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    Home >> Vietnamese

    Vietnamese Beef Stew (Bo Sot Vang)

    Modified: May 27, 2025 · Published: Dec 28, 2019 by Analida · • Word count:1300 words. • About 7 minutes to read this article. • This post may contain affiliate links ·

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    Vietnamese Beef Stew (bò sốt vang) is about the easiest recipe for beef stew ever and has a truly unique flavor profile. You will love this dish with a nice crusty bread !

    The aroma will fill your house with the amazing flavors of the Vietnamese dish! Bo sot vang or bò sốt vang is stew of tender, delicious and succulent small medallions of beef in rich aromatic broth with carrots and tomato. You will love the recipe for its very unique flavors as it is not your typical beef stew. Enjoy this with a nice crusty baguette or bánh mì. You will want to soak up every drop! #vietnamesefood #vietnamese #beefstew #bosotvang #stew | ethnicspoon.com

    The rich aroma of Vietnamese beef stew (bo sot vang) is filling my house. I am so hungry that I could start nibbling on my fingers! But I wont! Thanh, my daughter's Vietnamese friend sent me this fabulous recipe; it's one of her favorites, and it's perfect for the cooler weather . It's also a variation on a more European style beef stew, which doesn't come as a surprise given the French influence in Vietnam.  Thank you to my good friend Thanh for sharing this awesome recipe with me and my readers!

     

    two plates of vietnamese beef stew with cut up baguette

    Now, back to my Vietnamese beef stew (bo sot vang). So, what ingredients give this dish its Vietnamese character? Well, for starters, star anise. You will definitely find star anise in many Asian recipes. Persian, and some Mughal Indian cooking also use star anise to flavor  curries. Now, don't confuse star anise with anise seed, they're actually not even related. Star anise tastes a bit like a mild licorice with herbal overtones.

    Here's a short background on star anise:

    Star anise is a seed pod from an evergreen native to Asia. It's been used for over 3,000 years in traditional Chinese medicine.  According to ancient medical practices, star anise helps regulate qi(chi) which is the energy in every person. My qi definitely needs improving. Does yours?

    Now, here's a bit of trivia: Star anise is used in Tamiflu, yes, the flu medicine. I didn't know that until I started doing some research on star anise for this blog post.

    a bowl of Vietnamese beef stew on a spoon with baguette in the back

    French bread in Vietnam:

    Now, that my Vietnamese beef stew (bò sốt vang) is ready, and my house smells so gloriously good, it's time to dig in. I am serving it with banh mi or bánh mì. My daughter who lives in Vietnam told me that the word banh mi is the generic Vietnamese word for bread. Actually banh means bread and mi means wheat.  The French introduced the baguette to French Indochina during the colonial period. The origin of the word comes most likely from the French: "pain de mie" which is a soft white bread.

     

    bread dipping into a bowl of Vietnamese beef stew with a plate of cilantro on the left


    I hope you share this recipe for Vietnamese beef stew (bo sot vang) with your friends, and feel free to make any variations to the recipe. As I always say: " A recipe is just a suggestion. 

    Step by step photos to make Vietnamese Beef Stew:

    A collage of photos showing the ingredients and step to make Vietnamese beef stew in a Dutch oven.

    1. Gather all your ingredient and have them measured, chopped and ready to go: Stew meat, salt, black pepper, coriander powder, ground cinnamon, vegetable oil, sliced carrots, Roma tomato, garlic, star anise, bay leaves, red wine, water and tomato paste.
    2. Have all your beef cut onto 1 to 2 inch cubes. (I like to use chuck steak for stew.) Mix the salt, pepper, coriander and cinnamon together and coat the beef cubes with the spices.
    3. Heat the vegetable oil on medium and add the spiced beef and quickly stir fry until the outside of the cubes are browned. Don't worry about cooking the beef completely since it will simmer in the pot later. Sprinkle the garlic around and continue cooking until the garlic begins to soften.
    4. Add the carrots, tomatoes, anise pods, bay leaves, water and wine to the pot.
    5. Add the tomato paste then stir to combine.
    6. Once all is combined well set the heat to low and simmer for 2 hours until the beef is fork tender and separates easily.

