Gluten Free Tamarind Sauce

We, especially girls, are fans of tamarind sauces. These are the reasons why we continuously go outside to have chaats (Indian street food). But those kinds of tamarind sauces may not be good for our health, as they contain gluten. 

You just need to cut off the ingredients that contain gluten and have the sauce. But will it taste better then? Yes. In fact, you will forget the store-bought versions once you try our gluten-free tamarind sauce recipe. Keep reading! 

All About Gluten Free Tamarind Sauce 

Generally, the tamarind sauce that we have is made with soy sauce, wheat-based thickeners, and other gluten-containing products. We know that gluten is bad for our health; meanwhile, we can’t even compromise with the taste. In that case, you must try out the vegan tamarind sauce that has zero gluten on it and tastes amazing. You can also use it as a tamarind chutney gluten free. In both forms, you will like it.

Ingredients You Need 

A homemade gluten free tamarind sauce can only taste great if you have these ingredients with you.

Tamarind Paste (¼ cup)

Tamarind is going to be the hero ingredient for tamarind sauce. It will not only add a tangy flavor but also a perfect thick texture that we need.

Water (1 cup)

To thin the tamarind paste, we obviously need water. This will also help us in balancing the flavors.

Brown Sugar or Coconut Sugar (2 to 3 tbsp)

We need something that is rich in sweetness just to balance the sour tamarind. Brown sugar and coconut sugar can do a great job in this case. You can use any of them. But from coconut sugar, you will get a kind of caramel tone.

Garlic Powder (1 tsp)

Garlic powder will give a savory note and also make sure that the sauce turns gluten-free. 

Ginger Powder (½ tsp)

For some warmth and a subtle heat, use some ginger powder. 

Chili Flakes (½ tsp)

This is optional, but you can use chili flakes if you want some extra heat. It’s not necessary that you have to use ½ tsp. You can increase or decrease the amount as per your preferences. 

Salt (¼ tsp)

The same goes for salt. You can increase or decrease the amount as you like. The main task of salt is to add depth to the sauce. 

Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tbsp)

Apple cider vinegar is going to make the sauce’s tanginess more intense. Also, it will preserve the sauce naturally. 

Gluten-Free Soy Sauce or Tamari (1 tbsp, optional) 

For an umami flavor and a savory twist, you can use either gluten-free soy sauce or Tamari. Just make sure it’s certified gluten-free. 

How to make gluten free tamarind sauce at home? 7 Simple Steps

Let’s start with our tamarind sauce gluten-free recipe.

Step 1: Take a Saucepan 

First, take a non-stick pan. Add tamarind and water there. Stir them well to make a paste.

Step 2: Add Sweetener 

Once the tamarind dissolves, add brown sugar or coconut sugar to it. Stir everything again.

Step 3: Add Spices and Seasonings 

Now, mix garlic powder, ginger powder, chili flakes, and salt. Then, again, add apple cider vinegar and gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and stir. 

Step 4: Simmer Over Medium Heat 

Now, increase the heat of the sauce to medium, and let the sauce simmer gently. Meanwhile, stir the sauce so that it doesn’t stick to the pan.

Step 5: Let It Cook

You will see the sauce is reduced slightly. And you have to let the sauce cook for 10 to 15 minutes. Remember that the sauce should be thick enough to coat a spoon.

Step 6: Taste

Taste the sauce to see if everything is perfect. If it becomes too thick, add some more water. Or if it needs some more spice, add some chili flakes. 

Step 7: Cook

After everything is done, let the sauce cool down. Then, you can pour it in a glass jar, then store it in the refrigerator.  

Special Tips 

Follow these tips to make your gluten free tamarind dipping sauce better than ever.

• Each of the ingredients you are using must be certified gluten-free. 

• Simmer slowly in the cooking process. This will allow all the flavors to meld beautifully. 

• If you want a smoother texture from your sauce, strain it.

• Always use a glass jar with a tight lid for storing. Only then will the sauce stay fresh.

What dishes pair with tamarind sauce?

Your gluten-free Asian Tamarind sauce will go great with the following dishes:

• Samosas
• Spring rolls
• Pakoras (fritters)
• Chat (Indian Street food)
• Paneer Stir-fries
• Grilled chicken or fish 
• Kebabs 
• Fried calamari 
• Sweet potatoes 
• Grain bowls
• Tacos
• Pizza

Conclusion 

By making a gluten-free tamarind sauce, you are not only making a smart decision but also an easy decision. You just need 20 minutes in your hand for this.

Although you are skipping the gluten-containing ingredients here, you are putting in ingredients that enhance the taste. Such as chili flakes, apple cider vinegar, and so on. If needed, you can increase the amount of certain ingredients. For example, if you want more spiciness or tanginess, you can add more chili flakes or vinegar. But don’t add any gluten-containing ingredients. Stay healthy!

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is Tamarind Sauce Naturally Gluten Free?

The tamarind in tamarind sauce is itself a gluten-free fruit. Its other ingredients, like sugar and spices, are also gluten-free. But some store-brought versions may have gluten-containing ingredients, like soy sauce, thickeners, etc.

How to Store Homemade Tamarind Sauce?

Before you store your healthy tamarind sauce, make sure it is completely cool. Then the jar where you will be transferring it should be clean and airtight. In this way, you can refrigerate it for 2 weeks and freeze it for 3 months.