Tamarind-Glazed Grilled Shrimp Skewers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Succulent shrimp marinated and glazed with a tangy tamarind sauce that delivers a perfect balance of sour and sweet notes. This asian fusion-inspired seafood ready in about 50 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, tamarind paste, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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: 40 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Add 16 peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread 4 shrimp onto each of 4 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, basting occasionally with leftover marinade, until shrimp are opaque and slightly charred at the edges.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 2 minutes before serving with lime wedges for extra tang.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tamarind-Glazed Grilled Shrimp Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (40 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 Tamarind-Glazed Grilled Shrimp Skewers?

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 tamarind paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tamarind-Glazed Grilled Shrimp Skewers?

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 Tamarind-Glazed Grilled Shrimp Skewers 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 Tamarind-Glazed Grilled Shrimp Skewers?

Asian Fusion 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.