Tamarind and Five Spice Marinade
Elevate your cooking with the tantalizing flavors of this Tamarind and Five Spice Marinade—a quick and easy way to infuse dishes with bold, vibrant taste in just 10 minutes! Featuring tangy tamarind paste, the sweet-umami balance of honey and soy sauce, and the warm, aromatic kick of Chinese five spice powder, this marinade is perfect for proteins like chicken, pork, or tofu, as well as roasted vegetables. Fresh ginger and garlic add depth, while a drizzle of sesame oil and optional chili flakes bring richness and heat. Its versatility and balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy notes make it a must-have for Asian-inspired grilling, roasting, or pan-searing. Whisk it up and transform your meals!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Tamarind paste
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder
- 2 cloves Garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon Fresh ginger, finely grated
- 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Sesame oil
- 0.25 teaspoon Chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons Water
Instructions
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the tamarind paste, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Whisk together until smooth.
Add the Chinese five spice powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Stir to combine all the flavors evenly.
If desired, add the chili flakes for a hint of heat and mix well.
Slowly whisk in the water to thin the marinade to your desired consistency. The marinade should be thick enough to coat your ingredients but not overly sticky.
Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more honey for sweetness, rice vinegar for acidity, or soy sauce for saltiness as needed.
Use the marinade immediately for best results. Coat your choice of protein or vegetables generously and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
Store any leftover marinade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
333 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.3 g | 18% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.0 g | 10% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1172 mg | 51% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 49.6 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.6 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 44.4 g | ||
| Protein | 3.7 g | 7% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 63 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 472 mg | 10% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
