A comforting and wholesome meal, these creamy Thai peanut sweet potato bowls bring together roasted sweet potatoes, fresh crisp veggies, fluffy rice, and a silky Thai-inspired peanut sauce. I love how nourishing, colorful, and satisfying this recipe is, making it one of my favorite choices for weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it balances rich, creamy flavors with fresh crunch and vibrant vegetables. The roasted sweet potatoes add natural sweetness, while the peanut sauce ties everything together with a savory, tangy, nutty finish. It’s quick to make, filling yet light, and customizable to whatever vegetables I have on hand. Plus, it’s a plant-based meal that doesn’t compromise on comfort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup uncooked jasmine or brown rice
2 cups water
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup chopped cucumbers
1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 avocado, sliced (optional)
For the peanut sauce:
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1–2 tablespoons warm water (to thin)
1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
Directions
I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
I toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them on a baking sheet. Next I roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and tender.
While the potatoes roast, I rinse the rice and cook it in a saucepan with 2 cups water. I bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes until the water is absorbed. I fluff with a fork.
To make the peanut sauce, I whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger (if using), and warm water until smooth.
To assemble the bowls, I add rice as the base, top with roasted sweet potatoes, bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, and avocado (if I’m using it), then drizzle with peanut sauce.
I finish by sprinkling chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro on top.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings. Prep time is about 15 minutes, cooking time 30 minutes, so I have everything ready in 45 minutes. Each serving is around 435 kcal, making it a balanced and satisfying meal.
Variations
I sometimes swap jasmine rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter version.
For extra protein, I add crispy tofu or chickpeas.
If I don’t have cucumbers, I use shredded cabbage or zucchini ribbons for crunch.
To make it spicier, I stir sriracha or chili flakes into the peanut sauce.
A squeeze of lime juice over the finished bowl makes the flavors pop.
Storage/Reheating
I like to store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The peanut sauce stays fresh for about a week. To reheat, I warm the rice and sweet potatoes in the microwave or a skillet, then assemble the bowls with fresh veggies and sauce just before eating.
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FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, I just use tamari instead of soy sauce and the recipe is completely gluten-free.
Can I prepare this in advance?
I like to roast the sweet potatoes, cook the rice, and make the sauce ahead of time. Then, when I’m ready to eat, I just assemble the bowl with fresh vegetables.
What can I use instead of peanut butter?
I sometimes substitute almond butter or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor. Sunflower seed butter works too if I want a nut-free option.
How can I make this recipe more filling?
I add tofu, tempeh, chickpeas, or even a fried egg on top to boost the protein and make it extra satisfying.
Can I serve this cold as a salad?
Yes, I love turning it into a cold rice and veggie salad bowl, which makes a refreshing meal on warm days.
Conclusion
These creamy Thai peanut sweet potato bowls are one of my favorite meals when I want something that’s cozy yet fresh, nourishing yet easy to prepare. The balance of roasted sweet potatoes, crunchy vegetables, and that irresistible peanut sauce makes every bite satisfying. It’s a dish I keep coming back to for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a quick lunch.
📖 Recipe:
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Creamy Thai Peanut Sweet Potato Bowls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A wholesome and colorful plant-based bowl featuring roasted sweet potatoes, crisp veggies, fluffy rice, and a creamy Thai peanut sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup uncooked jasmine or brown rice
2 cups water
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup chopped cucumbers
1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 avocado, sliced (optional)
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1–2 tablespoons warm water (to thin)
1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender.
- While potatoes roast, rinse the rice and add to a saucepan with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
- In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce or tamari, maple syrup or honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger (if using), and warm water until smooth.
- To assemble bowls, start with a base of rice. Top with roasted sweet potatoes, bell pepper, carrots, cucumbers, and avocado (if using).
- Drizzle with peanut sauce and finish with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro.
Notes
Swap jasmine rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
Add tofu, chickpeas, or a fried egg for extra protein.
Use shredded cabbage or zucchini ribbons if cucumbers aren’t available.
Stir sriracha or chili flakes into the sauce for added heat.
Add a squeeze of lime juice over the top to brighten flavors.
Store components separately for up to 4 days; peanut sauce lasts up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Thai-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 435
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg