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Thai peanut beef bowls

chef Laya
These Thai peanut beef bowls are an easy, flavor-packed dinner made with savory ground beef, fluffy jasmine rice, crisp vegetables, and a creamy homemade peanut sauce. They are perfect for quick weeknight meals, meal prep lunches, or a customizable family dinner.
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Prepr Time 15 minutes
Cooking Time 15 minutes
ToTal Time 30 minutes
Type of plate Main Course
kitchen Thai-inspired
Serving 4

Ingredients
  

For the Beef and Rice Bowls

  • 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
  • 1 pound ground beef preferably lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil such as avocado oil or vegetable oil
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger finely grated
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 cup shelled edamame cooked
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1 small cucumber thinly sliced
  • 3 green onions thinly sliced
  • Fresh cilantro for serving
  • Lime wedges for serving
  • Sesame seeds optional

For the Creamy Peanut Sauce

  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
  • 1 garlic clove grated or minced
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons warm water as needed
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce optional

Instructions
 

Cook the Jasmine Rice

  • Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water looks mostly clear.
  • Add the rice and 1½ cups water to a saucepan.
  • Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
  • Fluff gently with a fork before serving.

Make the Creamy Peanut Sauce

  • Add peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and optional sriracha to a small bowl.
  • Whisk until smooth.
  • Add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches a pourable consistency.
  • Taste the sauce and adjust it if needed. Add more lime for tanginess, honey for sweetness, soy sauce for saltiness, or sriracha for heat.

Cook the Thai-Style Ground Beef

  • Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the ground beef and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
  • When the beef is browned, drain excess grease if necessary.
  • Add the garlic and ginger. Cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  • Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and optional red pepper flakes.
  • Cook for 1 to 2 more minutes, until the beef is glossy and well coated in the sauce.

Prepare the Vegetables

  • Cook the edamame according to the package instructions, then drain.
  • Shred the carrots and red cabbage.
  • Thinly slice the cucumber and green onions.
  • Wash and roughly chop the cilantro.
  • Arrange everything near your serving bowls for easy assembly.

Assemble the Thai Peanut Beef Bowls

  • Divide the cooked jasmine rice among four bowls.
  • Add the warm Thai-style ground beef to each bowl.
  • Arrange edamame, shredded carrots, red cabbage, and cucumber around the beef.
  • Spoon or drizzle the creamy peanut sauce generously over the top.
  • Finish each bowl with green onions, cilantro, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
  • Serve immediately while the beef and rice are warm.