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Tamarind BBQ Sauce
Samia

Tamarind BBQ Sauce

Tamarind BBQ sauce is a tangy, flavorful condiment blending the sourness of tamarind with sweet, smoky, and spicy elements. Often used as a marinade or dipping sauce, it complements grilled meats and vegetables. Its unique taste comes from ingredients like tamarind pulp, brown sugar, garlic, chili, and spices, creating a rich, bold flavour profile.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2 cups
Course: Sauce / Condiment
Cuisine: Fusion (with Caribbean, Asian, and Southern BBQ influences)
Calories: 35
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 cup tamarind paste or tamarind concentrate, adjust based on sourness
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 habanero chili finely chopped (or ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper – adjust to your heat preference)
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ cup water or fruit juice like orange or pineapple juice, for added flavor and consistency
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional ½ teaspoon hot sauce, for extra heat

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board (for garlic and chili)
  • Blender (optional, for smoother texture)

Method
 

Heat Oil:
  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the vegetable oil.
Saute Aromatics:
  1. Add the minced garlic and chopped habanero (or cayenne). Saute for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
  1. Stir in the tamarind paste, ketchup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and vinegar. Mix until smooth.
Add Spices & Sweetener:
  1. Add brown sugar, smoked paprika, ground cumin, ground ginger, and your optional hot sauce (if using). Stir well.
Simmer:
  1. Pour in the water or juice to reach desired consistency. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Simmer uncovered for about 10–15 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
Season:
  1. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and sweetness or acidity as needed.
Optional Blend:
  1. For a smoother sauce, you can blend it using an immersion or countertop blender once cooled slightly.
Cool & Store:
  1. Let the sauce cool. Transfer to a clean jar or bottle and refrigerate. Keeps for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 35 kcal | Total Fat: 0.5 g | Carbohydrates: 7 g | Sugars: 5 g | Sodium: 130 mg