Top 7 Tamarind Paste Substitutes

Tamarind paste is a common ingredient in Indian dishes.

If you don’t want to eat tamarind anymore, then you should try these substitutes instead.


Tamarind is a sour fruit native to India.

Its seeds contain a sticky substance called tamarind pulp or tamarind kernel.

This pulp has been used in cooking since ancient times.

In modern times, it is often added to curries, chutneys, pickles, and other dishes.

Tamarind is a great source of fiber, calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, vitamin C, and manganese.

It also contains antioxidants such as gallic acid and ellagic acid.

These compounds fight cancer cells and prevent heart disease

What is Tamarind Paste?

Tamarind paste is a thick, dark, sourish colored liquid used in Indian cuisine. It is made from the seeds of tamarind tree Tamarindus indica, a tropical fruit native to India and Southeast Asia. Tamarind paste is widely used in South Asian cuisines such as Indian, Sri Lankan, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Malaysian, Singaporean, Indonesian and Thai.

7 Tamarind Paste Substitutes

Tamarind paste is a popular ingredient in many dishes across the world. In India, tamarind paste is used in curries, chutneys, pickles, breads, desserts, drinks, and even ice cream. It is also used in sauces and marinades.

1. Pomegranate molasses

Pomegranate molasses is a sweet syrup made from fermented pomegranates. It is a common ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine.
2. Date sugar
Answer: Date sugar is a natural product derived from dates. It is available in different colors such as white, light brown, dark brown, black, and golden yellow. It is used in baking and confectionery.

2. Lime juice + brown sugar

Lime juice is a sour fruit juice obtained from limes. Brown sugar is a type of granulated cane sugar. Mixing these two ingredients together creates a delicious flavor.
3. Honey
Honey is a sweet substance produced by bees from nectar. It is widely used in cooking and baking.

3. Worcestershire sauce

Worcestershire sauce is a British condiment made from anchovies, vinegar, spices, garlic, and other ingredients. It is usually added to stews, soups, sauces, and gravies.
4. Salt
Salt is a mineral found naturally in sea water. It is used in cooking to enhance flavors.

4. Rice vinegar + brown sugar

Rice vinegar is a type of white vinegar produced from fermented glutinous rice. It is widely used in Chinese cuisine. Brown sugar is a granulated form of refined cane sugar. It is darker in color than regular white sugar. Both rice vinegar and brown sugar are essential ingredients in many dishes.
5. Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is a salty seasoning sauce made from soybeans, wheat, salt, and sometimes caramel coloring. It is used as a table condiment, and is popular in Asian cuisines.

5. Marmalade

Marmalade is a thick, sweetened preserve made from citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, tangerines, and clementines. It is typically eaten on bread or toast.
6. Sesame Oil
Sesame oil is a light yellowish-brown liquid extracted from sesame seeds. It is used as an ingredient in various types of Asian cuisine.

6. Dried fruits and lemon juice

Dried fruits and lemon juice are two ingredients that go well together. They are great for adding flavor to desserts.
7. Nutmeg
Nutmeg is a spice derived from the fruit of the nutmeg tree. It is used in baking and savory dishes.

7. Tamarind pulp

Tamarind pulp is a souring agent that is used in many Indian recipes. It is obtained from tamarind pods after removing the seeds and fibers.
8. Vanilla extract
Vanilla extract is a flavoring ingredient that comes from vanilla beans. It adds a sweet aroma to baked goods and other desserts.

What can be used instead of tamarind paste?

Yes, you can use lemon instead of tamari sauce. Lemon juice is acidic enough to give the dish a tangy flavor. But if you prefer a sweeter taste, you can try adding sugar to the dish.

Can I use lemon instead of tamarind?

Tamarind paste is a popular ingredient in Indian dishes. It is used to flavor curries, chutneys, pickles, and sauces. Tamarind paste is made from ground dried tamarind pods and salt. It is available in jars or cans. It comes in different colors such as red, yellow, green, and purple. In India, tamarind is used extensively in many dishes. It is added to lentil soups, vegetable dishes, meat dishes, and even desserts. It is used as a souring agent in many recipes.