This tamarind date marinade is tangy, sweet, sticky, and totally packed with flavor. It’s perfect when you want something a little different from your usual BBQ or teriyaki. The tamarind brings that sour kick, the dates add deep natural sweetness, and the garlic and spices round everything out.
Why I Love This Recipe
I first made this when I had leftover tamarind paste from a noodle dish and some Medjool dates sitting in the pantry. One taste of the marinade, and I was hooked. It’s now my go-to for grilled chicken, tofu, or roasted eggplant.
Why I think you’ll love it too:
- 🌱 Naturally sweet with no refined sugar
- 🍋 Tangy and complex from the tamarind
- 🍗 Great for chicken, tofu, veggies, or shrimp
- 🥣 Doubles as a dipping or glaze-style sauce
- ⏱️ Mixes up in about 10 minutes
⏰ Time to Make: 10 minutes (includes soaking dates)
🍽️ Enough For: 1.5 to 2 pounds of protein or veggies
Ingredients
- ¼ cup tamarind paste
- 4 large Medjool dates, pitted and soaked
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
How to Make Tamarind Date Marinade
1. Soak the Dates
Soak pitted dates in warm water for 5 minutes until soft.
2. Add Tamarind, Dates, and Garlic to Blender
Add tamarind paste, softened dates, and minced garlic to a blender or food processor.
3. Add Liquids and Spices
Pour in soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, water, and add cumin and chili flakes.
4. Blend Until Smooth
Blend until the marinade is smooth and thick.
5. Use or Store It
Use right away or store in the fridge for up to 1 week. Marinate chicken, tofu, or veggies for at least 1 hour, up to overnight.
What to Serve With It
This marinade has big flavor, so pair it with simple sides like:
- 🍚 Steamed basmati or jasmine rice
- 🥗 Cucumber salad or slaw
- 🍆 Grilled eggplant or zucchini
- 🫓 Warm naan or flatbread
- 🥬 Roasted or sautéed greens like kale or spinach
FAQ
What does tamarind taste like?
It’s tangy and slightly sour—like citrus and vinegar mixed with dried fruit.
Do I have to soak the dates?
Yes! It makes them easier to blend and keeps the marinade smooth.
Can I make this without a blender?
You can mash everything really well by hand, but a blender or food processor works best.
Is this spicy?
Only if you add the chili flakes. Otherwise, it’s mild and sweet-tart.
Can I use it as a glaze?
Totally! It thickens nicely as it cooks, making it perfect to brush on near the end of grilling or roasting.
Enjoy!
This Tamarind Date Marinade brings together sweet, sour, and savory in the best way. It’s sticky, flavorful, and makes everything you cook taste a little more exciting. 🍴🌿🔥