Vietnamese Beef Stew with Lemongrass (Bò Kho Recipe)

Oh, my dears, there’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a truly homemade meal, and this Vietnamese Beef Stew Recipe with Lemongrass (Bò Kho Sả) is a masterpiece of warmth and flavor. It’s a dish that tells a story with every tender bite of beef, fragrant lemongrass, and sweet, hearty vegetables, creating a magical experience that fills your kitchen with the most delightful aromas. It’s a classic for a reason, a comforting hug in a bowl that truly shines when made with love at home.

I remember my grandmother, with her hands dusted with flour from a fresh batch of cookies, always saying that the best meals weren’t just about the ingredients, but the joy you poured into them. This stew brings me back to those cherished kitchen moments, a reminder that some recipes, while seemingly complex, are simply about patience and passion.

This particular Vietnamese Beef Stew Recipe with Lemongrass is wonderfully rewarding, perfect for gathering family around the table or impressing friends with your culinary flair. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when given a little time and attention, can transform into something extraordinary. My top tip? Don’t rush the simmering; that’s where the magic truly happens!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

To craft this exquisite Vietnamese Beef Stew Recipe with Lemongrass, you’ll reach for essentials like succulent beef chuck roast, aromatic lemongrass, and a symphony of spices. I always say, fresh ginger and garlic are the heart of so many flavorful dishes. For the full list and measurements, simply scroll down to the recipe card below!

How to Make Vietnamese Beef Stew Recipe with Lemongrass

Creating this delightful Vietnamese Beef Stew Recipe with Lemongrass is a journey of layers, beginning with marinating the beef to infuse it with deep flavors. Next, we sear the beef to lock in all those wonderful juices before building a rich and fragrant stew base. Then, it’s all about patient simmering, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, culminating in a soul-warming dish ready to serve.

Vietnamese Beef Stew with Lemongrass (Bò Kho Sả)

This comforting and aromatic Vietnamese beef stew, known as Bò Kho Sả, features tender beef slow-cooked with fragrant lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and a rich tomato-beef broth, creating a deeply flavorful and satisfying meal.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Vietnamese

Calories: 580

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Beef Marinade

• 2.5 lbs Beef Chuck Roast cut into 1.5-inch cubes
• 3 stalks Lemongrass tough outer layers removed, thinly sliced or minced
• 2 Shallots finely minced
• 6 cloves Garlic minced
• 1 inch Fresh Ginger peeled and grated or minced
• 2 tbsp Fish Sauce
• 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
• 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar
• 1 tsp Five-Spice Powder
• 1 tbsp Annatto Oil (or 1/2 tsp paprika + 1/4 tsp turmeric for color)
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground

For the Stew

• 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
• 1 large Yellow Onion chopped
• 4 cloves Garlic minced
• 1 stalk Lemongrass smashed and tied into a knot, or cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 inch Fresh Ginger peeled, thinly sliced or roughly chopped
• 3 tbsp Tomato Paste
• 6 cups Beef Broth low sodium
• 2 Star Anise Pods
• 1 Cinnamon Stick (about 2 inches long)
• 2 medium Carrots peeled and cut into large chunks (1.5-inch)
• 1.5 lbs Potatoes Yukon Gold or Russet, peeled and cut into large chunks (1.5-inch)
• 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
• 1 tsp Sugar or to taste
• 1-2 tbsp Fish Sauce to adjust seasoning at the end

For Serving (Optional)

• 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro chopped
• 1/4 cup Fresh Thai Basil leaves
• 1 Lime cut into wedges
• 1 Red Chili thinly sliced (e.g., bird’s eye chili)
• 1 Baguette crusty, for dipping, or steamed rice/rice noodles

Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
• Cutting Board
• Sharp Knife
• Mixing bowls

Method

 

Marinate the Beef

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed beef with minced lemongrass, minced shallots, minced garlic, grated ginger, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sugar, five-spice powder, annatto oil, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure all beef is coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably 2-4 hours, or overnight for best flavor.

Sear the Beef

1. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the marinated beef on all sides. Do not overcrowd the pot; this ensures a good sear rather than steaming. Remove seared beef to a clean plate and set aside. Repeat until all beef is browned.

Build the Stew Base

1. In the same pot, reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic, smashed lemongrass stalk, and sliced ginger. Sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to deepen its color and flavor.

Simmer the Stew

1. Return the seared beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, ensuring the beef is mostly submerged. Add the star anise pods and cinnamon stick. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is very tender.
2. After 90 minutes, add the carrot chunks and potato chunks to the pot. Stir gently, then re-cover and continue to simmer for another 45-60 minutes, or until the carrots and potatoes are tender and the stew has thickened slightly. Remove the lemongrass stalk, star anise, and cinnamon stick before serving (if you can find them).
3. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt, sugar, and additional fish sauce as needed. The stew should have a balance of savory, slightly sweet, and tangy notes.

Serve

1. Ladle the hot Bò Kho Sả into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro, Thai basil, a squeeze of lime juice, and sliced red chili if desired. Serve immediately with warm crusty baguette for dipping, steamed jasmine rice, or rice vermicelli noodles.