    Frequently Asked Questions:

    • How long can I save the Vietnamese beef stew? You can store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Be sure to allow it to cool completely before placing it in the refrigerator.
    • Can I freeze the beef stew? Yes, you must completely cool the stew before freezing. Store in airtight containers for up to 3-4 months. For single servings, freeze portions in a muffin tin and pop out the frozen rounds and store in freezer bags.
    • How do I reheat the beef stew? If you are taking the stew from the freezer is it best to take it out a day in advance and thaw it in the refrigerator. Reheat portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes on high, check the temperature every 30-45 seconds and stir.
    • What cut of beef do I use for making this beef stew? I prefer to use chuck roast or it may also be called chuck shoulder. This cut has more connective tissue and thus more collagen for a rich melt in your mouth texture.

    If you enjoyed this recipe for bo sot vang: Vietnamese beef stew please leave me a comment below and share with your friends too! You don’t have to go to Vietnam to enjoy great Vietnamese food. If you want to check out some authentic Vietnamese recipes I have some more to share that you can easily make in your home.
    Vietnamese coconut braised pork (Thit Kho Tau) is slow cooked, tender, salty and sweet is one dish you have to try!
    During the hot summer months a nice cool Vietnamese Beef Noodle Salad: Pho Tron is very popular.
    You have to finish off your meal with a traditional Vietnamese Egg Coffee or ca phe trung (cà phê trứng) is a Hanoi espresso with a sweet meringue like topping or a Ca Phe Sua Da also known as Vietnamese Iced Coffee. Cha Gio are Vietnamese Spring Rolls that are dipped in a tangy sauce and make a perfect appetizer or side with a meal. 

     

    A photo of Vietnamese beef stew, bo sot vang, in a white bowl with bread.

    Vietnamese Beef Stew (Bo Sot Vang)

    A delicious Vietnamese beef stew (bò sốt vang) flavored with star anise and coriander, then cooked with carrots, in a red wine sauce. A tasty variation on an European favorite.
    4.96 from 23 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main dish
    Cuisine: Vietnamese
    Keyword: beef, crock pot, Hanoi, red wine, slow cooker, stew
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 2 hours hours
    Total Time: 2 hours hours 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8 servings
    Calories: 300kcal
    Author: Analida Braeger

    Ingredients

    • 2 tsp. Kosher salt
    • ½ tsp. black pepper cracked
    • 1 tsp. coriander ground
    • ⅛ tsp cinnamon ground
    • 2 ¼ lbs stew meat cubed
    • 1 Tbs vegetable oil
    • 2 carrots sliced
    • 6 roma tomatoes cored and chopped
    • 6 cloves garlic minced
    • 2 pods star anise
    • 2 bay leaves
    • 1 cup red wine
    • 1 ½ cup water
    • 2 Tbsp tomato paste
    • ½ cup cilantro chopped for garnish

    Instructions

    • In  small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, coriander, and cinnamon.
    • Cut beef into bite-size pieces and season with spice mixture.
    • In a Dutch oven on medium heat add the olive oil, and quickly stir fry the beef cubes.
    • Add the garlic, and continue to cook until the garlic begins to soften. 
    • Add the carrots, tomatoes, anise pods, and the bay leaves. 
    • Pour in the wine, water, and tomato paste. Stir.
    • Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 hours covered.
    • Finally, serve with plenty of crusty bread.

