Tamarind-Glazed Tofu Skewers
Tender tofu marinated in a tangy tamarind sauce, grilled to perfection and served with a side of mint chutney for a zesty twist on Indian street food. This indian-inspired indian (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs tamarind paste, coconut milk, grated ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 1 block (14 oz), pressed and cubed into 1-inch pieces tofu (firm)
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 8 wooden skewers, soaked in water skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together tamarind paste, coconut milk, ginger, garlic, honey, coriander powder, cumin, and salt until smooth.
- Step 2: Add tofu cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 3: Thread tofu onto skewers, alternating with small onion slices for added flavor.
- Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush skewers with a little oil and grill for 8-10 minutes, rotating occasionally, until the tofu is golden and caramelized.
- Step 5: Serve immediately with a dollop of mint chutney and steamed basmati rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tamarind-Glazed Tofu Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 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 Tofu 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 Tofu 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 Tofu 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.
Is Tamarind-Glazed Tofu Skewers vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this tamarind-glazed are incredible.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
