Thai Basil Beef Rice Bowls with Peanut Lime Sauce

Posted on May 19, 2025

Thai Basil Beef Rice Bowls with Peanut Lime Sauce

If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings the essence of Thai cuisine right to your kitchen, look no further than these Thai Basil Beef Rice Bowls with Peanut Lime Sauce. This delightful meal features tender ground beef infused with aromatic Thai basil and a rich, creamy peanut lime sauce that ties everything together perfectly. It’s a dish that’s not only quick to prepare but also incredibly satisfying, making it a great option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family.

Thai cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors, and this recipe is no exception. The combination of savory beef, fragrant herbs, and zesty sauce creates a delicious balance that’s sure to please everyone at your table. Plus, it’s customizable! Adjust the spice levels by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes, or make it vegetarian by substituting the beef with tofu or a plant-based protein. The possibilities are endless!

In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of creating these delightful Thai Basil Beef Rice Bowls with Peanut Lime Sauce, ensuring you have all the tips and tricks you need to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. So, let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with these Thai Basil Beef Rice Bowls with Peanut Lime Sauce. Here are just a few:

  • Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic weeknight dinners when you need something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
  • Bursting with Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce creates a depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the fresh Thai basil and creamy peanut lime sauce.
  • Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and fresh herbs, this dish is not only tasty but also nutritious. Jasmine rice provides a great base, while the Thai basil adds a fresh punch.
  • Customizable: Feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based option to suit your dietary preferences.
  • Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors of the fresh basil, lime wedges, and chopped peanuts make this dish visually appealing, perfect for entertaining or family dinners.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Trying new recipes can sometimes feel intimidating, but this Thai Basil Beef Rice Bowl with Peanut Lime Sauce is a crowd-pleaser that will boost your confidence in the kitchen. Here’s why:

  • Authentic Thai Taste: If you love Thai food but don’t have access to a great Thai restaurant, this recipe is your chance to recreate that restaurant-quality dish at home.
  • Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this dish. The flavors are approachable, and the ability to customize spice levels makes it suitable for all palates.
  • One-Pan Wonder: The beef is cooked in one skillet, which means easier cleanup for you. You’ll be able to enjoy your meal without the stress of a pile of dirty dishes afterwards.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Prepare a batch and enjoy delicious lunches throughout the week.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make your Thai Basil Beef Rice Bowls with Peanut Lime Sauce:

  • For the Beef:
    • 1 lb ground beef
    • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
    • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
    • 1 teaspoon sugar
    • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • For the Rice:
    • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
  • For the Peanut Lime Sauce:
    • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
    • 1/4 cup lime juice
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon honey
    • 1 tablespoon water (more if needed for consistency)
    • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
    • 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
  • For Garnish:
    • Chopped peanuts
    • Lime wedges
    • Fresh cilantro

Recommended Utensils

To ensure your cooking experience is smooth and successful, gather the following utensils:

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Wooden spatula or spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk or fork (for mixing sauce)
  • Serving bowls

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have your ingredients and utensils ready, let’s dive into the cooking process for these Thai Basil Beef Rice Bowls with Peanut Lime Sauce:

  1. Cook the Rice:

    Begin by cooking the jasmine rice according to package instructions. This usually involves rinsing the rice, combining it with water in a pot, bringing it to a boil, then reducing the heat and letting it simmer until tender. Once cooked, set aside and keep warm.

  2. Prepare the Peanut Lime Sauce:

    In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, water, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Adjust the consistency with more water if needed to reach your desired thickness. Set aside.

  3. Cook the Beef:

    In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step is crucial as it infuses the oil with garlic flavor.

    Next, add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally for even cooking.

  4. Add Flavorings:

    Once the beef is cooked, stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine all the flavors.

    Add the fresh Thai basil leaves, tossing them in for an additional 1-2 minutes until they are wilted. The aroma will be irresistible!

  5. Assemble the Bowls:

    To serve, place a generous scoop of jasmine rice in each bowl. Top with the Thai basil beef mixture. Drizzle with the peanut lime sauce to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor.

  6. Garnish:

    Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top and add lime wedges and fresh cilantro for garnish. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful visual appeal to your dish.

  7. Enjoy:

    Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Thai Basil Beef Rice Bowls with Peanut Lime Sauce! Don’t forget to share your experience with family and friends.

FAQs

What can I substitute for ground beef in this recipe?

You can use ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version of these Thai Basil Beef Rice Bowls with Peanut Lime Sauce.

Can I make the peanut lime sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the peanut lime sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just whisk it again before serving to ensure it’s smooth.

Is this dish spicy?

The spiciness can be adjusted according to your taste. The crushed red pepper flakes can be reduced or omitted if you prefer a milder dish.

What can I serve with Thai Basil Beef Rice Bowls?

These rice bowls are a complete meal on their own, but you can serve them with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for added nutrition.

Can I freeze the Thai Basil Beef?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked Thai basil beef for up to three months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

Conclusion

In summary, these Thai Basil Beef Rice Bowls with Peanut Lime Sauce are a perfect blend of flavors and textures that are sure to impress. They are quick to prepare, healthy, and easily customizable to suit your preferences. We hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every satisfying bite!

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this dish. Please leave a comment below, share this article with friends, or try the recipe and let us know how it turned out!

For more delicious recipes, check out our Sticky Korean Beef Skewers with Sweet Chili Sauce or our Garlic Soy Glazed Chicken Bites with Spicy Mayo Dip.

Need more inspiration? Explore our Pinterest for more ideas: Cheflora Recipes.

Thai Basil Beef Rice Bowls with Peanut Lime Sauce

Thai Basil Beef Rice Bowls with Peanut Lime Sauce

These flavorful Thai Basil Beef Rice Bowls feature savory ground beef stir-fried with garlic and Thai basil, served over jasmine rice and drizzled with a creamy, tangy peanut lime sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Thai
Servings 4 servings
Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Wooden spatula or spoon
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Whisk or fork
  • Serving bowls

Ingredients
  

For the Beef

  • 1 lb Ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 cups Fresh Thai basil leaves
  • 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes adjust to taste

For the Rice

  • 2 cups Cooked jasmine rice

For the Peanut Lime Sauce

  • 1/2 cup Creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup Lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Honey
  • 1 tablespoon Water more if needed for consistency
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic, minced

For Garnish

  • Chopped peanuts
  • Lime wedges
  • Fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Begin by cooking the jasmine rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, set aside and keep warm.
  • Prepare the Peanut Lime Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, water, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Adjust the consistency with more water if needed to reach your desired thickness. Set aside.
  • Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally for even cooking.
  • Once the beef is cooked, stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
  • Add the fresh Thai basil leaves, tossing them in for an additional 1-2 minutes until they are wilted.
  • To serve, place a generous scoop of jasmine rice in each bowl. Top with the Thai basil beef mixture. Drizzle with the peanut lime sauce.
  • Garnish with chopped peanuts, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes. If Thai basil is unavailable, sweet basil can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Keyword 30 minute meal, easy, ground beef, quick, stir-fry

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