Delicious Vietnamese Beef Stews for a Hearty Dinner

Vietnamese cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, and beef stews undoubtedly hold a special place in this culinary tradition. These dishes not only warm the body but also delight the senses with aromatic spices and hearty textures. Below are some delicious Vietnamese beef stew recipes that are perfect for a hearty dinner.

Bò Kho: Vietnamese Beef Stew

Bò Kho is perhaps the most iconic Vietnamese beef stew, characterized by its fragrant broth infused with a blend of spices. This dish often includes tender chunks of beef, carrots, and sometimes even potatoes.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs beef shank or chuck, cut into chunks
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
  • 2 star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 3 tbsp fish sauce
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Vietnamese baguette, for serving

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant.
  2. Add the beef and sear until browned.
  3. Stir in the lemongrass, star anise, and cinnamon stick.
  4. Add fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar, combining well.
  5. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender.
  6. In the last 30 minutes, add the carrots and cook until they are soft.
  7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with Vietnamese baguette for dipping.

Nhà Hàng Gà Hầm: Special Vietnamese Beef Stew

This unique Vietnamese beef stew combines beef, coconut milk, and a mix of fragrant herbs and spices, offering a rich and creamy texture that's perfect for a filling family meal.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs beef brisket, cut into chunks
  • 1 can of coconut milk
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced
  • 2 tbsp turmeric powder
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil and mint, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Start by sautéing the onion, garlic, and ginger in a pot until fragrant.
  2. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides.
  3. Mix in the turmeric, oyster sauce, and fish sauce.
  4. Pour in coconut milk, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  5. Cover and let cook for about 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender.
  6. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with basil and mint before serving with steamed rice.

Lotus Root and Beef Stew

This lesser-known Vietnamese stew features lotus root, which adds a crunchy texture and an earthy flavor to the dish. It is a comforting stew that's perfect for cool evenings.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb beef short ribs
  • 2 cups lotus root, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 4 cups beef stock
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce