The vibrant flavors of an Indian spicy prawn curry can transform any dinner into a festive occasion. With the right ingredients and a straightforward method, you can whip up a dish that's both satisfying and exciting. This recipe focuses on bringing out the best of the prawns with a blend of aromatic spices, creating a curry that's not only easy to prepare but also ready in minutes. Let's dive into the steps to create your own masterpiece of spicy prawn curry at home.
Ingredients for Spicy Prawn Curry
- 500 grams of fresh prawns, cleaned and deveined
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 2-3 green chilies, slit
- 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon of red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 2 teaspoons of garam masala
- 1 cup of coconut milk
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Salt to taste
- Juice of one lemon
Step-by-Step Recipe for Spicy Prawn Curry
Preparation
- Start by cleaning and deveining the prawns if they haven’t been prepped already.
- Marinate the prawns with a pinch of salt, a squeeze of lemon, and a little turmeric powder for 10 minutes.
Cooking Process
- Heat oil in a deep pan or wok over medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
- Mix in the ginger-garlic paste, frying it until the raw smell dissipates.
- Incorporate the tomato puree, cooking until the oil separates.
- Stir in turmeric, red chili, and coriander powder, letting the spices bloom for a minute.
- Add slit green chilies for extra heat, if desired.
- Gently place the marinated prawns into the pan, coating them with the masala.
- Pour in the coconut milk, allowing the curry to come to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat, sprinkle in garam masala, adjust salt, and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the prawns are cooked through.
💡 Note: Do not overcook the prawns as they will become tough. Cook just until they turn pink and opaque.
Finishing Touches
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra tang.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
🍛 Note: Serve your spicy prawn curry hot with steamed rice, naan, or roti to soak up the flavorful sauce.
This spicy prawn curry recipe is a harmonious blend of heat, spice, and the delicate sweetness of prawns. It's not only quick and easy but also brings a burst of flavors to your palate. The balance of spices in the curry paired with the creamy coconut milk results in a dish that's both comforting and exotic. Here's hoping this spicy prawn curry becomes a go-to recipe in your kitchen for those times when you crave something warm, spicy, and utterly delicious.
Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
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Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking, and pat them dry to ensure they sear nicely rather than steam.
How can I adjust the heat level?
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If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of green chilies and chili powder. For more heat, increase these or add extra chili powder or flakes.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
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Yes, you can prepare the curry base in advance. Just add the prawns and finish cooking right before serving to keep them succulent.
What can I substitute for coconut milk?
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If you’re out of coconut milk, you can use cream or even plain yogurt to achieve a similar creamy texture, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
