Thai Peanut Wild Rice Pilaf (Print Version)

Wild rice, peanut sauce, crisp veggies, and herbs create a vibrant, flavorful Thai-inspired main or side.

# Components:

→ Rice

01 - 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
02 - 2 cups vegetable broth

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 tablespoon coconut oil
04 - 1 small red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 small carrot, peeled and julienned
06 - 1/2 cup snap peas, sliced
07 - 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
08 - 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped

→ Peanut Sauce

09 - 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
10 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
11 - 1 tablespoon lime juice
12 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
13 - 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
14 - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
15 - 1 clove garlic, minced
16 - 2 to 3 tablespoons warm water

→ Garnish

17 - 1/4 cup roasted unsalted peanuts, chopped
18 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
19 - Lime wedges

# Directions:

01 - Combine wild rice and vegetable broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 40–45 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Add warm water one tablespoon at a time until the sauce is smooth and pourable.
03 - Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add bell pepper and carrot; sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until just tender. Stir in snap peas and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
04 - Add the cooked wild rice to the skillet with vegetables. Drizzle with the peanut sauce. Toss to coat evenly and heat through for 1 to 2 minutes.
05 - Remove skillet from heat and fold in green onions and chopped cilantro. Serve warm, topped with chopped peanuts, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh lime wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses just one saucepan and one skillet so cleanup is quick
  • Peanut sauce delivers big umami flavor with only pantry staples
  • Easy to customize with any crisp veggies or extra protein
  • Stays fresh for days and works both hot and at room temperature
02 -
  • Rich in plant-based protein and healthy fats
  • Gluten-free friendly if you use tamari
  • Makes a perfect meal prep lunch as it tastes great chilled or reheated
03 -
  • Let rice rest uncovered for five minutes after cooking for the perfect non-mushy grain
  • Always toast peanuts and sesame seeds yourself for incredible aroma and crunch
  • A big squeeze of lime at the table unlocks the brightest flavor in every bite

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