Bo Kho Recipe (Vietnamese Beef Stew)

Perhaps one of the most enticing yet intricate dishes in Vietnamese cuisine is bò kho, a slow-cooked beef stew that requires significant time and effort to prepare. However, you can recreate this exquisite dish at home with a convenient spice mix while retaining its authentic traditional flavor.

Bò kho is a beloved dish among many Vietnamese due to its rich and aromatic blend of nutritious spices. Despite its name suggesting a braised technique, the primary cooking method for bò kho is actually stewing. Tender chunks of beef are simmered to perfection, absorbing the robust flavors of the spices, creating a broth that is irresistibly savory. This article will share the traditional Vietnamese recipe for bò kho.

Benefits of Eating Bò Kho

The main ingredient in bò kho is beef, known for its high nutritional value, which supports overall muscle development and health. Here are some benefits of consuming Vietnamese bò kho:

• Muscle Enhancement: Beef contains linoleic acid, which aids in building and strengthening muscles and supports muscle recovery after strenuous activities.
• Boosting the Immune System: Rich in vitamins B, protein, B6, and B12, beef enhances the immune system, increasing resistance to illnesses.
• Improving Insulin Metabolism: The abundant magnesium and iron in beef help synthesize proteins and antioxidants, promoting muscle growth. Additionally, vitamin B6, combined with the neurotransmitter glutamic acid and zinc, prevents and treats neurological disorders, strengthens immunity, and improves insulin metabolism in the body.
• Iron Supplementation: The high iron content in beef helps regenerate red blood cells and prevents anemia.
• Preventing Dangerous Diseases: Vitamin B12 in beef converts harmful amino acids in the body into harmless molecules, reducing the risk of heart disease, brain hemorrhage, osteoporosis, colon cancer, and atherosclerosis.

Many worry that beef’s high nutritional content may lead to weight gain. However, it is recommended by fitness experts for muscle improvement and body toning, and it helps replenish energy quickly. To avoid uncontrolled weight gain, consume beef in moderation. A 100g serving of bò kho provides about 350 calories, equivalent to the energy needed for a meal. Therefore, this dish won’t cause weight gain if eaten appropriately.

Ingredients for Vietnamese Bò Kho

To prepare bò kho, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 kg beef brisket or tendon
• Water
• Spices: 1 tablespoon salt, soy sauce, seasoning powder, ketchup, chili sauce, bò kho seasoning, ginger, garlic, chili powder
• Onion, fresh ginger slices, lemongrass stalks, 3-4 star anise, 4-5 cinnamon sticks
• Water from 1 fresh coconut
• 2 carrots
• 30ml Mai Quế Lộ wine or another optional wine
• Fresh herbs: basil, culantro, cilantro
• Annatto oil

Instructions for Cooking Vietnamese Bò Kho

To make authentic Vietnamese bò kho, follow these steps:

Ingredient Preparation

1. Crush ginger, mix with wine and salt, then rub onto the beef. Rinse thoroughly to remove any odor.
2. Blanch the beef in hot water briefly, then cut into bite-sized pieces. Avoid slicing too thinly to prevent the meat from falling apart during the long simmering process.
3. Wash, peel, and slice the carrots.
4. Clean the remaining herbs.
5. Finely chop onion and garlic.
6. Toast star anise and cinnamon until fragrant.
7. Slice the onion and soak in ice water.
8. Marinate the beef with 30ml wine, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rock sugar, 2 tablespoons annatto oil, 1/2 teaspoon seasoning powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, half the amount of chopped onion and garlic, ginger, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 2 star anise, and 2 cinnamon sticks. Let it sit for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Cooking Vietnamese Bò Kho

1. Sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger in a pot until fragrant.
2. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until it browns, about 7-8 minutes.
3. Pour in 1 liter of fresh coconut water, add the crushed lemongrass stalks, and bring to a boil over low heat, skimming off any foam. Season to taste.
4. Lower the heat and simmer until the beef is tender. Remove the star anise and cinnamon, then add the carrots and cook until they reach the desired tenderness.
5. If you prefer a thicker broth, mix a little tapioca starch or cornstarch with water, then slowly pour it into the pot, stirring until it reaches the desired consistency.
6. Turn off the heat, ladle the bò kho into a bowl, garnish with fresh herbs and onion slices, and enjoy.

Tips for Delicious Bò Kho

• Select beef brisket or beef shank with a bit of tendon to ensure the dish is tasty and not too dry.
• The longer you marinate the beef, the more flavorful it will be.
• Be mindful of the timing when removing the star anise and cinnamon from the broth, especially once they release their aroma, to prevent bitterness from overcooking.
• To reduce the simmering time, you can add a bit of pineapple, as its bromelain enzyme helps tenderize the meat.

We hope these tips help you create a perfect traditional Vietnamese bò kho. You can enjoy bò kho with bread, rice noodles, noodles, or hot rice, according to your preference. After about 2 hours in the kitchen, you’ll have a delectable dish with tender beef that melts in your mouth, bursting with the aroma of herbs, making your meal truly unforgettable.