Kho (cooking technique) facts for kids
Bò kho (beef stew)
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| Type | Stew |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Vietnam |
| Region or state | South East Asia |
| Associated national cuisine | Cambodian and Vietnamese |
| Main ingredients | Beef; fish sauce, sugar, water or coconut juice |
Kho (pronounced "kaw") is a special way of cooking from Vietnam and Cambodia. The word kho means "to cook slowly in liquid," like a stew. In this cooking style, a main ingredient like fish, shrimp, chicken, pork, beef, or even fried tofu is cooked gently over low heat.
The food simmers in a mix of tasty fish sauce, sugar, and water. Sometimes, people use young coconut juice instead of water for a sweeter flavor. The finished dish is usually salty and full of flavor. People often eat kho with steamed rice, rice noodles, or even a baguette (a type of bread).
Popular Kho Dishes
There are many different kinds of kho dishes, each with its own main ingredient.
Beef Kho
When beef is the main ingredient, the dish is called bò kho or thịt bò kho. This is a popular and hearty beef stew.
Fish Kho
If you use fish, it's called cá kho or cá kho tộ. The word tộ means a clay pot, which is a special cooking pot often used for this dish. In southern Vietnam, catfish is a very popular choice for fish kho.
Chicken Kho
Chicken kho is called gà kho or gà kho gừng. The word gừng means "ginger," so this version often has ginger added for extra taste. Chicken kho is not as common as the beef or fish versions.
Vegetarian Kho
For those who don't eat meat, there are also vegetarian versions of kho. These dishes use ingredients like tofu and vegetables, cooked in the same flavorful sauce.
