| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 2 hours | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 600 | 35g | 13g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 12g | 5g | 52g | 1.5g |
Unleashing my creativity in the kitchen brings me immense joy. The recipe I am sharing with you today, the Vietnamese Beef Stew (Bò Kho with Kinh Gioi), is one such creation that crafts an exquisite symphony of flavors that has become an unofficial comfort food in my sunny California home. The Hollywood-worthy star of this orchestra is none other than Kinh Giới – a magical herb native to Vietnam, that adds a burst of refreshing, lemony and minty flavors to the beef stew.
Where East Meets West
Inspired by my West Coast upbringing, I am always exploring ways to incorporate health-conscious ideas into classic comfort foods. This Vietnamese Beef Stew (Bò Kho with Kinh Gioi) does just that – you can savor the cozy comfort of this hearty stew while digging into an abundance of wholesome ingredients. This dish is reminiscent of the slow-cooked meats and stews my family has loved throughout generations, but with a Vietnamese twist that brings a new dimension to our dining table.
A Symphony of Flavors
The rich layers of tastes in this dish come from the array of ingredients that come together like notes in a melody. The unique combination of star anise, cinnamon, and the citrusy Kinh Giới introduces an Eastern flair to the beef stew, while the traditional elements like brown sugar and soy sauce add a familiar Western touch. The result, a concoction that is simultaneously unassuming yet sophisticated, inviting you to relish every hearty bite.
This Vietnamese Beef Stew (Bò Kho with Kinh Gioi) has similar undertones to other stews like the French Beef Bourguignon or American Beef Stew, but with an enchanting Vietnamese twist. Looking for a meal to serve alongside? Try Eggplant with Garlic Sauce, a flavorful, light dish that complements the robust flavors of the stew seamlessly.
The health benefits of this stew aren’t to be missed either. Beef provides a good dose of protein and iron, while the medley of vegetables pack in a variety of vitamins and minerals. Plus, the spices and herbs are not just aromatic delights but also have anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. Good food that’s good for you: that’s my mantra!
I hope you enjoy this stew as much as my family and I do. Happy Cooking!
What You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2.5 pounds boneless beef chuck, cut into large chunks
- 2 stalks lemongrass, slightly crushed
- 5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 2 tablespoons Vietnamese fish sauce (nước mắm)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 star anise pieces
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 liters beef stock
- 4 large carrots, cut into thick slices
- 1 sweet onion, diced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Kinh Giới (Vietnamese Balm)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Serve with cooked rice, fresh cilantro, bean sprouts, and lime wedges.
Method
Step One:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the beef chunks and sear on all sides until brown. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
Step Two:
In the same pot, add the lemongrass, minced garlic, and sliced ginger. Sauté until aromatics release their fragrance, then add ground turmeric and sauté for another minute.
Step Three:
Return the beef to the pot. Add fish sauce, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and brown sugar. Stir everything well to fully coat the beef with the sauces and spices.
Step Four:
Add star anise, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and beef stock into the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender.
Step Five:
Add the chunks of carrot, diced sweet onion, and chopped tomatoes to the pot. Stir well, and continue simmering until the vegetables are cooked to your desired level of tendeness.
Step Six:
Add the Kinh Giới, salt, and pepper, and adjust to taste. Let the stew simmer a for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step Seven:
Ladle the stew into serving bowls. You can serve it with cooked rice, fresh cilantro, bean sprouts, and lime wedges on the side for an authentic Vietnamese meal. Enjoy your Vietnamese Beef Stew (Bò Kho with Kinh Gioi)!
