Ever wondered what you can do with that jar of tamarind sauce? I have 25 of the most amazing recipes that you can try for yourself today!
1. Pad Thai
I mean, I had to include Pad Thai as the first recipe on the list didn’t I? Arguably, Pad Thai is one of the dishes most synonymous with tamarind sauce as it is a vital ingredient.
This sweet, sour, and spicy dish boasts umami and is a favorite of people all over the world. This recipe from Good Food can be adapted to suit your preferences. I love adding different meats to it to spruce it up!
2. Sticky Tamarind Chicken
Turn your boring old classic roast chicken dish into something so moreish and impressive! This sticky chicken dish uses tamarind as its main flavor. It really is a show stopper.
The bitterness and sweetness of the tamarind taste really unique on an old classic recipe, and it roasts so well on the chicken, achieving a sticky saucy texture.
3. Slow-cooked aubergines, tamarind, roasted onion, white bean purée
This vegan friendly recipe is the perfect hearty meal for any dinner party or winter dinner. The aubergine is slow roasted and then accompanied by a tangy sauce that uses the flavor of tamarind to bring some oomph to the recipe.
4. Vietnamese Lemongrass Tamarind Chicken
This dish is sweet and sour, full of rich flavors, and so deliciously tasty! The tamarind sauce really compliments the freshness of the lemongrass, and it really is the sort of dish that keeps you coming back for more.
It also features fresh chilis but you can add as much or as little as you like to suit your taste. How hot can you handle it?
5. Beef Rendang
Spicy and creamy. Who knew those two flavors worked so well together? …and they really do, trust us! This recipe uses delicious caramelized beef, coconut milk and flakes, and fresh ingredients such as lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves.
Of course, there is also tamarind for that undeniable burst of flavor! The best part is you make it as spicy as you like to make sure it suits everyone.
6. Tamarind and pomegranate caramel-glazed ham
Tamarind is so often associated with Asian cuisine, so it is quite refreshing to find a very different recipe that uses tamarind sauce. This caramel glazed ham is juicy, flavorful, and super succulent.
It is perfect for the holiday season or even in the summer if served with fresh veggies. The tamarind sauce is used for the glaze and it gives it its typical distinct flavor. Definitely a winner!
7. Grilled bream with cucumber and tamarind relish
Whilst the main dish is actually a piece of grilled bream, the star of the show is by far the deliciously tangy relish made with tamarind sauce. It is quick and easy, making it ideal for a light supper or lunchtime dish.
The flavors used in the relish compliment each other so well and let the sourness of the tamarind shine through.
8. Nasi Goreng – Indonesian Fried Rice
This deliciously spicy and rich fried rice dish comes straight from Indonesia and is sure to be a hit! It uses tamarind sauce (or paste if you prefer to call it that) to give it a distinctly delicious tang!
It’s also topped with a crispy fried egg and packed full of flavors such as garlic, chili, and shallot! Delish!
9. Porco balichão tamarindo – Macanese tamarind-braised pork
The rich culture in Macau is personified in this fusion of flavors. Portuguese, African, Indian, and Chinese flavors come to play in this, with tamarind being the standout ingredient.
The flavor is so rich and intense and works so well with the pork. This is sure to be a favorite, especially when served alongside Japanese style rice!
10. Fried Fish with Tamarind Sauce Recipe
Fried fish…but not like the British have it! This fried fish recipe is the Thai favorite known as pla rad prik and it uses white fish such as tilapia or sea bass, as well as sweet palm sugar to make it a fish supper you will not forget!
11. Tamarind prawn curry
This whole dish takes under half an hour which is very impressive when you consider that you also have to make your own spice paste!
Sweet, spicy, sour, and creamy, this delicious prawn curry is inspired by the tastes of Asia and is sure to be a hit with everyone.
12. Sticky tamarind chicken with soured cream dip recipe
I’ve already given you one dish for sticky tamarind chicken, but this time I have some sticky wings! These are the perfect recipe for Super Bowl snacks or at a BBQ party.
