Name: Thai Basil Beef Bowls with Coconut Rice Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 cup Jasmine rice or Basmati; 14 ounces coconut milk; 3/4 cups water; 1 pound 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, packed and roughly chopped; 1 carrot, grated; Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish); Scallions (for garnish); Cucumber, quartered (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 11 reviews

Get ready to fall in love with the vibrant flavors and cozy textures of this Thai Basil Beef Bowls with Coconut Rice Recipe. It’s a delightful fusion of savory ground beef, aromatic Thai basil, and a luscious, creamy coconut-infused rice that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress friends, this recipe combines fresh, simple ingredients that come together in just about 45 minutes to create a truly unforgettable meal. The balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy notes makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing and savoring every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several fresh cooking ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. In the center, a clear glass bowl is filled with uncooked white rice. To the right, another clear glass bowl holds raw ground meat with a pink color. Fresh green vegetables like long green onions and a cucumber are placed horizontally near the center. A bright red bell pepper, two whole green limes, a bunch of fresh basil leaves, a whole garlic bulb, and a carrot add color and variety. Small clear glass bowls containing dark soy sauce, brown sugar, and a pale liquid are also included. A small bowl of red sauce is visible on the side. The overall look is clean and fresh, with ingredients spread out for easy viewing. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but essential to building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish sing. From the fragrant coconut milk in the rice to the zesty lime juice and fiery Thai chili sauce in the beef, each component plays a crucial role in bringing authenticity and vibrancy to the Thai Basil Beef Bowls with Coconut Rice Recipe.

Jasmine rice or Basmati (1 cup): Choose fragrant rice for a tender, fluffy base that soaks up all the delicious sauces perfectly.
Coconut milk (14 ounces): This adds creamy richness to the rice, giving it a subtle sweetness and exotic twist.
Water (¾ cups): Used to cook the rice alongside the coconut milk to achieve perfect texture.
Ground beef (1 pound): The hearty protein centerpiece that absorbs all the bold Thai flavors.
Red bell pepper (1, chopped): Adds vibrant color and a sweet crunch to the beef mixture.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing, bringing everything together with a light richness.
Garlic paste (2 tablespoons): Delivers a punch of savory aromatic depth without overpowering the dish.
Low sodium soy sauce (¼ cup): Balances salty umami flavors while keeping the dish light.
Lime juice (¼ cup, about 2 limes): Brightens the dish with an essential tangy freshness.
Light brown sugar (1 tablespoon, packed): Adds subtle caramel sweetness to round out the spice.
Thai chili sauce (2 teaspoons): Brings authentic mild heat and complexity.
Cayenne pepper (1 teaspoon, optional): For those who want to kick the spice up a notch.
Fresh basil (1 cup, roughly chopped): The aromatic heart of the dish, infusing every bite with an herbaceous lift.
Carrot (1, grated): Adds a gentle crunch and natural sweetness at the end.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Sprinkle to taste for extra layer of spice on top.
Scallions (for garnish): Fresh and crisp green touches that brighten every bite.
Cucumber (quartered, for garnish): Cool and refreshing contrast to the warm beef and rice.

How to Make Thai Basil Beef Bowls with Coconut Rice Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Coconut Rice

Start by rinsing 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water until it runs clear—this step removes excess starch and helps the rice cook fluffy and separate. Then bring 14 ounces of coconut milk and ¾ cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in the rinsed rice, cover, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Once done, remove from heat and allow the rice to steam covered for another 10 minutes before fluffing it with a fork. This slow cooking infuses the rice with creamy, tropical coconut flavor that complements the spicy beef perfectly.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Vegetables

While the rice simmers, place 1 pound of ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat and brown it until fully cooked, about 4 to 5 minutes. Once browned, drain off any excess grease to keep the dish light. To the same pan, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and toss in the chopped red bell pepper. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the pepper softens but retains some bite, then stir in 2 tablespoons garlic paste and cook for another minute to release its fragrant aroma. This layering of flavors ensures each ingredient keeps its identity while blending harmoniously.

