Serious Shrimp Skewers with Tamarind Glaze
Crispy shrimp skewers glazed with a sweet-tart tamarind sauce, perfect for a serious flavor experience. This thai-inspired grilling ready in about 25 minutes pairs Shrimp, Lemon, Tamarind paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined Shrimp
- 1 large, zested and juiced Lemon
- 2 tbsp Tamarind paste
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tbsp Brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp Chili flakes
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread 1 lb shrimp onto skewers, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp chili flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Brush the glaze evenly over the skewers. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are opaque and the glaze is caramelized and glossy.
- Step 4: Serve immediately, ensuring the glaze is evenly distributed and the shrimp are tender with a slight char on the outside.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Serious Shrimp Skewers with Tamarind Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Serious Shrimp Skewers 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 shrimp from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Serious Shrimp Skewers 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 Serious Shrimp Skewers 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 Serious Shrimp Skewers with Tamarind Glaze?
Thai grilling 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
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