    Video

    Notes

    Frequently Asked Questions:

    • How long can I save the Vietnamese beef stew? You can store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Be sure to allow it to cool completely before placing it in the refrigerator.
    • Can I freeze the beef stew? Yes, you must completely cool the stew before freezing. Store in airtight containers for up to 3-4 months. For single servings, freeze portions in a muffin tin and pop out the frozen rounds and store in freezer bags.
    • How do I reheat the beef stew? If you are taking the stew from the freezer is it best to take it out a day in advance and thaw it in the refrigerator. Reheat portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes on high, check the temperature every 30-45 seconds and stir.
    • What cut of beef do I use for making this beef stew? I prefer to use chuck roast or it may also be called chuck shoulder. This cut has more connective tissue and thus more collagen for a rich melt in your mouth texture.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 300kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 99mg | Sodium: 573mg | Potassium: 557mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 3030IU | Vitamin C: 12.4mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 3.9mg

     

    You might also like to try these:

    • Vietnamese Egg Coffee (Ca phe trung)
    • Panamanian Beef Stew Recipe
      Panamanian Beef stew in a colorful bowl
    • Vietnamese Beef Noodle Salad: Pho Tron
      A photo of Vietnamese pho tron in a white bowl with chop sticks.
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    1352 shares
    • 309

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy

      December 05, 2017 at 11:44 am

      5 stars
      With comfort food season here, this will be great for the cold winter months. Perfect to make a bug batch....and maybe tuck some away in the freezer for later too.

      Reply
      • Analida

        December 05, 2017 at 1:28 pm

        Hi Gloria, this is indeed great for the cold weather. I am thinking I need to make it again. Yes, a big batch is definitely a PLUS.

        Reply
    2. Elaine @ Dishes Delish

      December 05, 2017 at 1:33 pm

      5 stars
      This stew looks so delicious!! I can just imagine how it smells!! I've never cooked with star anise, but your recipe makes me want to start!! What a warming and comforting dish!

      Reply
      • Analida

        December 05, 2017 at 2:14 pm

        Thanks for your kind words Elaine. Yes, this is a great dish indeed. I told my friend Thanh that I have been receiving a lot of positive feedback on her recipe. She is delighted. The nice thing about star anise is that you only need a pod or so for each recipe. I get mine at Penzey's.

        Reply
      • Brian

        January 09, 2020 at 10:00 am

        5 stars
        Awesome. Thank you!
        Looks just like something one would buy from a Vietnamese restaurant. Totally legit.

        Reply
        • Analida

          January 09, 2020 at 11:08 am

          Thanks Brian, this dish is from my good friend Thanh and it is right out of Hanoi. Enjoy!

          Reply
    3. dixya @food, pleasure, and health

      December 06, 2017 at 10:46 pm

      making the broth is the tricky part...and your version looks amazingggg

      Reply
      • Analida

        December 07, 2017 at 3:34 pm

        Thanks Dixya. I had a good teacher, my daughter's Vietnamese friend.

        Reply
    4. Helene

      December 08, 2017 at 9:59 am

      5 stars
      I like the taste of star anise in stews and curries but of course always mixed and combined with other spices as well. The other day I was filming a recipe when I realized that I wasn't using star anise enough in my cooking. I still have a whole bag full of this useful spice! Your Vietnamese stew will help me to enjoy star anise more. 🙂

      Reply
      • Analida

        December 09, 2017 at 7:38 am

        Hi Helene! I am glad I've inspired you to use more star anise. Isn't it a great spice?

        Reply
    5. Sharon Glascoe

      December 08, 2017 at 9:42 pm

      I bet the cinnamon & coriander cooked slowly throughout the day smells amazing. And then you have a great meal to enjoy as well. Great recipe.

      Reply
      • Analida

        December 09, 2017 at 7:38 am

        Thank you Sharon. Yes, it does smell amazing. I think next time I will make a larger batch so I can freeze some.

        Reply
    6. Marisa Franca @ All Our Way

      December 09, 2017 at 2:45 pm

      5 stars
      It's quite chilly outside and this stew would be a good warmer. I do have a slow cooker so this recipe wouldn't be a problem. I think I'll go check the freezer and see if I have some of the ingredients.

      Reply
      • Analida

        December 09, 2017 at 4:11 pm

        Marisa, this is the perfect dish for a cold day/night. Aren't slow cooker dishes great on a cold day? Let me know how you like the Vietnamese Beef Stew?

