Gluten-Free Thai Sweet Chili Beef Bowls Recipe
Introduction
These Gluten-Free Thai Sweet Chili Beef Bowls are a vibrant and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a balance of sweet and tangy sauces, they offer a satisfying and healthy option for any dinner table.

Ingredients
- 1 lb lean grass-fed ground beef
- 1 small red onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1/3 cup toasted cashews
- 2 tbsp gluten-free sweet chili sauce (for Stir-Fry Sauce)
- 2 tbsp gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp gluten-free fish sauce (for Stir-Fry Sauce)
- 1 tbsp reduced-sodium gluten-free soy sauce
- 3 tbsp gluten-free sweet chili sauce (for Drizzle Sauce)
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp gluten-free fish sauce (for Drizzle Sauce)
- 1 garlic clove (for Drizzle Sauce)
- 2 cups cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced thinly
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
- Fresh cilantro or Thai basil, for garnish
- Fresh chili slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the Stir-Fry Sauce—2 tbsp sweet chili sauce, tamari or coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp fish sauce, and soy sauce. Set aside.
- Step 2: In another bowl, mix the Drizzle Sauce ingredients—3 tbsp sweet chili sauce, lime juice, 1 tsp fish sauce, and 1 minced garlic clove. Set aside.
- Step 3: Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add cashews and toast, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Remove and set aside.
- Step 4: In the same pan, heat avocado oil over high heat. Sauté minced garlic and chopped red onion for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Step 5: Add ground beef to the pan. Break it apart and cook until browned all over. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Step 6: Pour the Stir-Fry Sauce over the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes more, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef well.
- Step 7: To assemble, divide cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice into bowls. Top with the beef mixture, sliced cucumber, shredded red cabbage, julienned carrots, and fresh herbs.
- Step 8: Drizzle each bowl generously with the Drizzle Sauce, sprinkle toasted cashews on top, and garnish with fresh chili slices as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- Use cauliflower rice for a lower-carb, grain-free option that pairs beautifully with the flavors.
- For added crunch, include sliced bell peppers or snap peas with the fresh vegetables.
- Adjust the spice by adding more fresh chili slices or a dash of chili flakes into the Drizzle Sauce.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken if preferred, cooking similarly for a lighter version.
Storage
Store leftover beef mixture and cooked rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat gently in a pan or microwave. Fresh vegetables and herbs are best added fresh to maintain their crisp texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
This recipe can be adapted by substituting the ground beef for firm tofu or tempeh. Use tamari and vegan fish sauce alternatives to keep it entirely plant-based while maintaining the bold umami flavors.
Is the sweet chili sauce in this recipe spicy?
The gluten-free sweet chili sauce used here has a mild to moderate spice level, providing a subtle heat balanced with sweetness. You can adjust the heat by adding fresh chilies or chili flakes to taste.
PrintGluten-Free Thai Sweet Chili Beef Bowls Recipe
These Gluten-Free Thai Sweet Chili Beef Bowls offer a vibrant and flavorful meal featuring lean grass-fed ground beef cooked in a tangy, sweet chili sauce. Served over nutrient-rich brown or cauliflower rice and topped with fresh vegetables, herbs, and toasted cashews, this dish brings authentic Thai flavors to your table while keeping it gluten-free and wholesome.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Beef and Stir-Fry Sauce Ingredients
- 1 lb lean grass-fed ground beef
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1/3 cup toasted cashews
- 2 tbsp gluten-free sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp gluten-free fish sauce
- 1 tbsp reduced-sodium gluten-free soy sauce
Drizzle Sauce Ingredients
- 3 tbsp gluten-free sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp gluten-free fish sauce
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Serving Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced thinly
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
- Fresh cilantro or Thai basil, for garnish
- Fresh chili slices, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Stir-Fry Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together gluten-free sweet chili sauce, tamari or coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, fish sauce, and reduced-sodium soy sauce until well combined. Set aside.
- Make Drizzle Sauce: In another small bowl, combine gluten-free sweet chili sauce, lime juice, gluten-free fish sauce, and minced garlic. Mix well and set aside.
- Toast Cashews: Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add cashews and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and slightly golden. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, heat avocado oil over high heat. Add minced garlic and chopped red onion, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan. Using a spatula, break the beef into small pieces and cook until browned throughout. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add Stir-Fry Sauce: Pour the prepared stir-fry sauce into the pan with the browned beef. Stir well and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly caramelize and coat the beef evenly.
- Assemble Bowls: In serving bowls, layer the cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice as the base. Top with the sweet chili beef mixture, then add fresh cucumber slices, shredded red cabbage, julienned carrots, and fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the prepared drizzle sauce generously over each bowl. Sprinkle toasted cashews on top and add fresh chili slices if desired for extra heat. Serve immediately or store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Notes
- For a lower-carb option, use cauliflower rice instead of brown rice.
- Adjust the amount of fresh chili slices according to your preferred spice level.
- Ensure all sauces used are certified gluten-free to maintain the recipe’s gluten-free integrity.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
- Toasting cashews enhances their flavor but be careful not to burn them.
Keywords: Thai beef bowl, gluten-free dinner, sweet chili beef, healthy Thai recipe, ground beef bowl, gluten-free bowl, quick Thai meal, sweet chili sauce beef

