Name: Tamarind Dipping Sauce
Yield: Makes about 2 cups
Ingredients: 5 ounces tamarind pulp; 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons cold water; 1 piece (1 inch) fresh ginger, peeled and grated; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons sugar, or more to taste; 1 tablespoon chili-garlic sauce (sambal oelek); 2 teaspoons Thai fish sauce (nam pla); 1 teaspoon good-quality soy sauce, such as Kikkoman; 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Photo of spring rolls with tamarind dipping sauce.

Photo by Joseph De Leo

This recipe originally accompanied Vidalia Onion Fritters with Tamarind Dipping Sauce.

Tamarind water gives this very nicely balanced tart-yet-sweet dipping sauce its lovely deep orange color and unusual flavor. The sauce is delicious with Vidalia Onion Fritters and other fried foods.

Recipe notes

29 Ricotta Recipes for Dinner, Dessert, and More

Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.

The Most-Saved Recipes in the Epicurious App This Week

Like seared scallop piccata and chocolate Guinness cake.

Chocolate Guinness Cake

A generous glug of stout gives this snackable loaf a malty depth.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Vegan Chili

This vegan chili skips the meat but keeps all of the smoky-savory flavors that make it so comforting: cocoa powder, beans, and all of the toppings.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.