Spicy Tamarind and Lemon Sour Soup

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

A vibrant and tangy sour soup with tamarind, fresh lemon juice, and a kick of chili to awaken the palate. This thai-inspired soups ready in about 30 minutes pairs vegetable broth, tamarind paste, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 70 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 70 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot over medium heat, add 4 cups vegetable broth, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp minced ginger. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 5 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1 tsp red chili flakes. Mix well and cook for 3 minutes to meld flavors.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup sliced carrots and 1 cup sliced mushrooms to the pot. Simmer for 7-8 minutes until vegetables are tender but not mushy.
  4. Step 4: Season the soup with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Remove from heat and stir in 2 chopped green onions and 2 tbsp fresh chopped cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Tamarind and Lemon Sour Soup take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Spicy Tamarind and Lemon Sour Soup?

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 vegetable broth from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Tamarind and Lemon Sour Soup?

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 Spicy Tamarind and Lemon Sour Soup 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 Spicy Tamarind and Lemon Sour Soup?

Thai soups 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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