Tamarind-Glazed Malaysian Prawns with Garlic

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

Succulent prawns tossed in a tangy tamarind glaze with fragrant garlic and chili, perfect for a quick Malaysian-inspired seafood dish. This Malaysian-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 18 minutes, pairs large raw prawns, tamarind paste, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 3, 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: 8 min Serves 3 Malaysian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons tamarind paste, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, and 1 tablespoon lime juice until sugar dissolves.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 finely chopped small red chili; sauté for 1 minute until aromatic and garlic edges turn golden.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 pound peeled and deveined prawns along with 1/2 teaspoon salt; stir-fry for 2 minutes until prawns turn pink.
  5. Step 5: Pour the tamarind glaze over the prawns and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly until prawns are evenly coated and glaze thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro before serving with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tamarind-Glazed Malaysian Prawns with Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 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 Malaysian Prawns with Garlic?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tamarind-Glazed Malaysian Prawns with Garlic?

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 Malaysian Prawns with Garlic for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Malaysian Prawns with Garlic?

Malaysian 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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