Thai Peanut Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl
With the Thai Peanut Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl, you’ll enjoy a delightful combination of spicy roasted sweet potatoes, crispy chickpeas, and fluffy quinoa, all drizzled in a creamy peanut sauce. This vibrant and nutritious dish is perfect for lunch or dinner and is great for meal prep. Its vegan and gluten-free qualities make it suitable for various dietary preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy a bowl full of flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The balance of sweet potatoes with savory peanut sauce creates a mouthwatering experience.
- Nutrient-Rich: Loaded with vegetables and plant-based protein, this bowl supports a healthy lifestyle.
- Versatile Meal Prep: Perfect for making ahead, you can store leftovers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Easy to Customize: Swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or to suit your taste preferences.
- Colorful Presentation: The bright colors from the veggies make this dish visually appealing and inviting.
Tools and Preparation
Getting organized with the right tools can streamline your cooking process. Here are the essentials you’ll need to make this Thai Peanut Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Pot for steaming
- Measuring spoons
- Cooking pot for grains
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for roasting your sweet potatoes and chickpeas evenly.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier after baking.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for tossing ingredients together before cooking, ensuring even flavor distribution.
- Pot for steaming: Steams vegetables quickly while preserving their nutrients and colors.

Ingredients
To create the delicious Thai Peanut Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl, gather these ingredients:
For the Base
- 4 cups peeled and cubed sweet potato (about 2 medium potatoes)
- 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 2 tablespoons oil (I used avocado)
For Flavoring
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1-2 tablespoon sriracha (depending on spice preference)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
For Grains and Veggies
- 1 cup uncooked grain of choice (I suggest quinoa, rice or millet!)
- 1 head broccoli (chopped)
- 1 1/2 cup shelled edamame
Toppings
- 1 avocado
- 1/2 batch peanut sauce (click for recipe)
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
How to Make Thai Peanut Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it’s hot enough to roast your sweet potatoes and chickpeas perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare Sweet Potatoes and Chickpeas
In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Cubed sweet potato
2. Rinsed chickpeas
3. Oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, sriracha, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes.
Toss everything until well combined.
Step 3: Roast in the Oven
Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper:
1. Bake for 30–35 minutes.
2. Check that the sweet potatoes are easily pierced with a fork when done.
Step 4: Cook Your Grain
While roasting:
1. Cook your chosen grain according to package instructions.
2. For extra flavor, consider using vegetable broth instead of water.
Step 5: Steam Broccoli and Edamame
In a pot:
1. Add about an inch of water along with chopped broccoli and shelled edamame.
2. Steam for 5–7 minutes until broccoli is just barely fork tender.
3. Drain any excess water.
Step 6: Assemble Your Buddha Bowls
Once everything is cooked:
1. Start with a base of your cooked grain.
2. Layer in steamed veggies, roasted sweet potato/chickpeas mixture, slices of avocado.
3. Drizzle generously with peanut sauce.
4. Top off with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and optional red pepper flakes if you like extra heat!
Enjoy your vibrant Thai Peanut Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl!
How to Serve Thai Peanut Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl
Serving your Thai Peanut Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl can elevate the experience and satisfy various tastes. Here are some creative ideas to enjoy this delicious dish.
On a Bed of Greens
- Use fresh spinach or arugula as a base to add a peppery flavor and extra nutrients to your bowl.
With Extra Protein
- Add grilled chicken or crispy tofu for an additional protein boost, making the meal even more filling.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Top the bowl with fresh basil or mint for a refreshing twist that complements the peanut sauce beautifully.
Drizzled with More Sauce
- For those who love extra flavor, drizzle additional Thai peanut sauce over the top before serving.
Served in a Wrap
- Wrap the ingredients in a large lettuce leaf or whole grain tortilla for a fun handheld meal that’s easy to enjoy on-the-go.
With Pickled Vegetables
- Add pickled carrots or radishes for a crunchy texture and tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the bowl.
How to Perfect Thai Peanut Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl
Creating the perfect Thai Peanut Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for an exceptional result.
- Choose Quality Ingredients – Select fresh vegetables and high-quality peanut butter for rich flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust Spice Levels – Customize sriracha levels based on your heat preference; start small and add more if desired.
- Cook Grains Properly – Rinse quinoa or rice before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy grains.
- Roast for Flavor – Make sure to roast sweet potatoes until golden brown for enhanced sweetness and texture.
