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Vietnamese bo kho beef and carrot stew served with a crusty baguette.

Vietnamese Bo Kho

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Fragrant Vietnamese beef and carrot stew with lemongrass, star anise, cinnamon, and tomato.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Marinating Time 1 hour
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
 
 

Beef and Marinade
  • 2 1/2 lb beef chuck cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 stalks lemongrass tender inner parts minced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger finely grated
  • 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
Stew
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil
  • 1 large yellow onion sliced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 6 cups low-sodium beef stock
  • 2 whole star anise
  • 1 stick cinnamon about 3 inches
  • 1 lb carrots cut into large chunks
  • 1 tsp fine salt plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven
  • Mixing bowl
  • Chef's knife
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

Marinate:
  1. Combine beef, fish sauce, brown sugar, lemongrass, garlic, ginger, and five-spice. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  2. Remove the beef from the marinade and pat it lightly dry, reserving any marinade.
Build the Stew:
  1. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, then transfer it to a plate.
  2. Lower the heat, cook the onion for 5 minutes, then stir in tomato paste for 1 minute. Return the beef and reserved marinade to the pot.
Simmer:
  1. Add stock, star anise, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover partially, and cook for 1 1/2 hours.
  2. Add carrots and simmer for 35 to 45 minutes more, until the beef and carrots are tender. Remove whole spices and adjust the seasoning.

Nutrition

Calories: 485kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 45gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 135mgSodium: 780mgFiber: 4gSugar: 9g

Notes

  • Cut the beef into generous pieces so it stays juicy during the long simmer.
  • For a thicker broth, simmer uncovered for the final 15 minutes.