Tamarind Cashew Dipping Sauce Recipe

Introducing the Tamarind Cashew Dipping Sauce – a delicious and unique sauce that will take your taste buds on a flavorful journey. This sauce combines the tanginess of tamarind with the richness of cashews, creating a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors.

It’s a versatile sauce that pairs well with various dishes, making it a great addition to your culinary repertoire.

Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a snack, this sauce will add an extra pop of flavor and excitement. Elevate your dipping experience with the delightful Tamarind Cashew Dipping Sauce!

Why you’ll love this recipe

Unique Flavor: The combination of tangy tamarind, sweet honey, and aromatic spices creates a tantalizing flavor profile that will leave your taste buds craving more. The balance of sweet and spicy notes makes this dipping sauce a standout.
Versatile Dip: This tamarind cashew dipping sauce is versatile and pairs well with various dishes. Use it as a dip for spring rolls, dumplings, or crispy tofu. It also works as a flavorful salad dressing or a marinade for grilled meats or vegetables.
Homemade Delight: Making tamarind cashew dipping sauce allows you to control the quality of ingredients and customize the flavors according to your preference. It’s a homemade delight that will impress your family and friends with its vibrant taste and freshness. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to store-bought sauces, as you can adjust the sweetness and spice level to your liking.

What ingredients do you need to make tamarind cashew dipping sauce?

White Vinegar: A mild and tangy vinegar that adds acidity and brightness to the dipping sauce.
Balsamic Vinegar: A rich and slightly sweet vinegar that contributes a complex flavor and depth to the sauce.
Tamarind Concentrate or Paste: A tangy and slightly sour ingredient made from tamarind fruit, which adds a distinctly tropical flavor to the sauce.
Honey: A natural sweetener that balances the tanginess of tamarind and vinegar, providing a touch of sweetness to the sauce.
Granulated Sugar: Additional sweetness to enhance the overall flavor of the sauce.
Powdered Saffron or Turmeric: A pinch of saffron or turmeric adds a subtle earthy flavor and a vibrant yellow hue to the dipping sauce.
Chopped Cashews: Adds a delightful crunch and a nutty taste, providing texture and richness to the sauce.
Fresh Cilantro: A fragrant herb that brings a fresh and herbaceous note to the sauce, enhancing its overall aroma.
Garlic Cloves: Infuses the sauce with an intense and savory flavor, adding depth and complexity to the taste.
Green Onions: Provides a mild onion flavor and a hint of freshness to the sauce.
Ground Black Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and a subtle spicy kick to the dipping sauce.
Ground Cumin: A warm and aromatic spice that imparts the sauce a slightly smoky and earthy flavor.
Olive Oil: A smooth and fruity oil that helps bind the ingredients together and adds a silky texture to the sauce.

Customizations and substitutions

Tamarind Concentrate or Paste: If you don’t have tamarind concentrate or paste, you can substitute it with tamarind pulp. Soak the tamarind pulp in warm water and extract the juice. Use the strained tamarind juice in place of the concentrate or paste.
Honey: If you prefer a different sweetener or want to adjust the sweetness level, you can substitute honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar.
Cashews: Feel free to customize the nuts used in the sauce. You can replace cashews with almonds, peanuts, or even a combination of nuts for a varied flavor and texture.
Cilantro: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley or basil for a different herbal note.
Green Onions: You can use finely chopped regular onions or shallots as a substitute if you don’t have green onions.
Ground Black Pepper: Adjust the amount of ground black pepper based on your spice preference. Increase or decrease the quantity to suit your taste.
Ground Cumin: Experiment with different spices to customize the flavor profile. You can substitute ground cumin with coriander, paprika, or curry powder to add a unique twist to the dipping sauce.
Olive Oil: While olive oil provides a distinct flavor, substitute it with a neutral-tasting vegetable or avocado if desired.

