Spicy Vietnamese Beef Stew with Noodles (Bò Kho)

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 to 2 lbs beef stew meat or beef brisket, cut into large chunks
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 tablespoon annatto seeds (optional) soaked in oil for color
• 4 large cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 stalk of lemongrass, cut into 3-inch lengths after removing tough woody parts
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 large carrot, cut into chunks
• 1 large daikon radish, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 cup coconut water or beef stock
• 2 cups water
• 2 star anis
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 kaffir lime leaves
• 1 tablespoon chili oil
• Fresh Thai basil and cilantro for garnish
• 1 loaf of crusty baguette or cooked rice or egg noodles