Authentic Vietnamese Bo Xao Sa Ot Recipe: A Guide to Flavorful Lemongrass Chili Beef

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of beef sirloin, thinly sliced
  • 1 stalk of lemongrass, finely chopped
  • 2 bird's eye chilies, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • A handful of Thai basil leaves

Steps and instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced beef, chopped lemongrass, bird's eye chilies, minced garlic, fish sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the sliced onion to the skillet and sauté until it becomes translucent and slightly browned.
  4. Add the marinated beef to the skillet. Stir-fry it with the onions until the beef is cooked to your desired doneness. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Just before removing the skillet from the heat, add the Thai basil leaves and toss them with the beef stir-fry to let them wilt slightly in the residual heat.
  6. Serve the Bo Xao Sa Ot hot with a side of steamed rice.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - Used for marinating the beef and mixing the ingredients together.
  • Skillet or Wok - Used for stir-frying the beef and onions.
  • Sharp Knife - Needed to thinly slice the beef sirloin.
  • Cutting Board - Used for chopping the lemongrass, bird's eye chilies, garlic, and onion.
  • Measuring Spoons - For accurately measuring the fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar.
  • Vegetable Peeler - Optional, for peeling the outer layer of the lemongrass stalk.
  • Tongs or Spatula - Used for stirring and flipping the beef during cooking.

Recipe variations

  • Replace beef with chicken or pork for a different protein option.
  • Add vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to the stir-fry for added color and texture.
  • For a vegetarian/vegan version, substitute the meat with tofu or tempeh and use vegetarian oyster sauce.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices such as cilantro, mint, or ginger to add additional flavors.
  • For a spicier version, increase the amount of bird's eye chilies or add a dash of chili flakes.
  • Try using different types of basil such as sweet basil or holy basil for a unique twist.
  • For a gluten-free option, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of fish sauce and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Recipe overview

Bo Xao Sa Ot is a vibrant and flavorful Vietnamese dish that combines thinly sliced beef with the aromatic punch of lemongrass and the heat of bird's eye chilies. This recipe offers the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and sweet flavors, making it a great choice for those who enjoy Asian cuisine with a kick. The preparation process involves marinating the beef for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat, followed by a quick stir-fry with onions and Thai basil leaves. The end result is a delectable beef stir-fry that's bursting with flavor and can be enjoyed with a side of steamed rice. Whether you're new to Vietnamese cooking or a seasoned enthusiast, this recipe is straightforward, rewarding, and sure to please.

Common questions

  1. What type of beef should I use for Bo Xao Sa Ot?
    You should use beef sirloin for this recipe, thinly sliced.
  2. How long should I marinate the beef?
    For best results, marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes. However, you can also marinate it overnight for more flavorful results.
  3. Can I substitute the fish sauce?
    If you do not have fish sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce. However, the taste will be slightly different.
  4. Can I adjust the spice level?
    Yes, you can adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer bird's eye chilies. Adjust it according to your personal preference.
  5. Can I use a different type of basil?
    While Thai basil is traditionally used in this recipe, you can substitute it with other types of basil if you cannot find it. However, the flavor will differ slightly.
  6. What can I serve with Bo Xao Sa Ot?
    This dish is typically served with steamed rice. You can also serve it with noodles or as part of a Vietnamese-inspired meal.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Skillet or Wok - A large skillet or wok is essential for stir-frying the beef and vegetables.
  • Mixing Bowl - A mixing bowl is needed to marinate the beef with the spices and sauces.
  • Knife - A sharp knife is required for thinly slicing the beef and finely chopping the lemongrass and bird's eye chilies.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping and slicing ingredients.
  • Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons ensure accurate measurements of fish sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and other ingredients.
  • Spatula or Tongs - A spatula or tongs are useful for stirring and flipping the beef during the stir-frying process.
  • Plate or Serving Dish - A plate or serving dish is needed to present and serve the Bo Xao Sa Ot.

Origin stories

Bo Xao Sa Ot is a cherished dish hailing from the vibrant culinary landscape of Vietnam. The heart of this recipe lies in the harmony of its ingredients, reflecting the Vietnamese philosophy of the five elements corresponding to five tastes. Lemongrass, a culinary staple in this region, is said to help keep the body cool, a necessary function in Vietnam's tropical climate. In Vietnamese, 'Bo' means beef, 'Xao' means stir-fry, 'Sa' is lemongrass and 'Ot' means chili. Thus, the name isn't as cryptic as it first appears, but a simple, humble description of the dish's primary components. The addition of Thai basil, a latecomer to the party, provides a fragrant finish, a denouement that leaves you yearning for the next bite. Through this dish, one can experience a piece of Vietnam's rich culinary tapestry, a tapestry woven with the threads of tradition, simplicity, and balance.

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.