Who loves prawns? Raise your hands! *raises both hands and a leg* Memememememe ME! I absolutely love prawns!
Aside from that delicious little bite it gives, the crunchy texture and that natural taste of the sea it has, what I particularly love about prawns is how quick and easy they are to cook.
Raw prawns take approximately 5 odd minutes to cook through, meaning dinner can literally be on the table in a couple of minutes with very little hard work! And lets be honest, as much as we all love our kitchens, sometimes you just need a no fail super quick and effortlessly easy recipe for those busy and tiring days
Here's where this Prawn Masala Curry will give you a hand!
How do you make Prawn Masala?
First, a thick and paste-y masala made of onions, tomatoes and plenty of ginger and garlic is simmered with an aromatic blend of traditional spices. Then, the star of the show, our prawns are added. These cook just till the water dries out and we get to the dry and jammy consistency pictured, before garnishing with colourful and fresh coriander, fiery green chillis and juicy lemon wedges. How's that for a quick and tasty dinner? Yum!
The most important thing when cooking prawns
The best, most impactful tip I can provide you with is this - do NOT overcook the prawns! I have come across so many instances where prawns become rubbery, flavourless and dry from overcooking. And it's a very sad sad thing because prawns in all their correctly cooked glory are phenomenal!
Prawns only need 5 minutes to cook through, going up to a maximum of ten minutes for king prawns.
Additionally, they don't need to be simmered with the lid on. A quick, high-heat sauté with the lid off is the best way to ensure optimal flavour and texture.
How can I serve Prawn Masala?
Prawn Masala is one of those fantastic curries that go fantastically served alongside any carbohydrate! They go well with a fresh roti, naan of any kind and alongside rice too. I would also highly recommend a side salad too
If you would like to serve this alongside another curry, I would recommend something vegetarian such as Achari Aloo Ki Bhujia, Bhindi or even Tadka Dal.
More prawn recipes you may enjoy
Prawn Karahi - Prawn Pilau Biryani
📋 Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup (62 ½ ml) oil
- 1 (110 g) medium onion, diced
- 2 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoon minced ginger
- 3 (350 g) tomatoes, chopped
- 12 oz (350 g) prawns shelled and deveined
- 2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 2 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1.5 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 0.5 teaspoon turmeric
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika (optional, exclusively for colour)
- green chilli. lemon slices and chopped coriander (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a pan. Add the onions and fry on a medium high heat, till the onions are translucent and are beginning to become golden
- Add all the spices, the ginger and garlic. Give this a fry for a minute
- Add the tomatoes. Give this a quick and vigorous stir and fry for about 3 minutes, then add a quarter a cup of water and simmer this on low for about 5-10 minutes, until the mixture looks jammy and thick
- Add the prawns. Allow this to cook uncovered on high for 5 minutes, stirring often, until the prawns are cooked through. Remember not to overcook the prawns.
- If you feel like having a looser masala, add some additional water and bring the water to a boil - this will allow the water to meld in with the rest of the curry
- Garnish with coriander, green chillis and lemon. Serve hot
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John West
I made this and made only one adjustment. I have Rani brand Mirchi Chilli Powder which I knew was pretty potent, so I only used a rounded 1/4 tsp. This dish still had a pretty potent kick. Good flavor. Making it again tonight.
JW
Louisa T
The Punjabi Prawn Masala is one of the most delicious of dishes 😋 and it's not difficult to make either. Thank you Fatima for such an awesome (and addictive) recipe!😊
One thing we've noticed is that we only need to use half the amount of spices (in our family) because we prefer medium spice (with a lovely warm "kick" nevertheless) to purely hot spice.
This is an excellent website and we can't wait to try more of your dishes!😋
Sandra Hasan
Thank you for your reply. The technical response.
Just like to say I turn to you first when looking for recipes.
Thank you
Fatima
Thank you! I'm honoured 🙂
Silysue
Where would you find prawns in the Punjab
Fatima
Well, I can’t give you a specific location but I have definitely had prawns in Punjab, so they’re definitely there. Lol
Debbie Watton
Hot and spicy, delicious prawn curry. I love it and all my friends love it too.
Maha
Dsalam alikum Fatima.
I would love to see you cook deals and Bindi many veggy food.
Also if you can teach us simple but tasty food and rasmalai. Also Pakistan I achaar.
Thank you.