Notes

For a richer color, ensure your annatto oil is vibrant, or add a pinch more paprika during the marinade. Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight!

Pro Tips for Making This Vietnamese Beef Stew Recipe with Lemongrass

• My Secret Trick: For the most tender beef in your Vietnamese Beef Stew Recipe with Lemongrass, always marinate it overnight if you have the time! This truly allows the flavors of lemongrass, fish sauce, and spices to penetrate deeply, making every bite incredibly succulent.
• Don’t be shy with the aromatics! Fresh shallots, garlic, and ginger are the backbone of this stew, so ensure they are finely minced to release their full fragrant potential into the broth.
• When searing the beef, resist the urge to crowd the pan. Working in batches ensures a beautiful, even brown crust, which adds immense depth of flavor to your Bò Kho. It’s a little extra step that makes a huge difference!
• Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the simmering process. Different brands of fish sauce and broth can vary in saltiness, so a little extra salt or a touch more sugar at the end can bring everything into perfect balance.

Fun Variations for Vietnamese Beef Stew Recipe with Lemongrass

Feeling a little creative with your Vietnamese Beef Stew Recipe with Lemongrass? Here are some delightful twists I’ve explored in my own kitchen:

• Sweet Potato Swap: If you’re looking for a touch more sweetness and a different texture, try swapping out half of the regular potatoes for sweet potatoes. They soften beautifully and add a lovely earthy note to the stew. My friend, Emily, always asks for this version!
• Spice It Up: For those who love a bit of heat, consider adding a sliced red chili or a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the aromatics. It gives a wonderful warmth that complements the lemongrass beautifully.
• Vegetable Medley: Don’t hesitate to add other hearty vegetables like daikon radish or even some mushrooms during the last hour of simmering. They absorb the rich broth wonderfully and add extra goodness. It’s how I often sneak in more veggies for my family!
• Coconut Cream Richness: For an extra layer of creaminess and a subtle sweetness, stir in a quarter cup of full-fat coconut cream during the last 15 minutes of cooking. It creates a richer, more indulgent stew, a little secret my neighbor shared with me!

What to Serve With Vietnamese Beef Stew Recipe with Lemongrass

This comforting Vietnamese Beef Stew Recipe with Lemongrass is a meal in itself, but the right accompaniments truly elevate the experience.

• Crusty Baguette: For me, there’s no better pairing than a warm, crusty baguette. It’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of that rich, fragrant broth – a truly essential partner!
• Jasmine Rice: A simple bowl of fluffy jasmine rice is another classic choice. It provides a lovely neutral base that lets the complex flavors of the stew shine.
• Fresh Herbs & Lime: Always serve with a generous platter of fresh cilantro, Thai basil, and lime wedges. The bright, zesty notes and herbal freshness cut through the richness beautifully. My mom always insists on the fresh herbs!
• Quick Chili Sauce: For those who like a little extra kick, a small dish of Sriracha or a simple chili garlic sauce on the side is wonderful for dipping. It’s a quick way to customize each bite!

How to Store Vietnamese Beef Stew Recipe with Lemongrass

Keeping your homemade Vietnamese Beef Stew Recipe with Lemongrass fresh and delicious is wonderfully straightforward, so you can enjoy its comforting flavors for days.

• Fridge Storage: Once cooled completely, transfer any leftover stew to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day!
• Freezer Friendly: For longer storage, this stew freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and store for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating Perfection: To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of beef broth or water. My personal tip? A fresh squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of new herbs after reheating brings it back to life wonderfully!

Nutritional Benefits

This comforting Vietnamese Beef Stew Recipe with Lemongrass offers nourishment! The beef provides essential protein, and vegetables like carrots and potatoes add fiber and vitamins. It’s a treat that’s both satisfying and wholesome, proving simple ingredients can be nourishing.

FAQs

Faq 1

Absolutely! The Vietnamese Beef Stew Recipe with Lemongrass is perfect for making ahead. In fact, many find the flavors deepen and meld even more beautifully after a day or two in the refrigerator. Just gently reheat on the stovetop when you’re ready to serve.

Faq 2

For this Vietnamese Beef Stew Recipe with Lemongrass, I always recommend beef chuck roast. It has wonderful marbling, which breaks down beautifully during the long simmering process, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful beef that just melts in your mouth.

Faq 3

If your beef isn’t tender, it needs more cooking time. Tough cuts require low, slow heat to break down connective tissues. Don’t rush your Vietnamese Beef Stew Recipe with Lemongrass; a longer simmer will yield that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Faq 4

You can easily adjust the spice in your Vietnamese Beef Stew Recipe with Lemongrass! For more heat, add fresh sliced chilies or red pepper flakes while cooking. For less, simply omit or reduce them. Serve extra chili on the side for individual preference.

Conclusion

And there you have it, my sweet friends – a heartfelt journey into creating this incredibly comforting and flavorful Vietnamese Beef Stew Recipe with Lemongrass. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients are brought together with love and patience. I truly hope this recipe brings as much joy and warmth to your home as it does to mine, creating cherished memories around your family table. Happy cooking, and remember, every homemade dish is a sweet story waiting to be told!