Khmer Vegetables Beef Soup Recipe

5.0 from 1 vote

Vegetables Beef Soup is one of those meals that quietly sits at the heart of many Cambodian homes. It is not fancy food. It does not try to impress. But it always shows up when you need warmth, comfort, and something steady in your bowl.

In my family, this soup was often cooked on days when the rain stayed too long or when someone came home tired from work. The smell of garlic and onion hitting hot oil would drift through the house before anyone even knew what was for dinner. And somehow, everyone would end up in the kitchen, asking, “Is the soup ready yet?”

This Khmer-style Vegetables Beef Soup is simple, nourishing, and deeply familiar. Tender beef, soft potatoes, sweet cabbage, and a gently tangy tomato broth come together in a way that feels both filling and light. It is the kind of soup you eat slowly, spoon by spoon, letting the steam warm your face.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

This soup is very easy to cook, even if you have never made soup before. There are no complicated steps or special techniques. Everything cooks in one pot, and the ingredients are easy to find in most markets or grocery stores.

The flavor is gentle but satisfying. The beef becomes soft and rich, the vegetables soak up the broth, and the tomato sauce adds just enough sourness to balance everything. You can make it mild for kids or add more chili if you like a little heat.

Most of all, this is the kind of soup that feels like home. It is warm, comforting, and filling without being heavy. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even the next day when the flavors are even better.

My Personal Experience

I remember watching my mother cook this soup in a big aluminum pot that had dents from years of use. She never measured anything exactly. She cooked by smell, by sound, and by instinct.

When the beef was simmering, the kitchen would go quiet except for the soft bubbling of the pot. That sound still means comfort to me. It means something good is coming.

Now, when I cook this soup in my own kitchen, I still feel connected to those moments. I move a little slower. I taste the broth more than once. And I always think of family while stirring the pot.

Easy-to-Find Ingredients

One of the best things about this soup is how simple the ingredients are. Everything is basic, everyday food that many Cambodian households already use.

The vegetables are flexible. If you do not have one, you can add another. The soup is forgiving, which makes it perfect for home cooking.

The beef chuck is ideal because it becomes tender after simmering, and the vegetables add natural sweetness without needing many seasonings.

Ingredients List

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 yellow onion, sliced
1 lb (450 g) beef chuck, cut into bite-size chunks
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 chopped chili peppers (optional, to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups water (750 ml)
1 can (8 oz / 230 g) tomato sauce
1 stalk celery, chopped
2 white or red potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1 cup baby carrots or 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
1 cup daikon, peeled and cubed
4 cups chopped cabbage
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1/2 tablespoon sugar

Why These Ingredients Are Used

Beef chuck – becomes soft and flavorful after simmering
Garlic and onion – create a strong, comforting base aroma
Tomato sauce – adds gentle sourness and color to the broth
Potatoes – make the soup filling and hearty
Daikon – adds sweetness and absorbs the broth
Cabbage – softens beautifully and balances the beef
Fish sauce – brings depth and traditional Khmer flavor
Sugar – balances salt and tomato acidity

Cooking Equipment Needed

Large soup pot – enough space for beef and vegetables
Wooden spoon – for gentle stirring
Cutting board – for safe vegetable prep
Knife – sharp enough for clean cuts

Cooking Instructions

Start by heating your soup pot over medium heat. Let it warm up slowly so the oil does not burn.

Once hot, add the oil, then garlic and onion. Stir gently and let them soften. The smell should be sweet and fragrant, not burnt.

Add the beef and stir well. Let the beef brown slightly. This step builds flavor and gives the soup depth.

Season early with soy sauce, salt, chili, and black pepper. This helps the meat absorb flavor from the start.

Step-by-Step Directions

Heat a large pot over medium heat
Add oil, garlic, and onion, stir until fragrant
Add beef chunks and stir until lightly browned
Add soy sauce, salt, chili, and black pepper
Pour in water, tomato sauce, and celery
Cover and simmer until beef is tender
Add potatoes, carrots, and daikon
Cook until potatoes are soft
Add cabbage and cook until tender
Season with fish sauce and sugar
Stir well and taste before serving

Tips for Best Flavor

Let the beef simmer slowly for tenderness
Taste the broth before final seasoning
Cut vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking
Add cabbage last so it stays soft, not mushy

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with steamed rice
Enjoy with crusty bread
Add fresh chili on the side
Sprinkle green onion if available

Final Thoughts

This Vegetables Beef Soup is not just a recipe to me. It is a memory, a feeling, and a reminder that simple food can be deeply meaningful. Every time I cook it, I feel grounded and calm, like I am continuing something passed down quietly through generations.

If you enjoy comforting soups like this, you might also like Beef Curry with Mango or Beef and Potato Soup, both recipes I often cook when I want something warm and gentle.

For those curious about Cambodian cooking traditions, you can explore more about simple soup techniques from trusted home-cooking guides that focus on slow, mindful cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?

A: Yes, but choose one suitable for slow cooking so it becomes tender.

Q: Can I skip chili?

A: Absolutely. The soup is still delicious without spice.

Q: Can I store leftovers?

A: Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I add other vegetables?

A: Yes, green beans or tomatoes work nicely.

Vegetables Beef Soup

Recipe by Cambodia Recipe

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: SoupCuisine: CambodianDifficulty: Medium

Servings

servings

Calories

minutes

hour

320

hour

minutes

This Vegetables Beef Soup is a comforting Khmer-style soup made with tender beef, potatoes, cabbage, and daikon simmered in a gently tangy tomato broth, perfect for simple family meals.