Stir in the minced garlic and sliced ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the beef cubes to the pot, browning them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes.
Mix in the sliced carrots and chopped celery, followed by the tomato paste. Stir well to combine.
Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, cinnamon, star anise, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the stew simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender. Stir occasionally and add water if the stew becomes too thick.
Once the beef is tender, taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Remove the star anise and bay leaves before serving.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, alongside crusty bread or over rice.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add sliced jalapeños or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes during cooking.
For a lighter version, substitute half of the beef with mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian option.