The Brazilian Sweet Tamarind Sauce with Grilled Shrimp is a celebration of vibrant tropical flavors and the culinary tradition of Brazil, particularly drawing influence from the northeastern region of Bahia. This dish captures the essence of Brazilian cooking, which is bold, diverse, and deeply rooted in its rich cultural and historical blend of Indigenous, African, and Portuguese influences. The star ingredient of the recipe—tamarind—brings to life the unique flavor profiles that make Brazilian cuisine so enchanting, walking a fine line between sweet, tangy, and savory.
Tamarind, widely used in Brazilian cooking, is cherished for its ability to elevate dishes with its bright, citrus-like acidity. In Brazil, it is a key component in sauces, drinks, and desserts, prized for its versatility. This particular recipe draws inspiration from the street food markets of Bahia, where seafood is a defining feature and where the bold, sunlit flavors of tropical fruits, spices, and fresh produce merge harmoniously. Bahia’s street food scene is famous for dishes like acarajé (black-eyed pea fritters stuffed with shrimp and spices) and moqueca (a seafood stew rich in coconut milk and dendê oil). This tamarind sauce, paired with grilled shrimp, channels that same dynamic spirit by spotlighting seafood and tropical sweetness.
The key to the sauce lies in finding high-quality tamarind, either as fresh pulp or paste, which you can often find in Latin American or Brazilian markets. Fresh tamarind provides a more robust and nuanced flavor but requires a little extra effort to strain out the fibers and seeds. Combined with brown sugar and soy sauce, the acidity of the tamarind is tamed into a luscious blend of sweet, sour, and savory, while the red chili flakes introduce just the right amount of heat to tantalize the palate. This balance of flavors is a hallmark of Brazilian cuisine, where even the simplest dishes are layered with complexity and excitement.
The grilled shrimp bring smoky, charred notes to the dish, enhancing the richness of the sweet tamarind sauce. Shrimp is a staple in coastal Brazilian cooking, often paired with tropical ingredients like coconut, lime, or tangy fruits. Here, the shrimp are lightly marinated with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, letting their innate sweetness shine through while complementing the sauce’s bold flavors. The quick grilling process ensures tender, juicy shrimp with a faint smokiness that contrasts beautifully with the tangy brightness of the tamarind.
This dish is perfect for a range of occasions, from casual summer barbecues to elegant dinner parties. It represents the heart and soul of Brazilian cuisine—light yet bold, accessible yet sophisticated, and always full of life. For added authenticity, serve the dish alongside simple sides like steamed rice or farofa (toasted cassava flour) to round out the meal. Whether you’re dreaming of sunny Bahian beaches or bringing tropical warmth to your table, this Brazilian Sweet Tamarind Sauce with Grilled Shrimp is sure to delight. It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience.
Brazilian Sweet Tamarind Sauce with Grilled Shrimp
Ingredients
Sweet Tamarind Sauce
- 1 cup tamarind pulp preferably fresh, or use paste
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 tbsp soy sauce low sodium
- 1 tsp red chili flakes adjust to taste
Grilled Shrimp
- 1 lb shrimp large, peeled, deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper freshly cracked
- 1 pinch salt sea salt if possible
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine tamarind pulp with 1 cup of water. Simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until the pulp is soft and easily mashed.
- Strain the mixture to remove fibers and seeds, pressing with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Return the strained liquid to the saucepan.
- Add brown sugar, soy sauce, and chili flakes to the tamarind liquid. Stir continuously over low heat until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine shrimp, olive oil, garlic, black pepper, and salt. Mix until shrimp are well coated.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side, until opaque and slightly charred.
- Drizzle the sweet tamarind sauce over the grilled shrimp and serve immediately.