        Reply
    7. prasanna hede

      December 10, 2017 at 11:43 am

      The stew looks comforting and perfect for weather! i do not have a slow cooker but its on my list now!

      Reply
      • Analida

        December 10, 2017 at 1:52 pm

        Prasana, you don't need a slow cooker to make this Vietnamese beef stew. A stock pot on low temperature will work also.

        Reply
    8. Leslie

      December 10, 2017 at 4:58 pm

      I had no idea star anise is used in Tamiflu - maybe that's why making something like this with it feels so cozy and restorative!

      Reply
      • Analida

        December 10, 2017 at 6:33 pm

        Hi Leslie, I had no idea either until I discovered it in my research. Yes, that is why this dish makes you feel so cozy. 🙂

        Reply
    9. Jillian

      December 10, 2017 at 5:53 pm

      4 stars
      Cinnamon and coriander in a stew sounds unusual but delicious! I can't wait to try this out this winter, looks like such a hearty soup.

      Reply
      • Analida

        December 10, 2017 at 6:32 pm

        Vietnamese Beef Stew is very hearty Jillian. I think you will enjoy it.

        Reply
    10. Amanda Mason

      December 10, 2017 at 8:30 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so good! I signed up to win! Wish me luck!! Perfect for the weather here in the US...so cold these days!! I love a good beef stew and this one looks so authentic!

      Reply
      • Analida

        December 11, 2017 at 3:07 pm

        Great!!! I hope you win. 🙂

        Reply
    11. Amanda

      December 11, 2017 at 11:20 am

      5 stars
      This Ninja cooker looks like a fantastic appliance to have in the kitchen. What beautiful flavors in this stew as well. I can imagine that the kitchen smells fantastic as it’s cooking!

      Reply
      • Analida

        December 11, 2017 at 3:09 pm

        It is an awesome appliance. Yes, my kitchen smelled great while cooking. Thank you for your kind words.

        Reply
    12. Wilkins

      December 14, 2017 at 11:10 pm

      5 stars
      I just put this in the oven and it smells heavenly in my house! Waiting for my man to walk in the door and watch the smile appear on his face!

      Reply
      • Analida

        December 15, 2017 at 4:09 pm

        I hope you both enjoy it. Let me know how you both like it.

        Reply
    13. Bernice Hill

      December 31, 2019 at 12:34 pm

      I bet it smells amazing when this stew is cooking! Such an informative post, I loved learning about star anise and banh mi. Vietnamese cuisine is one of my favourites as it's so flavourful and often carries a lot of French influence.

      Reply
    14. Ben

      December 31, 2019 at 6:24 pm

      5 stars
      That looks really good. I love to make hearty dishes like this when the weather gets cold. I'll have to try this.

      Reply
    15. kita

      January 01, 2020 at 11:35 pm

      5 stars
      I can just smell this stewing! I love the flavor profile and the star anise. Oh I can't wait until I can scoop this into a bowl. Simmering now!

      Reply
    16. Kelly Anthony

      January 02, 2020 at 11:30 am

      5 stars
      I found the information about star anise in Tamiflu so interesting. I love learning new things about food and the health benefits they have. This Vietnamese beef stew looks so comforting, perfect for a cold day.

      Reply
    17. Jenni LeBaron

      January 02, 2020 at 12:51 pm

      5 stars
      I've never had Bo Sot Vang before, but this Vietnamese Stew looks delightful! This is packed with so much flavor and umami! I can't wait to enjoy a bowl now that it's properly cold outside!

      Reply
    18. Amber

      January 02, 2020 at 10:04 pm

      5 stars
      Nothing like a bowl of warm stew on a cold day! Love the cinnamon flavor in this - delicious 🙂

      Reply
    19. Jacqui De Bono

      January 03, 2020 at 9:55 pm

      5 stars
      Star anise is such a lovely fragrant flavor. I love beef stew, cannot wait to try this recipe.

