Spicy Beef and Carrot Stew (Bo Kho Ca Rot)

Jun 09, 2023June 9, 20230 4
Spicy and savory Beef and Carrot Stew recipe (Bo Kho Ca Rot)
in Stew

Prep

40 min

Cook

2 hours

Ready In

2 hours 40 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1/4 cup fish sauce
1/4 teaspoon five-spice powder ( available at oriental stores )
2 tablespoons sugar
4 lbs beef stew meat or 4 lbs beef short ribs ( 1 inch thick pieces )
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 yellow sweet onion , peeled and sliced
3 garlic cloves , peeled and lightly crushed
3 ounces fresh ginger , cut into 3 slices and lightly crushed
2 cups beef stock ( or 2 c water with 1 beef bouillon )
2 stalks lemongrass , use the white part only
2 star anise
1 cinnamon stick , about 2 inches long
3 dried chilies or 3 Thai red chili peppers
1 teaspoon annatto seeds or 1 teaspoon ground annatto seed
3 large carrots , peeled and sliced diagonally 1/4 inch thick

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
4-6
Calories
400
Sugar
6g
Fat
20g
Spicy Beef and Carrot Stew is a Vietnamese-style beef stew that is usually served as a main course with steamed rice or bread. The flavor of this stew comes from the combination of aromatic spices like lemongrass, star anise, and cinnamon, and the heat of dried chilies or Thai red chili peppers. The addition of fresh ginger and garlic adds extra depth of flavor to the dish. This stew is a perfect example of how Vietnamese cuisine blends French and Chinese influences with traditional Vietnamese ingredients and cooking techniques.

Instructions

1.In a large mixing bowl combine the fish sauce, five-spice powder, and sugar. Stir well to create a marinade.
2.Add the beef stew meat or beef short ribs to the marinade and mix well to evenly coat the beef. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes to an hour.
3.In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil. Add the sliced onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until aromatic, for about 3-4 minutes.
4.Add the marinated beef to the pot and continue to sauté until the meat is browned, for about 4-5 minutes.
5.Pour in the beef stock or water with bouillon, lemongrass, star anise, cinnamon stick, dried chilies, and annatto seeds or ground annatto seed. Stir well to mix all the ingredients, then bring the mixture to a boil.
6.Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1-1.5 hours, until the beef is tender.
7.Add the sliced carrots to the pot and stir well. Let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes, until the carrots are cooked. Serve hot with steamed rice or bread.

PROS

This hearty and flavorful beef and carrot stew is the perfect comfort food for cold days and nights.
It is also a great source of protein and vitamin A from the beef and carrots.

CONS

The spiciness of the stew might not be suitable for everyone’s taste buds.
Some might find the beef stew meat or beef short ribs too fatty.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Beef is a good source of protein and iron, which are essential for strong muscles and healthy blood cells. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body and helps to maintain good vision, skin, and immune system. Spices like lemongrass, star anise, cinnamon, and chili peppers contain antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation and boost the immune system.

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