- Mix Textures – Combine creamy avocado, crunchy peanuts, and fluffy grains for a delightful eating experience.
- Prep Ahead – Prepare components like grains and veggies in advance to make assembly quick during busy days.
Best Side Dishes for Thai Peanut Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl
Pairing your Thai Peanut Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options.
- Cucumber Salad – A light cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar adds freshness that balances the richness of the bowl.
- Mango Salsa – This sweet and tangy salsa offers a burst of flavor and pairs nicely with the savory elements of your dish.
- Steamed Edamame – Simple yet nutritious, steamed edamame is a great protein-packed side that complements the main flavors.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts add a delightful crunch and earthy taste that works well with sweet potatoes.
- Zucchini Noodles – Spiralized zucchini tossed in sesame oil provides a low-carb option that keeps things light and fresh.
- Sweet Potato Fries – For those who love sweet potatoes, crispy baked fries can be an indulgent yet healthy side option.
- Quinoa Salad – A cold quinoa salad with lemon dressing offers an additional grainy texture while enhancing flavors with citrus notes.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob – Charred corn brings out natural sweetness, adding another layer of flavor that pairs wonderfully with Thai cuisine.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Thai Peanut Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl, there are a few common pitfalls you might encounter. Here’s how to steer clear of them:
- Boldly Overseasoning: Adding too many spices can overwhelm the dish. Start with small amounts and adjust as you go for balanced flavors.
- Boldly Ignoring Cooking Times: Each ingredient has its own cooking time. Ensure your sweet potatoes are tender but not mushy by checking frequently during baking.
- Boldly Skipping the Grain: Grains add texture and nutrition. Don’t forget to include quinoa, rice, or millet as a base for your bowl.
- Boldly Neglecting Texture: A good buddha bowl has a variety of textures. Incorporate crunchy toppings like peanuts and creamy avocado for the best experience.
- Boldly Mismanaging Portions: It’s easy to overload your bowl. Keep serving sizes in mind to maintain balance and ensure everyone gets a taste of each component.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Allow the ingredients to cool completely before sealing to preserve freshness.
Freezing Thai Peanut Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl
- Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Layer ingredients carefully, avoiding any sauces until thawed.
Reheating Thai Peanut Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed, and stir until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Thai Peanut Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl:
What is a Thai Peanut Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl?
A Thai Peanut Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl is a vibrant meal made with roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, grains, and topped with a creamy peanut sauce.
Can I customize the ingredients?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile; swap out vegetables or grains based on what you have or prefer.
How do I make the peanut sauce?
You can make the peanut sauce by blending peanut butter with soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic, and sriracha until smooth.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! The Thai Peanut Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for meal prep.
Can I make it spicy?
Definitely! Adjust the amount of sriracha in the recipe to meet your spice preference.
What are some good pairing options?
Consider serving your buddha bowl with fresh fruit or a light salad on the side for added freshness.
Final Thoughts
The Thai Peanut Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures that can be customized to suit your tastes. It’s not only nutritious but also perfect for meal prepping. Feel free to experiment with different veggies or grains to make it uniquely yours!
Thai Peanut Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Thai Peanut Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl, a nourishing and colorful dish that combines spicy roasted sweet potatoes, crispy chickpeas, and fluffy quinoa, all drizzled with a creamy peanut sauce. This meal is perfect for lunch or dinner and is a fantastic option for meal prep. With its vegan and gluten-free qualities, this bowl caters to a variety of dietary preferences while ensuring a satisfying dining experience full of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
- 4 cups peeled and cubed sweet potato
- 1 can chickpeas
- 2 tablespoons oil (avocado recommended)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to spice preference)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa or grain of choice
- 1 head broccoli (chopped)
- 1 1/2 cup shelled edamame
- 1 avocado
- 1/2 batch peanut sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine cubed sweet potatoes, rinsed chickpeas, oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, sriracha, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Toss to coat.
- Spread the mixture on a lined baking sheet and roast for 30–35 minutes until tender.
- Cook your chosen grain according to package instructions (using vegetable broth for more flavor is optional).
- Steam broccoli and edamame in a pot with an inch of water for about 5–7 minutes.
- Assemble your bowl with grains as the base topped with roasted sweet potatoes/chickpeas mixture, steamed veggies, sliced avocado, peanut sauce, chopped peanuts, cilantro.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 450g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Fiber: 14g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 0mg