Thai Sweet Chilli Beef Bowls

A flavorful and quick weeknight meal, Thai Sweet Chilli Beef Bowls feature savory ground beef coated in a glossy, sticky-sweet sauce, served over rice with fresh veggies and a vibrant drizzle. This dish is bold, balanced, and bursting with Thai-inspired flavor. Packed with texture and umami, it’s a family-friendly dinner that’s easy to customize and comes together in just 20 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These beef bowls are everything a great dinner should be—fast, flavorful, and full of contrast. The rich and savory beef is balanced by the sweetness of the chilli sauce, acidity from the lime, and crunch from toasted cashews. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or spice lovers, this recipe can be easily tailored to suit your taste. It’s great for meal prep, reheats beautifully, and delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

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

• 1/3 cup roasted unsalted cashews (or peanuts)

• 1 tbsp canola oil

• 500g (1 lb) ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced

• 3 tbsp chopped cilantro (or substitute with green onions)

Sweet Chilli Stir Fry Sauce:

• 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce

• 2 tbsp fish sauce

• 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or cider vinegar)

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce

• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce

Sweet Chilli Drizzle Sauce:

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 3 tbsp sweet chilli sauce

• 2 tbsp lime juice (or rice vinegar)

• 2 tsp fish sauce

For Serving:

• Jasmine rice (or rice of choice)

• Steamed or fresh vegetables (e.g., cucumber, red onion, cilantro)

Directions

1. Make the Sauces:
In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients for the stir fry sauce.
In another bowl, mix the ingredients for the drizzle sauce and set aside.

2. Toast the Cashews:
Heat a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the cashews and toast for about 2 minutes, stirring, until golden and fragrant. Transfer to a plate and roughly chop once cool.

3. Cook the Beef:
In the same pan, heat canola oil over high heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked.

4. Add the Sauce:
Pour in the stir fry sauce. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and clings to the beef.

5. Assemble the Bowls:
Spoon cooked jasmine rice into bowls. Top with the caramelized beef, fresh or steamed vegetables, and a drizzle of the sweet chilli sauce.
Sprinkle with chopped cashews and cilantro. Add sliced fresh chilli for extra heat if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 13 minutes

• Cooking Time: 7 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

• Calories: Approximately 625 kcal per serving

Variations

• Make It Spicy: Add sliced Thai red chilies or a dash of chili oil to the drizzle.

• Lower Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or in lettuce cups instead of rice.

• Protein Options: Swap ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or tofu for a lighter or vegetarian option.

• Nut-Free: Use sunflower seeds or omit nuts entirely.

• Extra Veggies: Add sautéed bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots to the beef mixture.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 1-minute intervals until hot, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Keep the drizzle sauce separate if storing for meal prep, and add just before serving to preserve freshness.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prep. Cook the beef and prepare the sauces in advance. Store components separately and assemble just before serving.

Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely. Ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives all work well.

Is this dish very spicy?

It’s mildly spicy from the sweet chilli sauce. You can adjust the red pepper flakes or add fresh chilies to increase the heat.

What type of rice works best?

Jasmine rice is recommended for its fragrance, but any cooked rice—brown, basmati, or even quinoa—can be used.

Can I use bottled sweet chilli sauce?

Yes, bottled sauce works perfectly in both the stir fry and drizzle sauce.

What vegetables go best with this bowl?

Cucumber, shredded carrots, red onion, snap peas, or lightly sautéed bell peppers all make great additions.

How do I toast cashews without burning them?

Use medium heat and stir constantly. Once they’re golden and aromatic, remove them from the heat immediately.

Can I freeze the beef mixture?

Yes, the cooked beef freezes well for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use certified gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce.

Can I skip the drizzle sauce?

It’s optional but adds a great layer of flavor. If you’re short on time, the dish still tastes great without it.

Conclusion

Thai Sweet Chilli Beef Bowls are a quick, bold, and satisfying dish that delivers a variety of flavors and textures in every bite. With its sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce, this customizable recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding the whole family. It’s simple to make, easy to love, and endlessly adaptable.

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