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Bò Kho (Beef Stew)

Vietnamese beef stew infused with lemongrass, star anise, and cinnamon.

150 minutes
Serves 5
Soup/Main

Instructions

  1. 1

    Marinate Beef: Toss the beef cubes with fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, five-spice powder, and half of the minced garlic/shallot. Marinate for 30 minutes.

  2. 2

    Sauté Aromatics: In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil and bloom the annatto powder for a red color. Sauté the remaining garlic, shallot, onion, and bruised lemongrass until fragrant.

  3. 3

    Sear Beef: Add the marinated beef and brown deeply on all sides. Add the star anise and cinnamon stick.

  4. 4

    Simmer: Pour in the coconut water and enough regular water to just cover the beef. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover and braise for 1.5 hours until the beef is mostly tender.

  5. 5

    Add Carrots: Stir in the carrot chunks. Continue to simmer uncovered for another 30-40 minutes until the carrots are soft and the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender. The broth should reduce and thicken slightly.

  6. 6

    Serve: Garnish with Thai basil and cilantro. Serve piping hot with toasted baguettes (Bánh Mì) for dipping, or over rice noodles.

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