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Prawn in Tamarind Sauce — traditional dish from Phuket, Thailand
Main course Fish & Seafood

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥480kcal
💪38gProtein
🌾18gCarbs
🥑26gFat
🌿2gFibre
⚖️350 gServing

* Per serving · 350 g. May vary.

Allergens

🦐 Shellfish

Prawn in Tamarind Sauce

How to order / say it
Say it กุ้งราดซอสมะขาม — [goong raad saawt ma-kham]
Order I'd like the prawn in tamarind sauce, please.
Locally ขอกุ้งราดซอสมะขามหนึ่งที่ครับ/ค่ะ
Say locally

Prawn dish with sweet and sour tamarind sauce.

Why try it?

This dish highlights the use of tamarind, a staple in Phuket cuisine, emphasizing the island's focus on fresh seafood prepared with balanced flavors.

How it tastes

Sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce envelops juicy prawns, complemented by fresh herbs, making it a vibrant taste experience.

Origin & History — first documented: 1850

Originating in the coastal areas of Thailand, this dish has been a highlight of Phuket cuisine since the 19th century when tamarind and seafood were abundantly paired. It represents the island's long tradition of flavor balancing.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🦐 500 g prawns
  • 🥣 50 g tamarind paste
  • 🍯 50 g palm sugar
  • 🥣 30 ml fish sauce
  • 🧂 2 pieces red chili
  • 🧄 3 cloves garlic
  • 🧄 2 pieces shallot
  • 🌿 10 g coriander

Method

  1. 1 Clean and devein the prawns.
  2. 2 In a wok, sauté garlic and shallot until fragrant.
  3. 3 Add tamarind paste, palm sugar, fish sauce, and chili; simmer until thick.
  4. 4 Add prawns, cook until pink, garnish with coriander.

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All Asia recipes — Thailand — Phuket — Prawn in Tamarind Sauce
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