Vietnamese Beef Stew with Carrots and Tomatoes
How to Make Thịt Bò Hầm Cà Rốt và Cà Chua
Thịt bò hầm cà rốt và cà chua, or Vietnamese beef stew with carrots and tomatoes, makes for a warm, comforting, and nutritious one-pot meal. Tender beef chunks get braised in a tomato-based broth along with carrots until melt-in-your mouth soft. The stew packs incredible flavor from ingredients like garlic, fish sauce, star anise and beef bone broth. Follow these simple steps to put together this delicious Vietnamese beef stew.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
– 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
– 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 3 tomatoes, diced
– 1 yellow onion, chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups beef bone broth
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce
– 2 star anises
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 2 bay leaves
– 2 tablespoons cooking oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Beef Stew with Carrots and Tomatoes
Prep the Ingredients
Cut the beef into 1-2 inch cubes. Peel and chop the carrots. Core and dice the tomatoes. Peel and chop the onion. Mince the garlic. Measure the broth and have all ingredients prepped and ready to go.
Brown the Beef
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot or dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the cubed beef in an even layer and cook undisturbed 3-4 minutes per side until well browned. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
Add the onions to the same pot and sauté 3 minutes until translucent. Next add the garlic and sauté 1 minute more until fragrant. Take care not to burn the garlic.
Add Liquid and Scrape Up Browned Bits
Pour in the beef broth, making sure to scrape any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Add the tomatoes, fish sauce, whole star anise, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
Simmer the Beef and Carrots
Return the seared beef chunks and chopped carrots to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the stew to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for 45-60 minutes. The beef should become very tender.
Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Once done, taste the broth and adjust seasoning if needed. Discard the whole star anise, cinnamon and bay leaves. Serve steaming hot over rice or noodles. Enjoy this cozy Vietnamese beef stew!
Additional Tips
– Use chuck roast or other well-marbled cuts for best texture.
– Add potatoes, bell peppers or mushrooms for variation.
– Simmer longer for even more tender beef.
– Add chili, fish sauce or vinegar to adjust flavor.
– Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions.
– Accompany with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Beef Stew with Carrots and Tomatoes combining banh mi