Serve them with a zesty sour cream dip to really impress your guests.
13. BBQ tamarind salmon with lemongrass, chili, and ginger
This Thai inspired dish is sure to be a hit with salmon lovers. Salmon can often be quite rich. Of course, this is what makes it so well-loved, but it can be difficult to find flavors to pair with it.
That’s where tamarind comes in. Its distinct, sour taste really compliments the richness of the salmon, and when paired with fresh lemongrass, chili, and ginger, it results in a delicious fish supper to suit every palate.
14. Lamb Ribs with Tamarind, Honey, and Toasted Peanuts
These flavors just shouldn’t work together but oh god, they do… prepare for a taste sensation with this delicious dish which uses the sourness of tamarind to bring it all together!
The peanuts make the whole dish reminiscent of pad thai!
15. Dan Barber’s Braised Short Ribs
Braised short ribs are a staple for any meat lover. This recipe uses tamarind sauce or paste to achieve a delicious glaze. They are sure to be a hit at your next potluck or BBQ.
16. Tamarind date cake
Date cake…also known as sticky toffee pudding in the UK. yep, really. Well, in other parts of the world, it is simply a cake made from dates, and this version is bound to be a hit.
The sour sweetness of the tamarind really goes well with the sweet, moist dates. Eat it warm or cold, with custard or ice cream. Tamarind doesn’t always have to be savory!
17. Tamarind pork meatballs with papaya salsa
These super tasty meatballs are a great change from your usual pork meatballs. The flavors of tamarind and lemongrass really zest it up and create something super unique.
There is also ginger in them, and when served with delicious papaya salsa, you will hardly believe you are eating meatballs as they taste so exotic!
18. Penang Pork Satay
Pork satay, flavored in a Penang style and served with peanut sauce and cucumber salad. What’s not to like? This is sure to go down a treat with any pork lover and can be made in advance for picnics and buffets.
The sourness of the tamarind really shines through and tastes amazing with peanuts.
19. Tamarind-glazed tuna with sugar snap and mango salad
The tamarind glaze on this tuna dish brings a unique flavor to what would otherwise be quite a plain and simple dish. It is super quick and easy to make, making it the ideal mid week dinner or lunchtime dish.
Tamarind sauce’s distinct sweet-sourness pairs well with the mango and sugar snap pea salad, too.
20. Bhel puri
This delicious recipe is a favorite in Indian street food and is served with an unforgettable tamarind chutney. Tamarind is synonymous with Thai dishes, but I adore it in Indian cuisine too.
It is described as an explosion of flavors and I have to agree!
21. Tomato and tamarind chicken curry
As I mentioned above, tamarind is perfect for Indian cuisine and this is no different. This delicious chicken curry uses tomato and tamarind to achieve a sweet, tangy flavor.
The addition of ghee, an Indian butter-type ingredient makes this deliciously creamy and rich.
22. Chicken Massaman Curry
Sour tamarind, creamy coconut milk, and sweet brown sugar work together to make this Thai inspired classic dish, Chicken Massaman. Serve it with sticky white rice for a delicious meal.
23. Butternut squash and tamarind laksa with smoked tofu
A Malaysian classic dish, this gorgeous noodle soup is tasty. Hearty, and full of rich flavors. Tamarind works well to bring a sweet sourness, and the laksa paste gives it a unique, distinct flavor.
Plus, even though it is a soup, the noodles and butternut squash will keep you full!
24. Pad Thai Egg Rolls
Pad thai and egg rolls are two staple dishes from Asian cuisine. Why not pair them together. These pad thai inspired egg rolls are full of flavor and they use tamarind paste as it is the vital ingredient in everyone’s favorite noodle dish.
25. Tamarind Red Lentil Soup
Spicy, zesty, sweet, and sour are four of the best words I can use to describe this heartwarming soup. The lentils make it a super filling dish for lunch or dinner.
You can spruce it up how you want by adding spice to your preference and even meat or fish if you want.