Bo Kho (Vietnamese Beef Stew with Lemongrass and Star Anise)
Tender beef, carrots and lemongrass in a deep orange, lightly spiced stew that you eat with rice, noodles or a warm baguette.
Made with Pho broth. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time2 hr 30
- LevelMedium
- Costabout £4.24 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Toss the beef with the curry powder, annatto, fish sauce and half the garlic. Leave for 30 minutes, or overnight in the fridge.
30 min - 2
Heat the oil in a heavy casserole over a high heat. Brown the beef in two batches for 4 to 5 minutes each. Lift out.
- 3
Fry the shallots and remaining garlic in the same pot for 2 minutes. Stir in the tomato purée and cook for 1 minute.
2 min - 4
Return the beef. Add the lemongrass and your ready made pho broth (see the base recipe). Bring to a simmer, cover and cook very gently for 1 hour 30 minutes.
90 min - 5
Add the carrots and simmer for 30 minutes more, until the beef is spoon tender and the carrots are soft. The sauce should be glossy and lightly thickened.
30 min - 6
Meanwhile cook the rice. Remove the lemongrass, scatter the coriander over the stew and serve with the rice.
Tips
- Use shin or chuck. Lean steak goes dry in a long stew, while shin turns soft and sticky.
- Annatto gives the signature orange colour. Sweet paprika is a fine swap.
- Skim the oil from the surface before serving for a cleaner flavour.
- Serve with a warm baguette for dunking if you are not cooking gluten free, or with rice noodles.
Storing and freezing
Cool within 90 minutes and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat until boiling and steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
Can I make bo kho in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the beef first, then cook everything except the carrots on low for 7 to 8 hours, adding the carrots for the last 2 hours.
Is bo kho spicy?
No, it is warmly spiced rather than hot. Add fresh red chilli or a spoonful of chilli sauce at the table if you want heat.
Is bo kho gluten free?
Yes, if your curry powder and fish sauce are gluten free and you serve it with rice or rice noodles instead of bread.
More made with pho broth
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.