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Tender Beef Bò Kho Recipe with Vietnamese Spices


  • Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

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

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the beef, mince the garlic, shallots, and ginger, and cut the carrots into thick rounds. Lightly bruise the lemongrass stalks.
  2. Marinate the Beef: Mix the beef with fish sauce, soy sauce, black pepper, and sugar. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat annatto oil in a pot and sauté garlic, shallots, and ginger until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste.
  4. Brown the Beef: Add marinated beef and sear until browned on all sides.
  5. 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.
  6. Cook Until Tender: Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is tender.
  7. Add Carrots: Stir in carrots and cook for another 20 minutes until tender.
  8. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust with additional fish sauce, salt, or sugar as needed.
  9. 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