Stir-Fried Shrimp with Tamarind and Garlic Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A tangy and savory Vietnamese-inspired stir-fry featuring succulent shrimp coated in a bright tamarind and garlic sauce, balanced with fresh herbs and chili. This vietnamese-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes blends pound, peeled and deveined large shrimp, tablespoons tamarind paste, minced garlic cloves 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 250 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: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons tamarind paste, 2 tablespoons fish sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1/4 cup water until smooth and sugar dissolves. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add 5 minced garlic cloves and 2 thinly sliced bird's eye chilies to the hot oil. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp to the wok. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until shrimp start turning pink.
  5. Step 5: Pour the tamarind sauce mixture over the shrimp and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until shrimp are fully cooked and sauce thickens slightly, coating the shrimp.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat. Toss in 2 chopped green onions and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Stir briefly.
  7. Step 7: Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the shrimp for a bright finish.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Shrimp with Tamarind and Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Shrimp with Tamarind and Garlic 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 Stir-Fried Shrimp with Tamarind and Garlic 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 Stir-Fried Shrimp with Tamarind and Garlic 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 Stir-Fried Shrimp with Tamarind and Garlic Sauce?

Vietnamese seafood 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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