Tamarind-Lemongrass Shrimp Stir-Fry

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

Juicy shrimp stir-fried with aromatic lemongrass and tangy tamarind sauce, paired with crisp vegetables for a vibrant Southeast Asian dish. This asian (low-sodium) ready in about 25 minutes pairs Shrimp, Lemongrass, Tamarind paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 130 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 130 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Mix 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar until sugar dissolves.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and stir 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 oz shrimp and cook 2 minutes until pink, then add 2 minced lemongrass stalks and 1 thinly sliced bell pepper. Stir-fry 3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Pour in tamarind sauce and add 1/2 cup julienned carrots. Cook 3 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp and sauce thickens. Garnish with 2 sliced green onions.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tamarind-Lemongrass Shrimp Stir-Fry take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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-Lemongrass Shrimp Stir-Fry?

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 shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tamarind-Lemongrass Shrimp Stir-Fry?

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-Lemongrass Shrimp Stir-Fry 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-Lemongrass Shrimp Stir-Fry low-sodium?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low-sodium based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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