Quang Nguyen of Noi Vietnamese Eatery and Devour Cafe shares this recipe for traditional bò kho, or Vietnamese beef skewers.

500g sirloin (thinly sliced)
4 cloves garlic
3 lemongrass stalks
2 shallots
30g ginger
4 cloves
4 star anise
1 cinnamon stick (or 1 tsp ground cinnamon)
1 tsp fennel seeds
1 tbsp sweet paprika
1 tbsp five spice
1 tsp chilli powder
1 tsp of ground annatto
3 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
1/2tsp white pepper

Prepare marinade by roughly chopping the garlic, lemongrass, shallots and ginger and placing in a food processor.

Add all remaining ingredients except the beef and blend into a smooth, aromatic paste.

Coat the beef in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight.

Thread the marinated beef slices onto skewers, folding as needed.

Grill, pan-fry, or barbecue the skewers over medium-high heat until caramelised and cooked through.

Serve the skewers hot with fresh herbs, pickles, rice noodles or steamed rice, and a wedge of lime.

This article first appeared in the January 2026 issue of SALIFE magazine. 

Words: Jessica Galletly