I have to tell you, this recipe is one of those happy accidents in my kitchen. I love sweet potatoes, and I love anything with peanut sauce.
One day I just mixed them together in a bowl with some fresh veggies, rice, and crunchy toppings. The first bite blew me away.
It was creamy, a little spicy, sweet, and filling—but still healthy. Since then, it’s been on repeat in my house, and I think you’ll fall in love with it too.
What Is a Buddha Bowl?
A Buddha bowl is basically a big bowl of goodness. It usually has:
- A grain (like rice or quinoa)
- A protein (like beans or tofu)
- A veggie (fresh or roasted)
- A sauce to bring it all together
It’s colorful, balanced, and makes you feel good after eating. My Thai Peanut Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl checks all those boxes.
Why Sweet Potatoes Work So Well
Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, soft, and filling. When roasted, they get caramelized edges that taste amazing with creamy peanut sauce. They balance out the spice and make the bowl feel cozy and satisfying. Plus, they’re packed with fiber and vitamins, so you feel full without feeling heavy.
The Star: Thai Peanut Sauce
The peanut sauce is the magic here. It’s nutty, creamy, a little tangy, and has that kick of garlic and ginger. Here’s what usually goes in:
- Peanut butter
- Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- Lime juice
- Maple syrup or honey
- Garlic & ginger
- A splash of sriracha (if you like spice)
Once you whisk it all together, you’ll want to pour it on everything, not just this bowl.
What You Need for the Bowl
Here’s the lineup of ingredients:
- Base: Cooked rice, quinoa, or noodles
- Veggies: Roasted sweet potatoes, cucumbers, shredded carrots, red cabbage
- Protein: Chickpeas or crispy tofu
- Extras: Fresh cilantro, sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, lime wedges
- Sauce: The Thai peanut sauce
Everything is simple and easy to find.
How to Put It All Together
- Roast the sweet potatoes – Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then bake until golden.
- Cook your base – Rice, quinoa, or even noodles work great.
- Prepare your protein – Roast chickpeas for crunch or pan-fry tofu.
- Make the peanut sauce – Whisk everything in a bowl until smooth.
- Assemble the bowl – Start with your grain, add sweet potatoes, pile on fresh veggies, add protein, drizzle peanut sauce, and finish with toppings.
It’s that easy.
Tips to Make It Better
- Roast extra sweet potatoes so you can make bowls all week.
- Double the peanut sauce—you’ll thank me later.
- Add avocado for extra creaminess.
- If you like spice, sprinkle chili flakes or drizzle more sriracha.
Why You’ll Love This Bowl
It’s:
- Easy to make
- Packed with flavor
- Perfect for meal prep
- Balanced with protein, veggies, and healthy carbs
- Flexible—you can swap in whatever you like
It’s one of those recipes that feels like comfort food but also healthy at the same time.
FAQs
1. Can I make this bowl ahead of time?
Yes! Prep everything and store in containers. Keep the peanut sauce separate until you’re ready to eat.
2. What if I don’t eat peanuts?
You can swap peanut butter for almond butter or even sunflower seed butter.
3. How long does the peanut sauce last?
It stays good in the fridge for up to 5 days in a sealed jar.
4. Do I have to roast the sweet potatoes?
Roasting gives the best flavor, but you can steam or air fry them too.
5. What protein works best?
Chickpeas, tofu, tempeh, or even grilled chicken if you’re not vegan.