WHAT IS PHO BO KHO

Pho Bo Kho is one Vietnamese beef stew dishes.  It is less popular than its counterpart Pho Bo or Pho Ga but the flavor is richer and in my opinion far better.

INGREDIENTS YOU NEED TO MAKE VIETNAMESE PHO BO KHO

2KG of beef brisket or beef chuck – Cut into large bite cut sizes

1kg of carrots   – peeled, washed, cut in large chucks

1 stick of cinnamon

3 stalks of fresh lemongrass

2 pcs of star anises

1 liter of beef stock

3 tbs of vegetable oil

1 liter of coconut water

3 tbs of fish sauce

2 tbs of brown sugar

3 tbs of Pho Bo Kho powder –

Pho Bo Kho Powder: 1 tbs of annatto powder, 1 tbs of garlic powder, 1 tbs of onion powder, 1tbs of stae anise powder , 1 tsp of cinnamon powder and 1 tbs of ginger powder

2 large clove of garlic – finely chopped

salt & pepper  for seasoning

2 sprigs of spring onion – finely chopped

1 tin of tomato paste

HOW TO MAKE VIETNAMESE PHO BO KHO

• The Beef: Marinate the beef with Pho BoKho powder, add 1 tbs of fish sauce and chopped garlic,1 tbs of brown sugar  combine well, refrigerate for at least 30 – 45 minutes, preferably overnight.

•  In a large pot heat vegetable oil on a high- heat , sear the beef to brown on all sides, once brown, add tomato paste, add fresh lemongrass, add cinnamon stick and star anise, stir well, pour beef stock and coconut water, add 1 tbs of brown sugar, 1 tbs of fish sauce turn the heat to very low, close the lid and let it continue to simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the beef is tender. 10 – 15 minutes before finish cooking the beef, add the carrots let it simmer until the beef and carrots are tender.  Taste it add salt & pepper if necessary.

Once the beef and carrots are tender, your pho bo kho is ready. Pho bo Kho is best served with rice noodle or baguette