Dinner

Thai Sweet Chilli Beef Bowls Recipe

Name: Thai Sweet Chilli Beef Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1/3 cup roasted cashews, unsalted (or peanuts); 2 batches jasmine rice (or other plain rice of choice); 500 g / 1 lb beef mince (ground beef); 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, finely minced (divided: 2 cloves for cooking, 1 clove minced using garlic crusher for drizzle sauce); 3 tbsp roughly chopped coriander/cilantro leaves (substitute with green onion if preferred); 1 tbsp canola oil (or other plain cooking oil); 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce (for stir-fry sauce); 3 tbsp sweet chilli sauce (for drizzle sauce); 2 tbsp fish sauce (for stir-fry sauce); 2 tsp fish sauce (for drizzle sauce); 2 tbsp rice vinegar (substitute cider vinegar); 2 tbsp lime juice (substitute rice vinegar when limes are expensive); 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp dark soy sauce; Steamed or fresh vegetables such as chopped cucumber, finely sliced red onion, and extra coriander/cilantro for garnish

ByMariam Harutyunyan April 16, 2026April 16, 2026

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Introduction

Thai Sweet Chilli Beef Bowls are a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Tender beef mince is coated in a tangy, sweet chilli sauce and served over fragrant jasmine rice with fresh veggies and crunchy cashews. This recipe brings a delightful balance of sweet, salty, and zesty flavors in every bite.

The image shows a white bowl filled with a layered dish. The bottom layer is white rice on one side, topped with a dark brown minced meat sauce mixed with small pieces of chopped nuts scattered over it. On the other side, there are green chopped vegetables with a fresh texture. A small lime wedge is placed near the front edge of the bowl, adding a pop of light green color. There are also some red chili slices and fresh green herbs sprinkled on top, with some bright red sauce drizzled over the meat. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/3 cup roasted cashews, unsalted (or peanuts)
1 tbsp canola oil (or other plain cooking oil)

500 g (1 lb) beef mince (ground beef)
1 small onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, finely minced
3 tbsp roughly chopped coriander/cilantro leaves (substitute with green onion)

2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
2 tbsp fish sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar (substitute with cider vinegar)

1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp dark soy sauce
1 garlic clove, minced using garlic crusher

3 tbsp sweet chilli sauce (for drizzle sauce)
2 tbsp lime juice (substitute rice vinegar if limes are expensive)
2 tsp fish sauce

2 batches jasmine rice (or other plain rice of choice)
Steamed or fresh vegetables such as chopped cucumber, coriander/cilantro, and finely sliced red onion

Instructions

Step 1: Mix the drizzle sauce by combining 3 tbsp sweet chilli sauce, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tsp fish sauce, and 1 minced garlic clove in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the stir fry sauce by mixing 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, and 1 tbsp dark soy sauce in another bowl. Set aside.
Step 3: Heat a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the cashews and toast them for about 2 minutes until golden. Transfer to a cutting board and roughly chop once cool.
Step 4: In the same pan, heat the canola oil over high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Add the beef mince to the pan. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no raw meat remains.
Step 6: Pour in the stir fry sauce and cook, stirring regularly, until the sauce mostly reduces and caramelises on the beef, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step intensifies the flavor, so do not skip or rush it.
Step 7: Serve the beef mixture over cooked jasmine rice. Arrange steamed or fresh vegetables on the side and drizzle the prepared sauce over everything.

Step 8: Top the dish with chopped toasted cashews and fresh coriander leaves. For extra heat, add fresh chilli if desired. Mix everything together before eating and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a nut-free version, omit the cashews and add crushed crispy fried shallots for crunch.
Substitute chicken mince or turkey mince for a lighter protein option.

Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas during the beef cooking step for more color and nutrition.
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sweet chilli sauce slightly in both sauce mixes.

Storage

Store leftover beef and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dish reheats well in a microwave or skillet; reheat until hot throughout. For best texture, add fresh cashews and coriander after reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with three main layers: the bottom layer has fluffy white rice, the middle layer is a dark brown minced meat mixed with chopped peanuts and red chili pieces, and the top layer includes green chopped cucumbers and fresh parsley. A wedge of lime rests on the side of the bowl. Above the bowl, a spoon held by a woman's hand pours a shiny amber-colored sauce over the meat. The background features a second similar bowl with matching ingredients, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes. Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce substitutes to make this recipe gluten-free.

Can I prepare components in advance?

You can toast cashews and prepare both sauces ahead of time. Cook the beef fresh for best flavor and texture, but leftovers reheat well.

Mariam Harutyunyan