What to serve with tamarind cashew dipping sauce

The tangy and flavorful Tamarind Cashew Dipping Sauce pairs well with various dishes. Here are some ideas on what to serve it with:

Vegetable Spring Rolls: Dip crispy vegetable spring rolls into the sauce for a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Grilled Chicken Skewers: Brush the sauce over grilled chicken skewers for a sweet and tangy glaze. Serve them as appetizers or as part of a main course.
Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle the sauce over roasted vegetables like cauliflower, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts for a burst of flavor.
Tofu or Paneer Satay: Skewer cubes of tofu or paneer (Indian cottage cheese), grill or pan-fry them, and serve with the dipping sauce for a delicious vegetarian appetizer or snack.
Shrimp or Fish Tacos: Use the sauce as a flavorful topping for shrimp or fish tacos. It adds a tangy element that complements the seafood perfectly.
Crispy Chicken Strips: Serve the sauce alongside crispy breaded chicken strips or nuggets for a unique and tasty dipping option.
Rice or Noodle Bowls: Add a spoonful of the Tamarind Cashew Dipping Sauce to rice or noodle bowls to elevate their flavors. It works well with both Asian-inspired and Indian-inspired dishes.
Mixed Greens Salad: Drizzle the sauce over a mixed greens salad for a zesty and slightly sweet dressing alternative.
Grilled Vegetables: Use the sauce as a glaze or dipping sauce for grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant.
Samosas: Enjoy the sauce as a dipping accompaniment for crispy and savory samosas, whether vegetable, chicken, or meat-filled.

Feel free to get creative and explore other options based on your preferences. The versatile nature of the sauce allows it to complement a wide range of dishes.

How to refrigerate, freeze and thaw

To refrigerate the Tamarind Cashew Dipping Sauce:

Transfer the sauce to an airtight container.
Ensure the sauce is completely cooled down before refrigerating.
Seal the container tightly and place it in the refrigerator.
The sauce can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.

To freeze the Tamarind Cashew Dipping Sauce:

Allow the sauce to cool down completely.
Transfer the sauce to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
Seal the container or bag, ensuring there are no air pockets.
Label the container with the name and date.
Place the container in the freezer.
The sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months.

To thaw the frozen Tamarind Cashew Dipping Sauce:

Remove the sauce from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator.
Allow the sauce to thaw slowly in the fridge overnight.
Once thawed, give the sauce a good stir to recombine any separated ingredients.
Adjust the consistency by adding a little water or olive oil and stirring well if needed.
The thawed sauce is now ready to be used.
Avoid refreezing the sauce after it has been thawed.

Tamarind Cashew Dipping Sauce

This tamarind cashew dipping sauce recipe is amazing. It’ the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors make it the best dip!

Prep Time 10

Servings 25 servings

Author Ana

Ingredients

1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
½ teaspoon tamarind concentrate or paste
½ cup honey
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 pinch powdered saffron or turmeric
½ cup chopped cashews
2/3 cup fresh cilantro
2 garlic cloves
2 green onions
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
¼ cup olive oil

Instructions

In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine white vinegar, balsamic vinegar, tamarind paste, honey, sugar, and a pinch of saffron or turmeric. Microwave for 1 minute until tamarind and sugar are dissolved. Stir well.
Using a blender, combine the tamarind mixture with chopped cashews, fresh cilantro, garlic cloves, green onions, ground black pepper, ground cumin, and olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.
Serve as a dip with your favorite snacks or as a flavorful accompaniment to various dishes. Enjoy!

Notes

Feel free to adjust the sweetness or tanginess according to your taste preferences.

Frequently asked questions about tamarind cashew dipping sauce.

What is tamarind concentrate?

Tamarind concentrate is a thick, concentrated paste or liquid made from the pulp of the tamarind fruit. It is commonly used in cooking and adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to dishes. Tamarind concentrate is made by extracting the pulp from tamarind pods, then boiling and straining it to remove any seeds and fibers. The resulting concentrate is rich in tartness and can be used in various recipes to enhance the taste of sauces, marinades, dressings, and desserts. It is often used in Asian, Indian, and Latin American cuisines. Tamarind concentrate can be found in specialty grocery stores, Asian markets, or online.

What is tamarind?

Tamarind is a tropical fruit from the tamarind tree (Tamarindus indica). It is native to Africa but is widely cultivated and used in various cuisines worldwide. The fruit is pod-like and contains a sticky pulp surrounding the seeds.
Tamarind has a unique flavor profile is sweet and tangy, often described as a combination of citrus and date flavors. It adds a distinctive tartness to dishes and is commonly used in savory and sweet recipes.