Vietti Beef Stew with Fish Sauce and Root Vegetables

Prep: 20 minCook: 2 hr4 servingsmediumVietnamese
Vietti Beef Stew with Fish Sauce and Root Vegetables

A hearty beef stew featuring tender chuck roast simmered with carrots and potatoes in a savory broth enhanced with fish sauce for umami depth. The addition of fish sauce gives this comfort food classic an unexpected flavor boost, creating a rich and satisfying meal perfect for cold weather dining. This version balances traditional stew elements with a subtle Asian-inspired twist that the overall taste profile.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 2 ¼ lb beef chuck, cut into cubes
    beef stew meat1:1none

    similar cooking time

    Full guide →
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 3 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
    sweet potatoes1:1none

    adds sweetness

    Full guide →
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
    soy sauce1:1glutenfish-freeadds glutenadds soy

    reduces umami depth

    Full guide →
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat

  2. 2

    Add beef and brown on all sides

  3. 3

    Add chopped onion and minced garlic

  4. 4

    Cook until onion is translucent

  5. 5

    Pour in beef broth and water

  6. 6

    Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour

  7. 7

    Add carrots and potatoes

  8. 8

    Simmer for another 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender

  9. 9

    Stir in fish sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper

  10. 10

    Simmer for an additional 10 minutes

  11. 11

    Serve hot

Tips

Tip 1

Brown the beef thoroughly on all sides to develop deeper flavor and better texture

Tip 2

Cut vegetables into uniform pieces for even cooking throughout the stew

Tip 3

Taste and adjust seasoning at the end as fish sauce can vary in saltiness

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate up to 3 days in covered container

Make Ahead

Can be made 1-2 days ahead, flavors improve with time

Serve With

Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip browning beef to avoid bland flavor

Watch

Cut vegetables uniform size to prevent uneven cooking

Substitutions

Gluten-Free Swaps

fish sauce
soy sauce1:1glutenfish-freeadds glutenadds soy

reduces umami depth

Full guide →

General Alternatives

beef chuck
beef stew meat1:1none

similar cooking time

Full guide →
potatoes
sweet potatoes1:1none

adds sweetness

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, brown beef first then transfer to slow cooker with remaining ingredients. Cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours.

What can I substitute for fish sauce?

Use soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce in equal amounts, though the flavor will be different. Start with less and adjust to taste.

How long does this stew keep?

Refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat gently on stovetop, adding liquid if needed.