Goan-Style Tamarind Vegetable Stir-Fry

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick weeknight dish of mixed vegetables cooked in a tangy tamarind sauce with Goan spices and mustard seeds. This Indian-inspired quick recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs mixed vegetables, tamarind pulp, mustard seeds for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 145 calories and feeds 2, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Indian cuisine 145 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp coconut oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 tsp mustard seeds and 5 curry leaves. Sauté for 30 seconds until seeds pop.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/4 cup finely chopped onion and 1 chopped red chili. Cook for 2 minutes until onion softens.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp tamarind pulp and 2 cups mixed vegetables (like carrots, beans, and potatoes). Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 cup water. Cover and steam for 7 minutes until vegetables are tender but crisp.
  5. Step 5: Remove lid and cook uncovered for 2 minutes to thicken sauce. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Goan-Style Tamarind Vegetable Stir-Fry take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Goan-Style Tamarind Vegetable Stir-Fry?

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 mixed vegetables from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Goan-Style Tamarind Vegetable Stir-Fry?

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 Goan-Style Tamarind Vegetable Stir-Fry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Goan-Style Tamarind Vegetable Stir-Fry?

Indian 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.

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