Bò Kho (Vietnamese Beef Stew)

Introduction

Bò Kho, or Vietnamese Beef Stew, is a culinary masterpiece that delivers comforting warmth, tantalizing spices, and melt-in-your-mouth beef. This aromatic stew is a beloved staple, gracing family tables and festive gatherings alike thanks to its complex flavors and incredibly satisfying texture. Whether enjoyed with crusty bread, steamed rice, or rice noodles, Bò Kho is guaranteed to impress guests and become a go-to recipe for cozy nights at home.

Why Bò Kho Stands Out

What makes Bò Kho truly unique is its vibrant medley of flavors—fragrant lemongrass, star anise, and cinnamon dance together in a rich, deeply savory broth. The beef becomes exceptionally tender through slow cooking, while hearty carrots and fresh herbs round out the dish. Simplicity meets boldness in this crowd-pleasing recipe that’s both comforting and exciting.

Crafting the Signature Bò Kho Broth

The soul of Bò Kho lies in its broth. Start by blooming spices and aromatics—such as ginger, garlic, and lemongrass—before searing the beef. Layer in tomato paste and seasonings for depth, then simmer everything gently, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over time. Carrots provide a subtle sweetness, echoing the balance at the heart of Vietnamese cuisine.

The Art of Slow-Cooked Bò Kho

For best results, use well-marbled beef cuts like chuck or brisket. Brown the beef cubes thoroughly before simmering for a tender, fall-apart texture. Adjust the heat so the stew gently burbles—impatience is the only thing standing between you and a rich, flavorful pot of Bò Kho.

Serving Suggestions for a Showstopper Bowl

Serve Bò Kho piping hot with fresh herbs like Thai basil, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Accompany it with a warm baguette for dipping, or ladle it over rice noodles for a hearty meal. For extra vibrance, add sliced chilies and a dash of fish sauce at the table.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 6 generous portions. Each serving typically contains 350-450 calories, highlighted by lean protein from the beef, healthy fiber from carrots, and minimal added fat if trimmed well. It’s wholesome comfort you can feel good about serving.

Bò Kho (Vietnamese Beef Stew) Recap

Bò Kho delivers a magical blend of spice-infused broth and fork-tender beef, making it a guaranteed hit for family meals or upscale dinner parties. Its authenticity and simplicity transform everyday ingredients into a dish that’s unforgettable.

💡 Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes in batches, browning on all sides. Transfer browned beef to a plate.
2. In the same pot, add onions, ginger, garlic, and lemongrass. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle in five-spice powder, then return the browned beef to the pot.
4. Add star anise, cinnamon stick, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, beef broth, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
5. After 1 hour, add carrots and continue simmering uncovered until the beef is fork-tender and the broth is rich and aromatic (add a splash of water if needed).
6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Discard lemongrass, cinnamon, and star anise.
7. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro, Thai basil, lime wedges, and chilies. Enjoy with bread, rice, or rice noodles.

Weekly Meal Planning

Bò Kho is an excellent candidate for weekly meal prep—it reheats beautifully, and the flavors deepen over time. Save and schedule this recipe to plan meals and automatically generate a shopping list sorted by grocery section for hassle-free meal prep.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities for all scheduled recipes
• Sorts shopping lists by store section for quick trips
• Prevents repeat purchases and keeps you organized
• Makes weekly meal planning and prep effortless

Pro tip: When mapping out your week, use CookifyAI to schedule multiple recipes and see overlapping ingredients. If you’re planning Bò Kho and another beef dish, CookifyAI calculates the total amount of beef you’ll need—eliminating overbuying and streamlining your prep.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Enjoy the bold, soothing flavors of Bò Kho while making meal planning smooth and organized!