Vietnamese Beef Stew, traditionally called “Bò Kho,” is a beloved dish with deep cultural roots in Vietnam’s culinary heritage. Its origins can be traced back to the French colonial era, when French cooking styles began to influence Vietnamese cuisine. The result is a beautifully balanced stew that marries classic Vietnamese flavors with European culinary techniques.
Initially, the dish was prepared using tougher beef cuts that were slow-cooked with a blend of fragrant herbs and spices to achieve a tender texture. As the recipe evolved, ingredients like carrots, potatoes, and lemongrass were added, enriching the flavor profile and enhancing the dish’s nutritional value.
In terms of health benefits, Vietnamese Beef Stew stands out thanks to the wholesome ingredients used in its preparation.
Recipe Card
Beef Stew, known as “Bò Kho” in Vietnamese
Description
Overall, Vietnamese Beef Stew is a hearty and nutritious dish that provides a balance of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals essential for maintaining a healthy diet. Its slow-cooking method allows for the extraction of nutrients from the ingredients, making it not only delicious but also beneficial for overall well-being.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).
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Sear the beef
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches and sear them until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
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Sauté aromatics
Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pot. Sauté the garlic, shallots, lemongrass, and ginger until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
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Add seasoning
Stir in the tomato paste, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, cinnamon stick, and star anise. Cook for another minute to combine the flavors.
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Simmer the stew
Return the seared beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Cook in the oven
Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Let the stew cook for about 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
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Add vegetables
Once the beef is tender, add the carrots and potatoes to the pot. Cover and continue to cook for another 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft.
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Season to taste
Remove the pot from the oven. Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve
Ladle the Vietnamese Beef Stew into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Saturated Fat 5g25%
- Sodium 900mg38%
- Potassium 800mg23%
- Total Carbohydrate 25g9%
- Dietary Fiber 5g20%
- Sugars 5g
- Vitamin A 5000 IU
- Vitamin C 15 mg
- Calcium 80 mg
- Iron 4 mg
- Vitamin D 0.9 IU
- Vitamin E 2 IU
- Vitamin K 15 mcg
- Thiamin 0.3 mg
- Riboflavin 0.2 mg
- Niacin 5 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.6 mg
- Folate 40 mcg
- Vitamin B12 2 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 2 mg
- Phosphorus 250 mg
- Magnesium 60 mg
- Zinc 5 mg
- Selenium 20 mcg
- Copper 0.5 mg
- Manganese 1 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Vietnamese Beef Stew, also known as “Bò Kho,” is traditionally served with accompaniments that complement its rich and aromatic flavors. Here are some common options for serving Vietnamese Beef Stew:
- Rice: Serve the stew over steamed white rice or jasmine rice. The rice helps absorb the flavorful broth and provides a nice contrast to the tender beef and vegetables.
- French Bread: In Vietnam, Vietnamese Beef Stew is often enjoyed with crusty French bread, known as “bánh mì.” The bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
- Rice Noodles: Another popular option is to serve the stew with rice noodles, also known as “bún.” Simply place a portion of cooked rice noodles in a bowl and ladle the stew over the top.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish the stew with fresh herbs such as cilantro, Thai basil, or mint. These herbs add brightness and freshness to the dish.
- Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges on the side. Squeezing lime juice over the stew just before eating can enhance its flavors.
- Chili Sauce: For those who enjoy extra heat, serve the stew with chili sauce or sliced fresh chili peppers on the side.
- Pickled Vegetables: Pickled vegetables, such as carrots and daikon radish, make a delicious and crunchy accompaniment to the stew.
- Fried Shallots: Top the stew with crispy fried shallots for added texture and flavor.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: Some variations of Vietnamese Beef Stew include hard-boiled eggs as an additional protein. Simply add halved hard-boiled eggs to the stew before serving.