If you’ve ever ordered the Thai Lettuce Wraps or Avocado Egg Rolls at The Cheesecake Factory, chances are you’ve already fallen in love with their famous Cheesecake Factory Tamarind Cashew Dipping Sauce. Sweet, tangy, nutty and packed with fresh flavor, this signature sauce is the perfect complement to those popular appetizers. The best part? You can make it at home in just a few minutes with simple ingredients.
One of the things that makes The Cheesecake Factory’s appetizers so memorable isn’t just the food, it’s the sauces that come with them. While the Thai Lettuce Wraps and Avocado Egg Rolls get most of the attention, the Cheesecake Factory Tamarind Cashew Dipping Sauce is what ties everything together. Their unique balance of sweet honey, tangy tamarind, fresh cilantro and roasted cashews creates a flavor that’s unlike most dipping sauces you’ll find at restaurants.
The good news is you don’t have to wait for your next night out to enjoy it. This homemade version captures the same sweet, tangy and nutty flavor using simple ingredients you can find at most grocery stores. It’s perfect for dipping egg rolls, spooning over lettuce wraps, serving with grilled chicken or shrimp, or even using as a flavorful salad dressing.
Cheesecake Factory Tamarind Cashew Dipping Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup roasted unsalted cashews
- 2/3 cup fresh cilantro (loosely packed)
- 2 green onions (roughly chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 tsp distilled white vinegar
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp tamarind concentrate
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 3/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Method
- Place the roasted cashews in a food processor and pulse 8–12 times until they’re about the size of grains of rice. Transfer the chopped cashews to a small bowl and set aside.
- Add the cilantro, green onions, garlic, honey, sugar, distilled white vinegar, balsamic vinegar, tamarind concentrate, cumin, black pepper, and kosher salt to the food processor. Process until the herbs and garlic are finely chopped and the mixture is smooth.
- With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Return the chopped cashews to the food processor and pulse just 2–3 times to combine. The sauce should remain slightly textured, with small pieces of cashew throughout.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning. Add a little more honey if you’d like it sweeter, or a small splash of distilled white vinegar if you prefer a brighter, tangier flavor.
- Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Stir well before serving. Enjoy with Cheesecake Factory Thai Lettuce Wraps, Avocado Egg Rolls, fresh vegetables, or as a dipping sauce for grilled chicken or shrimp.
Pro Tips for Making Tamarind Cashew Sauce
Leave a little texture in the cashews.
The Cheesecake Factory version isn’t completely smooth. Pulse the cashews until they’re about half the size of a grain of rice, then fold them back into the sauce. Those little pieces add texture and make the sauce feel much more authentic.
Don’t stress if you can’t find tamarind right away.
Check the Asian foods aisle of your grocery store or visit a nearby Asian or Indian market. Look for tamarind concentrate or tamarind paste. Most brands work well, but because they vary in strength, taste the finished sauce and adjust if needed.
Adjust the consistency before serving.
If your sauce is thicker than you’d like, blend in 1 tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches the consistency you prefer. A thicker sauce is great for lettuce wraps, while a slightly thinner sauce works well as a dip for egg rolls.
Taste before you refrigerate.
Tamarind products can vary from brand to brand. If your sauce tastes too sweet, add a splash of white vinegar. If it’s too tangy, drizzle in a little more honey until the flavors are balanced.
Don’t stop at appetizers.
This sauce is fantastic with grilled chicken, shrimp, rice bowls, roasted vegetables, or even as a salad dressing with a splash of water to thin it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Storing Your Tamarind Cashew Dipping Sauce
Store any leftover Tamarind Cashew Dipping Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Because the sauce contains olive oil and fresh cilantro, you may notice a little natural separation after it’s been chilled. Simply give it a good stir before serving.
If you’re making this sauce for a party or gathering, I recommend preparing it a few hours ahead of time or even the day before. The extra time allows the flavors to blend together, making the sauce even more flavorful.
I don’t recommend freezing this sauce. Fresh cilantro loses its bright flavor after freezing, and the texture of the sauce can become grainy once thawed. Since it comes together in just a few minutes, it’s best enjoyed fresh.
