Authentic Shrimp Tempura with Tamarind Glaze
Crispy tempura shrimp glazed with tangy tamarind, served over jasmine rice for a balance of textures and flavors. This japanese-inspired quick meals ready in about 50 minutes pairs (340g) peeled and deveined shrimp, (120g) tempura flour, (60ml) ice water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1 cup (120g) tempura flour
- 1/4 cup (60ml) ice water
- 2 tbsp (30g) tamarind paste
- 1/4 cup (60ml) coconut milk
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp (15ml) soy sauce
- 1 cup (180g) jasmine rice rice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, mix tempura flour with ice water until a smooth batter forms. Let rest for 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Dip shrimp into the batter, coating evenly, then fry in hot oil (375°F/190°C) for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Step 3: In a small saucepan, combine tamarind paste, coconut milk, garlic, and soy sauce. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until thickened and fragrant.
- Step 4: Cook jasmine rice according to package instructions. Serve shrimp on top of rice, drizzled with the tamarind glaze.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic Shrimp Tempura with Tamarind Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Authentic Shrimp Tempura with Tamarind Glaze?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (120g) tempura flour from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Shrimp Tempura with Tamarind Glaze?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Authentic Shrimp Tempura with Tamarind Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Authentic Shrimp Tempura with Tamarind Glaze?
Japanese quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
I've tried many main course recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★★
Perfect main course recipe for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.