Tamarind-Glazed Grilled Shrimp with Fresh Herb Salad

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

Juicy shrimp marinated and glazed with tangy tamarind sauce, served alongside a refreshing salad of cucumber, mint, and cilantro. This thai-inspired seafood ready in about 31 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tamarind paste, honey 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 6 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 280 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, and 1 tbsp vegetable oil to create a marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Let marinate for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred.
  4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine 1 medium thinly sliced cucumber, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 thinly sliced red onion, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1/4 tsp salt. Toss gently to make a fresh herb salad.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled tamarind-glazed shrimp hot alongside the cucumber and herb salad for a bright, balanced meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tamarind-Glazed Grilled Shrimp with Fresh Herb Salad take to make?

Total time is about 31 minutes (25 min prep + 6 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 with Fresh Herb Salad?

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 with Fresh Herb Salad?

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 with Fresh Herb Salad 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 with Fresh Herb Salad?

Thai 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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