Step 3: Combine the Sauce and Beef

In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce, ¼ cup lime juice, 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons Thai chili sauce, and if you want, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper to add an extra kick. Pour this tangy, spicy sauce back into the skillet with the cooked beef and veggies. Stir everything to coat evenly and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and deepens in flavor.

Step 4: Finish with Fresh Basil and Carrot

Remove the pan from heat and fold in a full cup of roughly chopped fresh basil leaves. The residual heat wilts the basil beautifully, releasing its sweet, peppery aroma that is signature to this recipe. Finally, stir in the grated carrot to add a fresh texture and natural sweetness that balances the robust flavors perfectly.

Step 5: Plate Your Thai Basil Beef Bowls with Coconut Rice Recipe

To serve, spoon generous portions of fluffy coconut rice into bowls and top with the flavorful beef and vegetable mixture. Garnish with red pepper flakes for heat, scallions for crunch, and quartered cucumber slices for refreshing coolness. This visually striking dish not only tastes incredible but also looks inviting and vibrant, ready to impress everyone at your table.

How to Serve Thai Basil Beef Bowls with Coconut Rice Recipe

A white bowl filled with a bed of white rice topped with a layer of cooked ground beef mixed with small chopped pieces of orange carrots and red bell peppers, garnished with chopped green onions and fresh basil leaves on the side, placed on a white marbled surface with lime halves and a woman's hand holding the bowl visible in the background, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes elevate the dish both in flavor and presentation. Crispy scallions add a subtle sharpness and crunch, while a sprinkle of red pepper flakes intensifies the spice level for those who love some heat. The cool cucumber quarters serve as a crisp counterbalance to the warm, fragrant beef and coconut rice, making each bite refreshing and delightful.

Side Dishes

Though this recipe stands proudly on its own, pairing it with light sides can round out your meal. A simple green salad dressed with lime and sesame oil complements the bold flavors without overwhelming them. Alternatively, steamed or stir-fried Asian greens like bok choy or snap peas bring a fresh, vibrant component to the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Thai Basil Beef Bowls in hollowed-out bell peppers or vibrant ceramic bowls to highlight the colorful ingredients. You can also assemble these bowls as a casual family-style meal with all components in separate dishes, allowing everyone to customize their serving. Wrapping the beef filling in lettuce leaves creates tasty handheld bites that are perfect for entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your delicious Thai Basil Beef Bowls with Coconut Rice Recipe, store any leftovers in airtight containers. Keep the beef and rice separate if possible to maintain texture and freshness. Stored properly in the refrigerator, leftovers will stay good for 3 to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy this meal again during a busy week.

Freezing

You can freeze the beef mixture and coconut rice, but it’s best to freeze them separately to preserve quality. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, removing as much air as possible. Properly wrapped, they will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the rice has dried out, sprinkle a little water and cover to steam and restore moisture. Stir the beef occasionally while warming to heat evenly without drying. Adding fresh basil or a squeeze of lime juice after reheating can revive the vibrant flavors you fell in love with originally.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work beautifully in this recipe. Just be mindful of cooking times as some proteins cook faster than beef.

Is the coconut rice sweet or savory?

The coconut rice has a subtle natural sweetness from the coconut milk, but it’s balanced with the savory ingredients in the bowl. It provides a creamy and slightly sweet base that complements the spicy and tangy beef.

How spicy is this dish? Can I make it milder?

The dish has a moderate spice level, especially with the Thai chili sauce and optional cayenne pepper. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and adjust the chili sauce to your liking.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the rice and beef mixture in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Then simply reheat and add fresh basil just before serving for the best flavor.

What makes this recipe authentic Thai?

The combination of fresh basil, lime juice, garlic paste, and Thai chili sauce captures the essence of Thai cooking, blending sour, sweet, spicy, and aromatic notes harmoniously, making this Thai Basil Beef Bowls with Coconut Rice Recipe both approachable and authentic.

Final Thoughts

This Thai Basil Beef Bowls with Coconut Rice Recipe is a true gift to your taste buds and your dinner routine. Quick to whip up, endlessly satisfying, and bursting with authentic Thai flavors, it’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try tonight—you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste so spectacular!