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Tamarind
Also called tamarind paste, tamarind water
What it is
The tart pulp of a tropical pod. Pad thai's sour, when it is made properly.
Origin
Africa; essential in South and Southeast Asia.
Flavour
Sour, fruity, slightly caramel.
How to use it
Soak block tamarind and squeeze, or use a sour paste without chilli if you want control.
Storage
Block keeps in the pantry; paste in the fridge.
Can you recognise Tamarind?
Ingredient challengeQuestions about Tamarind
From this ingredient's notes in the catalogue — not a chatbot.
What is Tamarind?
The tart pulp of a tropical pod. Pad thai's sour, when it is made properly.
How do I use Tamarind?
Soak block tamarind and squeeze, or use a sour paste without chilli if you want control.
How do I store Tamarind?
Block keeps in the pantry; paste in the fridge.
What does it taste like?
Sour, fruity, slightly caramel.
Nutrition
Per 100g · estimate · USDA FoodData Central averages and equivalent published tables. Values are typical, not lab tests of your shopping bag.
Recipes using it
Pad thai
ผัดไทย
Stir-fried rice noodles with tamarind, fish sauce, palm sugar, egg and peanuts — a national dish with a 20th-century origin story.
40 minMedium🌶️
Sinigang
Sinigang
A sour Filipino soup — tamarind, tomato, radish, greens, and pork or fish. The sour is the point.
1 hr 5 minEasyNo chilli
Beef Rendang
Beef Rendang from Malaysia. Times were inferred from the source steps.
9 hr 41 minMediumNo chilli
Ayam Percik
Ayam Percik from Malaysia. Times were inferred from the source steps.
9 hr 45 minA bit of work🌶️
Massaman Beef curry
Massaman Beef curry from Thailand. Times were inferred from the source steps.
2 hr 16 minA bit of work🌶️
Mee goreng mamak
Mee goreng mamak from Malaysia. Times were inferred from the source steps.
31 minA bit of work🌶️
Nasi lemak
Nasi lemak from Malaysia. Times were inferred from the source steps.
1 hr 14 minA bit of work🌶️
Caribbean Tamarind balls
Caribbean Tamarind balls from Jamaica. Times were inferred from the source steps.
8 hr 15 minEasyNo chilli
Recheado Masala Fish
Recheado Masala Fish from India. Times were inferred from the source steps.
1 hr 35 minA bit of work🌶️
Samlar Machu Kreung – Cambodian Sour Stew
Samlar Machu Kreung – Cambodian Sour Stew from Cambodia. Times were inferred from the source steps.
1 hr 8 minA bit of work🌶️