-cooking beef to tender perfection. The addition of Asian vegetables like daikon radish adds another layer of authenticity. Today, Pho Bo Kho remains a beloved comfort food in Vietnam, warming the heart with each delightful spoonful.

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.