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Spicy Tamarind Skirt Steak

This spicy tamarind skirt steak is a vibrant, high-protein dish that brings a sophisticated balance of heat, tang, and sweetness to your table. The depth of the tamarind concentrate creates a dark, savoury glaze that caramelises beautifully against the intense heat of the frying pan. By using skirt steak, an underrated cut known for its robust beefy flavour, you get a tender result that stands up perfectly to the bold Thai-inspired marinade.

Ideal for a nutritious mid-week meal or a relaxed weekend dinner, this recipe is best prepared in advance to let the meat tenderise. Serve the sliced steak alongside steamed jasmine rice or a crunchy zesty salad to complement the rich, spicy notes. It is a fantastic option for those seeking a high-protein hit without compromising on complex, homemade flavours.

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Ingredients for Spicy Tamarind Skirt Steak

  • 3 Thai or serrano chillies, with seeds, thinly sliced into rounds

  • 60ml tamarind concentrate

  • 3 tablespoons light brown sugar

  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt

  • 1 tablespoon plus 20ml vegetable oil

  • 675g skirt steak, cut into 4 pieces

  • Ingredient info: Tamarind concentrate, often labeled "concentrate cooking tamarind," is available at Asian markets.

Whisk chillies, tamarind, brown sugar, salt, and 1 tablespoon oil in a shallow baking dish until sugar is dissolved. Add steak and turn to coat. Cover and chill at least 4 hours.

Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large skillet over high heat. Working in 2 batches and adding remaining 2 teaspoons oil between batches, cook steak until deeply browned, 2–4 minutes per side for medium-rare.

Transfer steak to a cutting board; let rest at least 5 minutes before slicing.

DO AHEAD: Steak can be marinated 1 day ahead. Keep chilled.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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