Bake and Shark Sandwich with Tamarind Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic Trinidadian street food sandwich featuring fried shark filet nestled in fried dough, topped with tangy tamarind sauce and fresh veggies. This caribbean-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 60 minutes blends all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 500 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 500 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1 tsp salt. Gradually add 3/4 cup cold water, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5 minutes, then cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, season 1 lb shark filet pieces with 1 tbsp curry powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Set aside.
  3. Step 3: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F. Divide dough into 4 balls and roll each into 6-inch circles. Fry each dough circle for 2-3 minutes per side until puffed and golden. Drain on paper towels.
  4. Step 4: For tamarind sauce, whisk together 3 tbsp tamarind paste, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes until slightly thickened and tangy.
  5. Step 5: Fry the seasoned shark pieces in hot oil for 4-5 minutes until cooked through and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  6. Step 6: To assemble, split each fried dough pocket halfway and layer with fried shark, 1/2 cup shredded lettuce, 1/2 cup sliced tomatoes, 1/2 cup chopped cucumber, and drizzle with tamarind sauce and hot pepper sauce to taste. Serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Bake and Shark Sandwich with Tamarind Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (40 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Bake and Shark Sandwich with Tamarind Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bake and Shark Sandwich with Tamarind Sauce?

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 Bake and Shark Sandwich with Tamarind Sauce 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 Bake and Shark Sandwich with Tamarind Sauce?

Caribbean sandwiches & wraps 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.