Thai Tamarind Chicken is a delicious dish featuring crispy chicken coated in a tangy, sweet, and savory tamarind sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a flavorful dinner served with steamed jasmine rice and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- For the Tamarind Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons tamarind paste
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian substitute)
- 2 tablespoons palm sugar or brown sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for spice)
- 1/4 cup water
- For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Lime wedges
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Steps
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken pieces dry and coat them with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Tamarind Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add tamarind paste, fish sauce, palm sugar, and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine:
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the tamarind sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve:
- Transfer the chicken to a serving plate and garnish with fresh cilantro, sesame seeds, and lime wedges. Serve with steamed jasmine rice and stir-fried vegetables.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with tofu or mushrooms and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce.
- Adjust the sauce to taste by adding more sugar for sweetness or tamarind paste for tanginess.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Enjoy the picture of this flavorful dish to inspire your cooking!