      Reply
    20. GUNJAN C Dudani

      January 05, 2020 at 11:31 am

      5 stars
      Sounds so comforting in this cold weather. I would love to dig into this stew immediately.

      Reply
    21. Uma

      January 05, 2020 at 11:49 am

      I passed this recipe to my Vietnamese friend. She said she is going to try this soon. Never thought Vietnamese soup needed star anise.

      Reply
    22. Tammy

      January 05, 2020 at 4:15 pm

      5 stars
      I could definitely use a bowl of this stew today! It's cold and I've been sick all week..this would surely help me feel better. Looks hearty and delicious!

      Reply
    23. Garrett

      January 06, 2020 at 4:30 pm

      This is currently on the list of must do recipes!

      Reply
      • Analida

        January 06, 2020 at 6:08 pm

        Thanks Garrett! Let me know how you like it. I just made a batch and I was kicking myself for not doubling it since it went so fast and freezes well. So be sure to checkout the "servings" adjuster button and increase this if you want, print it out and you are good to go!

        Reply
    24. Sam

      January 09, 2020 at 1:39 pm

      I was looking at the calorie count but what was not so good was the Cholesterol. I'm wondering where this is coming from. Can you explan?

      Reply
      • Analida

        January 09, 2020 at 2:22 pm

        Hi Sam, Our recipes use a live connection to Spoonacular's API which is used widely in the food industry to calculate nutrition data from their database. Here is a link to their site: https://spoonacular.com/food-api

        Reply
    25. Blueberries

      January 09, 2020 at 9:36 pm

      Actually the word “mì” in bánh mì comes from the word “lúa mì” the Vietnamese words for wheat.

      Reply
    26. Nylek

      January 21, 2020 at 8:48 pm

      We call it "bo kho.". After forty Five years since I left VM, maybe anew term these days.

      Reply
    27. Adela

      March 31, 2020 at 3:59 am

      5 stars
      Awesome, simple, and streamlined. Ever made this with coconut water? A bit luxurious and expensive but super tasty 😁

      Reply
      • Analida

        March 31, 2020 at 2:27 pm

        Hi Adela, I have never tried it with coconut water but I keep that in my cupboard for next time. I am so glad you enjoyed the dish. Thanks!

        Reply
    28. Shae

      January 28, 2021 at 4:28 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely beautiful!! So similar to one I had with my boyfriend in Vietnam a few years back so it was so nice for us to be able to recreate it at home. Can’t wait to make it again. Thank-you to your friend for the recipe and to you for posting it 🙂

      Reply
      • Analida

        January 28, 2021 at 7:38 pm

        Thanks so much Shae! This is one of our go-to stews for winter. Enjoy!

        Reply
    29. Gwynn Galvin

      January 12, 2024 at 6:02 pm

      5 stars
      This is a delicious comfort food recipe. It was the perfect dinner on a cold and rainy evening!

      Reply
      • Analida

        January 15, 2024 at 12:07 pm

        This one our favorite Winter dishes and it freezes well so we make a double batch!

        Reply
    30. DK Park

      January 13, 2024 at 7:31 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is a must try! It looks tasty and definitely making this one out now later, thank you for this!

      Reply
    31. Jamie

      January 13, 2024 at 9:01 pm

      5 stars
      This stew is similar to filipino beef stew! I wonder if the taste is the same too! But i bet both are delicious!

      Reply
      • Analida

        January 15, 2024 at 12:05 pm

        Thanks Jamie! Send me the recipe for your Filipino stew. I would love to try it!

        Reply
    32. Savita

      January 15, 2024 at 6:56 am

      5 stars
      The aromatic blend of spices, tender beef chunks, and hearty vegetables creates a stew that's rich, savory, and utterly satisfying. The step-by-step instructions made the cooking process a breeze, and the result was a bowl of Vietnamese comfort that rivaled any restaurant.

      Reply
      • Analida

        January 15, 2024 at 12:04 pm

        Thanks Savita! This one of the most unique flavored stews I have ever eaten.

        Reply

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