Are you tired of eating the same foods day in and day out? Tamarind, a curious fruit with a powerful punch, can give you the delicious diet you dream of!
People Also Ask
-
What do I do with tamarind? Tamarind can be used to add a sour edge to food like soups, salads, curries, stir fries, or dips. You can even use it in barbeque sauce!
-
What is the best way to eat tamarind? A quick and enjoyable way to eat tamarind is to open the pod, remove the seeds, and snack on the sticky pulp.
-
What tastes good with tamarind? Tamarind has a sweet and sour taste that pairs perfectly with hot foods and earthy sweeteners like brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, or muscovado sugar.
-
How long should tamarind be soaked in water? Tear away a small piece of the tamarind fruit and soak it in warm water for 10 minutes (or until it softens.) You can then use your fingers to extract the juice and discard the pulp.
Keep reading, and we'll share 3 recipes with tamarind paste.
See Related: What Does “Clean Beauty” Mean In 2025?
What Is Tamarind?
Tamarind is a fruit that grows in pods. It usually is found in tropical places around the world, including Indonesia, India, and the Middle East.
The unripe pods are a soft green color and eventually turn into a deep brown when ripe.
What Does Tamarind Taste Like?
Tamarind has a sweet yet tangy flavor that has earned it the name "the date of India." It's often used in Indian, Thai, and Middle Eastern food, in anything from curry to candy to Pad Thai.
Though you can eat the tamarind pulp raw, you can also use it in your cooking to add a punch of flavor to your favorite foods.
How Do You Use Tamarind?
You can usually find tamarind at any local international market. It may be hard to track down tamarind, depending on where you live, but it will be well worth it in the end!
Here are the most common ways to use tamarind.
Tamarind Paste
Tamarind paste is made from the fruity flesh of the tamarind fruit. The seeds have been removed, and it may also contain other ingredients like water (but no artificial sweeteners.)
Tamarind Concentrate
Tamarind concentrate is thick like molasses with a dark color. It also has a very intense flavor that can really pack a punch!
Tamarind Powder
Tamarind powder isn't a common way to use tamarind, but it can be helpful if you want to add a small pinch to candies, drinks, or sauces. However, keep in mind that it is not a suitable substitute for tamarind paste or tamarind water.
Bonus: Spiced Tea Mix (Friendship Tea)
#1. Sweet Tamarind Chutney Recipe
Ingredients
2 cups water
2 tbsp tamarind concentrate
1 cup coconut sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cumin
Instructions
- Boil water over medium-high heat.
- Add the tamarind concentrate to the water and stir until completely dissolved.
- Add the coconut sugar, salt, cayenne pepper, ground ginger, and ground cumin. Stir until completely dissolved.
- Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer until it has a syrupy consistency (about 20 minutes) while stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for 10 minutes.
- Use immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 1 month in the refrigerator.
#2. Turmeric & Tamarind Scrambled Eggs Recipe
Ingredients
1 tsp coconut oil
2 eggs, beaten
3 tbsp milk
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 pinch of sea salt
1 tsp tamarind sauce
Instructions
- Mix a couple of drops of coconut oil, garlic, turmeric powder, black pepper, and salt with a silicone spatula until it is a smooth paste.
- Add the milk to the mixture until it's well blended.
- Add the eggs to the mixture and scramble using a fork.
- Add the rest of the coconut oil to a pan over medium heat. Add the egg mixture to the pan.
- Stir the eggs until fluffy and almost fully cooked. The residual heat will cook the eggs through.
- Enjoy!
#3. Traditional Pad Thai Recipe
This rendition of a recipe from Allrecipes is a classic dish that features tamarind, rice noodles, peanuts, and eggs.
Ingredients
12 oz dried rice noodles
1/2 cup coconut sugar
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup fish sauce
2 tbsp tamarind paste
2 tbsp coconut oil
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
1 1/2 tsp garlic, minced
4 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 tbsp coconut sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup peanuts, chopped
2 cups bean sprouts
1/2 cup chives, chopped
1 tbsp paprika
Instructions
- Fully submerge the dried rice noodles in a bowl of room temperate water, and soak for 20 to 60 minutes. Drain.
- Whisk 1/2 cup coconut sugar, white vinegar, fish sauce, and tamarind paste together over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, then remove from the heat.
- Heat 1 tbsp coconut oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook fully. Remove from heat.
- Heat 1 tbsp coconut oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Scramble in the eggs until cooked fully.
- Add chicken and rice noodles and stir till combined. Add the tamarind paste mixture, 1 1/2 tbsp coconut sugar, and salt. Cook till noodles are tender, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Stir in peanuts and cook till heated through.
- Garnish with bean sprouts, chives, and paprika.
- Enjoy!
Keep Reading: 7 Clove Tea Benefits: The Secret Key to Better Health
--
Juara Skincare incorporates ancient rituals with Western skincare science, creating the ultimate beauty experience. We aim to transport you from the mundane to the extraordinary with our exotic ingredients, intoxicating scents, and powerful, skin-improving formulas. All of our products are nutrient-rich and botanically based. We are proud to be certified cruelty-free. Get the latest skin care tips and info on Juara wellness products by following us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
