What is Tamarind and How to Use It?

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Click here to go to my YouTube video on how to use the tamarind pulp.

Tamarind is a tropical fruit that grows as a pod on the tamarind tree. The pod or fruit is shaped like a bean and contains a pulp with lots of seeds. This pulp is usually mashed with water to create “juice” that is extensively used in many cuisines around the world for its souring properties; it is also used for medicinal properties and believe or not, as a polishing agent!

Tamarind pods and pulp
Tamarind pods and pulp

Some of the world’s most sought after recipes rely on this amazing ingredient, like the Thai Tom Yum Soup and of course, it is an important ingredient in Worcestershire Sauce.

It is usually found sold in dried slices, packaged as a paste with or without the seeds and also in ready to use form at most major supermarkets these days.

Tamarind juice/paste

The instructions for using tamarind pulp are below.

If using ready made in jars from major supermarkets, try and get the ones that have as few ingredients as possible.

Follow the given instructions on how much to use but as a rough guide:

1 tablespoon of jar paste = 1 tablespoon of pulp.

Tamarind substitutes

The best substitute for tamarind is the good old white (clear) vinegar. It gives you the same sour flavour in a recipe. Second best is lime juice. While lime juice is exceptional in its own right, as a substitute for tamarind, you may have to use less, as it also imparts a citrusy flavour to your recipe.

So, shall we get our aprons on?

If you like the recipe, don’t forget to leave me a comment and that all important, 5-star rating! Thank you!

And if you make the recipe, share it on any platform and tag me @azlinbloor, and hashtag it #linsfood

Lin xx

Tamarind pods and pulp

Tamarind

How to make tamarind paste or juice with tamarind pulp.
5 from 2 votes
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Course: Ingredients
Cuisine: African, Asian
Keyword: asam jawa, assam, ingredients, tamarind
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 5kcal
Author: Azlin Bloor

Ingredients

  • 2 heaped Tbsp tamarind pulp
  • 125 ml lukewarm or hot water (not boiling)

Instructions

  • Soak the pulp in the water for 10-20 minutes. The hotter the water, the less time you need.
  • After the soaking time, give it all good mix with, squeezing the pulp with your fingers, then strain through a medium or large mesh sieve.

Notes

Nutritional information is for full recipe yield.

Nutrition

Calories: 5kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 13mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg
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