19 Vietnamese Beef Stew Recipe Annatto You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Mar 19, 2024
Vietnamese beef stew, also known as "bo kho," is a popular dish in Vietnam that has gained popularity around the world. This hearty and flavorful stew is traditionally made with beef, carrots, and potatoes, simmered in a rich and fragrant broth. One of the key ingredients that give this dish its unique flavor and vibrant color is annatto, a spice commonly used in Vietnamese cuisine. In this article, we will explore the history and origins of this delicious dish, as well as provide a step-by-step recipe for making your own Vietnamese beef stew with annatto at home.
Bo kho has its roots in French colonialism in Vietnam, where the French introduced beef as a protein source to the Vietnamese people. The dish evolved over time, incorporating local ingredients and flavors, and became a staple in Vietnamese cuisine. The word "bo kho" literally translates to "beef stew," but this dish is so much more than that. It is a comforting and nourishing meal that brings people together, often enjoyed on special occasions or during family gatherings.
The Role of Annatto in Vietnamese Cuisine
Annatto, also known as "achiote," is a small reddish-orange seed that is commonly used in Vietnamese cooking. It is prized for its vibrant color and unique flavor, which is described as earthy and slightly sweet. Annatto is often used to give dishes a rich and appetizing color, and it is a key ingredient in many Vietnamese dishes, including bo kho.
Making Vietnamese Beef Stew with Annatto
Ingredients:
2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons annatto seeds
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated ginger
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon tomato paste
4 cups beef broth
2 carrots, sliced
2 potatoes, cubed
Salt and pepper to taste
Cilantro and green onions for garnish
Instructions:
In a small pan, heat the annatto seeds with 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the oil turns a deep red color. This will take about 5 minutes.
Strain the oil and discard the seeds. Set the oil aside.
In a large pot, heat the annatto oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides.
Add the onion, garlic, and ginger to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the fish sauce, sugar, and tomato paste. Cook for another 2 minutes.
Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer for 1 hour.
Add the carrots and potatoes to the pot and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with cilantro and green onions before serving.
Serve your homemade vietnamese beef stew with annatto over rice or with a side of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or for impressing guests at a dinner party. Enjoy the rich and bold flavors of this traditional Vietnamese dish in the comfort of your own home.
