Description
Vietnamese Bò Kho is a rich and aromatic beef stew infused with star anise, lemongrass, and cinnamon. This tender, slow-braised dish is perfect with bread, rice, or noodles, offering a comforting and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs beef (chuck or brisket), cut into large chunks
- 3 carrots, cut into thick rounds
- 3 stalks lemongrass, lightly bruised
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 shallots, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
- 2 star anise pods
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 cloves
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp annatto oil
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Thai basil, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the beef, mince the garlic, shallots, and ginger, and cut the carrots into thick rounds. Lightly bruise the lemongrass stalks.
- Marinate the Beef: Mix the beef with fish sauce, soy sauce, black pepper, and sugar. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat annatto oil in a pot and sauté garlic, shallots, and ginger until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste.
- Brown the Beef: Add marinated beef and sear until browned on all sides.
- Simmer with Spices: Pour in beef broth and water. Add lemongrass, star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook Until Tender: Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is tender.
- Add Carrots: Stir in carrots and cook for another 20 minutes until tender.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust with additional fish sauce, salt, or sugar as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro and Thai basil. Serve hot with lime wedges and your choice of bread, rice, or noodles.
Notes
- Spicier Version: Add fresh chili peppers or chili oil.
- Coconut Twist: Use coconut water instead of plain water for added sweetness.
- Vegetable Additions: Include daikon radish or potatoes for extra heartiness.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve without any sides or with cauliflower rice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- chill time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: braising
- Cuisine: vietnamese
Keywords: Vietnamese beef stew, Bò Kho recipe, authentic Bò Kho, Vietnamese braised beef, lemongrass beef stew