Bake and Shark Sandwich with Tamarind Sauce
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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 4 pieces shark filet or firm white fish
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup cold water
- for deep frying vegetable oil for frying
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp tamarind paste
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup sliced tomatoes
- to taste hot pepper sauce
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 5: Fry the seasoned shark pieces in hot oil for 4-5 minutes until cooked through and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- 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
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.