Kho (cooking technique)
Kho (meaning "to braise", "to stew", or "to simmer"[1]) or khor (Khmer: ខ) is a cooking technique in Vietnamese and Cambodian cuisine, where a protein source such as fish, shrimp, poultry, pork, beef, or fried tofu is braised on low heat in a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, and water or a water substitute such as young coconut juice. The resulting dish is salty and savory, and meant to be eaten with rice noodles, baguette, or steamed rice.
![]() Bò kho (beef stew) | |
Type | Stew |
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Place of origin | Vietnam |
Region or state | South East Asia |
Associated cuisine | Cambodian and Vietnamese |
Main ingredients | Beef; fish sauce, sugar, water or coconut juice |
Particular dishes

Beef stew is called bò kho or thịt bò kho and fish stew is called cá kho or cá kho tộ (tộ referring to the clay pot in which the dish is cooked). For fish stew, catfish is preferred, particularly in southern Vietnam. Chicken stew, called gà kho or gà kho gừng (gừng meaning "ginger"), is less popular. Vegetarian stew may also be prepared.