A Culinary Tour of World Flavors

Bo Kho - The Vietnamese Beef Stew That Warms Souls

Author

Chris Kingsland
November 28, 2023

Welcome to This Week’s Culinary Adventure in The Tastebud!

If you're looking for something to warm you up and tantalize your taste buds, let us introduce you to Bo Kho - a Vietnamese beef stew that's a delightful alternative to the more well-known pho. This dish is not just a meal; it's a comforting experience, perfect for chilly evenings or when you're in need of a hearty, satisfying dish.

Cooking Bo Kho at Home:

Below is a condensed recipe for you to browse and there is a full video tutorial below for when you are ready to cook

Tonight's Dinner Plan? A Bowl of Bo Kho Bursting with Deep, Rich Flavors - Just Waiting for Your Magic Touch!

Ingredients:

  • 2 to 2½ pounds beef chuck or brisket, cut into chunks

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 3 tablespoons ginger, minced

  • 5 tablespoons fish sauce

  • 2½ teaspoons five-spice powder

  • 1½ teaspoons brown sugar

  • 3 tablespoons oil

  • Lemongrass, garlic, onion, tomato paste

  • Water, coconut water

  • Star anise, black pepper, chili powder, ground annatto, paprika

  • Carrots, soy sauce, chili oil

  • Wide rice noodles or egg noodles

  • Cilantro, Thai basil, raw onion, lime wedges for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Marinate beef in a mix of garlic, ginger, fish sauce, five-spice, and sugar.

  2. In a pot, sauté lemongrass and garlic in oil, then add onions.

  3. Brown beef in the pot, add tomato paste, water, coconut water, and spices. Simmer for 1 hour.

  4. Add carrots, seasonings, and simmer for 40 more minutes.

  5. Serve over cooked noodles, garnished with herbs and lime.

If you want to make this recipe you could watch this super cool YouTube video I found where Helen guides you through each step perfectly to make authentic Bo Kho.
https://youtu.be/FbbQ1V8eK_0?si=sTtCAZJRXT6PvUn8

Bo Kho: A Blend of Flavors and Textures

Bo Kho is a complex and flavor-packed stew, combining the richness of beef with the aromatic blend of spices like five-spice, lemongrass, and chili. It's a symphony of textures and flavors, with tender beef, braised carrots, and a spicy, savory broth that’s perfect with rice noodles.

A Dish of Simplicity and Depth

While Bo Kho might seem simple at first glance - a beef stew with spices - its flavors are anything but. The rich, red broth, tinted with annatto, is deeply flavored with a mélange of garlic, fish sauce, and a hint of tomato, offering layers of flavor that build with every spoonful.

Why Bo Kho Stands Out

Bo Kho is not just another beef stew; it's a journey through Vietnamese culinary traditions. Each bowl is a comforting embrace, rich in flavors and perfect for those looking to explore beyond the usual.

Fun Fact about Vietnamese Cuisine:

Vietnamese cuisine is known for its balance of five fundamental tastes, often in each dish. These tastes correspond to the five elements: spicy (metal), sour (wood), bitter (fire), salty (water), and sweet (Earth). This philosophy of balancing flavors is deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture and is reflected in the use of various ingredients like fish sauce, lemongrass, ginger, mint, coriander, Saigon cinnamon, bird's eye chili, lime, and basil leaves. The result is a harmonious blend in every bite, making Vietnamese food uniquely flavorful and aromatic!

Quote of the week

“I spend a lot of time holding the refrigerator door open looking for answers.”- Steve Jobs

Join Us Next Time

Stay tuned for our next issue where we'll explore another world-class dish. Until then, happy cooking and savor every bite!

  • The Tastebud team