Thai Beef Bowls

These Thai Beef Bowls are a delicious combination of savory ground beef, fresh vegetables, and fragrant coconut rice, all brought together with the bold flavors of lime, soy sauce, and Thai chili sauce. It’s a vibrant, satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or whenever you crave something flavorful and comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a perfect balance of flavors with the rich, aromatic coconut rice and the savory, slightly sweet beef mixture. The combination of fresh basil, lime, and Thai chili sauce gives it a delightful zing. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make—ready in just 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights when you want something full of flavor but without a lot of fuss. You can also customize it with more vegetables or a kick of spice to suit your taste!

Ingredients

For the Rice:

• 1 cup Jasmine rice

• 14 oz coconut milk

• 3/4 cup water

For the Beef:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 tablespoons garlic paste

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

• 1/4 cup lime juice (from 2 limes)

• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, packed

• 2 teaspoons Thai chili sauce

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

• 1 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped

• 1 carrot, grated

• Red pepper flakes (optional)

• Cucumber, quartered (for garnish)

• Scallions (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Rice:

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

2. In a medium saucepan, bring the coconut milk and water to a boil. Add the rice, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 15 minutes.

3. Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

For the Beef:

1. While the rice is cooking, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat for about 4–5 minutes. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside, draining any excess grease.

2. Add the chopped bell pepper to the same pan with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.

3. Add the garlic paste and sauté for 1 more minute.

4. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, lime juice, Thai chili sauce, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper (if using).

5. Add the soy sauce mixture and the cooked beef back into the skillet with the peppers and garlic. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, until the liquid evaporates.

6. Stir in the chopped basil and cook for 1 more minute. Remove from heat and add the grated carrot.

To Serve:

1. Serve the beef mixture over the coconut rice.

2. Garnish with red pepper flakes (optional), sliced scallions, and quartered cucumber.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 people

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• More Spice: Add more Thai chili sauce or extra cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.

• Extra Veggies: Add other vegetables like zucchini, snap peas, or mushrooms for more crunch and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Add a splash of water to the rice if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can use ground chicken, or turkey instead of beef for a lighter version.

2. Can I make this recipe spicier?

Absolutely! Increase the amount of Thai chili sauce or cayenne pepper for more heat.

3. Can I substitute the coconut milk?

If you don’t have coconut milk, you can use regular milk or even vegetable broth for a different flavor profile, though it won’t have the same rich taste.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rice and beef mixture ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat and combine.

5. Can I use a different kind of rice?

Jasmine rice is ideal for this recipe, but you can substitute it with basmati rice or even brown rice if you prefer.

6. Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free if you use a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

7. How can I add more vegetables to the dish?

You can easily add more vegetables like zucchini, snap peas, or bell peppers. Just sauté them with the onions and peppers for added crunch.

8. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, replace the ground beef with tofu or tempeh, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version of this dish.

9. How do I store the rice and beef mixture separately?

Store the rice and beef mixture in airtight containers and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. They reheat well, but add a splash of water or broth to the rice to prevent it from drying out.

10. Can I freeze this dish?

You can freeze the beef mixture and rice separately, but the texture may change slightly upon reheating. It’s best to consume within 1–2 months for optimal freshness.

Conclusion

These Thai Beef Bowls are a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s packed with fresh herbs, savory beef, and aromatic coconut rice. With a balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors, it’s a dish the whole family will love. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or planning a weekend meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!

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