Bo kho (Vietnamese beef stew)

A fragrant Vietnamese stew: beef simmered with carrots, lemongrass, ginger and spices in a tomato broth. Tender and aromatic, it is enjoyed with bread or noodles.

Preparation: 20 min  |  Cooking: 90 min  |  Servings: 6  |  Difficulty: Easy

Calculated per serving from Anses Ciqual 2025 values for each ingredient, based on the quantities listed. Household measures (spoonfuls, items) use average weights. 252 kcal · 47 g protein · 7 g carbohydrate · 4 g fat

Ingredients

• 1 kg lean stewing beef
• 4 carrots
• 2 stalks lemongrass
• 1 piece of ginger
• 1 tin of chopped tomatoes
• 1 tbsp five-spice
• 3 tbsp fish sauce

Method

1. Brown the beef and set aside.
2. Fry the ginger, lemongrass and five-spice.
3. Add the tomatoes, fish sauce, beef and water.
4. Simmer for 1 hour 15 minutes, adding the carrots at the end.

Nutritional benefits

Lean beef provides protein and iron, carrots add fibre and beta-carotene, and the aromatics (lemongrass, ginger, five-spice) have anti-inflammatory properties. Slow-cooked without unnecessary fat, bo kho is a tender, fragrant Vietnamese stew, naturally gluten-free and lactose-free.

Variations and substitutions

• Served with rice noodles or bread.
• With extra potatoes.
• Hotter: add chilli.
• With beef shin (very tender).

Storage and making ahead

Even better reheated; keeps for 4 days and freezes well. A batch cooking champion.

💡 Good to know

Lemongrass and five-spice are what set bo kho apart from an ordinary stew: do not skip them, they provide all the fragrance.

See also

Discover more high-protein recipes · healthy & balanced recipes · gluten-free recipes · dairy-free recipes · anti-inflammatory recipes.

Ingredients in this recipe: beef · carrots · lemongrass · ginger · tomatoes.

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