Prawn Curry Recipe

The Best Prawn Curry Recipe for Spicy Seafood Lovers

Whipping up a delectable prawn curry brings pure culinary magic to your kitchen tonight.

Seafood enthusiasts adore this vibrant dish that combines succulent prawns with rich, aromatic spices.

Fragrant herbs and carefully selected ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of flavors.

Kerala’s coastal regions inspire this particular recipe, blending traditional techniques with modern cooking approaches.

Coconut milk adds a creamy texture that softens the spicy undertones perfectly.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through layers of complex taste sensations.

You’ll want to savor every single spoonful of this incredible meal.

Why Rick Stein Prawn Curry Is Full Of Flavor

Why Rick Stein Prawn Curry Is Full Of Flavor
  • Spice Up Your Meal: This prawn curry delivers a flavor explosion with its complex blend of chilies, garlic, and aromatic spices that dance on your taste buds.
  • Master Complex Flavors Easily: The recipe breaks down intricate Indian cuisine into simple steps, allowing home cooks to create a restaurant-quality dish without professional training.
  • Quick Weeknight Wonder: From blending the paste to serving, this curry comes together swiftly, making it perfect for busy families craving a delicious and satisfying meal.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Adjust spice levels and swap ingredients to match personal preferences, transforming this recipe into a versatile go-to dinner option that keeps everyone happy.

What You’ll Need For Rick Stein Prawn Curry

Main Protein:
  • Prawns: Fresh seafood that provides the primary protein and flavor for the curry.
Spice and Flavor Base:
  • Chili Peppers: Adds heat and depth to the curry's flavor profile.
  • Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic base for the spice blend.
  • Ginger: Contributes a warm, spicy undertone to the dish.
  • Curry Leaves: Offers a distinctive and traditional South Asian herb flavor.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the curry.
Sauce and Aromatics:
  • Coconut Milk: Creates a rich and creamy base for the curry sauce.
  • Coconut: Adds texture and deepens the coconut flavor in the dish.
  • Tamarind: Provides a tangy and slightly sour element to the curry.
  • Onions: Builds a sweet and savory foundation for the curry.
  • Tomatoes: Adds acidity and helps create a smooth sauce consistency.
  • Coconut Oil: Serves as the cooking fat with a subtle coconut flavor.

How To Cook Rick Stein Prawn Curry

How To Cook Rick Stein Prawn Curry

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor Base

Toss chilies, garlic, spices, coconut, tamarind, and coconut milk into a blender. Pulse until you create a smooth, vibrant paste that’ll make your taste buds dance. The mixture should be rich and aromatic, promising a burst of incredible flavors.

  • Fresh red chilies
  • Garlic cloves
  • Whole spices
  • Grated coconut
  • Tamarind pulp
  • Coconut milk

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatic Foundations

Warm coconut oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Add freshly minced ginger and sliced onions, cooking them until they transform into a soft, golden treasure that fills your kitchen with an irresistible fragrance.

Step 3: Melt the Tomatoes

Tumble chopped tomatoes into the pan, stirring and letting them break down completely. Watch as they merge with the onions, creating a rich, velvety base for your curry.

Step 4: Introduce the Spicy Masala

Fold in the prepared spice paste and sprinkle salt. Let the mixture simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify for about 10-15 minutes. The sauce will thicken and develop a deep, complex character.

Step 5: Cook the Prawns

Slip the prawns into the simmering sauce. Cook them just until they turn pink and curl into a delicate C shape. Be careful not to overcook, as prawns can quickly become tough.

Step 6: Finish with Aromatic Leaves

Scatter fresh curry leaves into the pan, then remove from heat. Let the curry rest for 5 minutes, allowing the final flavors to harmonize and settle.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming hot curry into bowls. Pair with fluffy basmati rice or warm, pillowy naan bread for a complete meal that transports you straight to coastal paradise.

Helpful Tips For Rick Stein Prawn Curry

  • Spice Control: Adjust chili intensity by removing seeds for milder heat or adding extra chilies for more kick.
  • Fresh Prawn Selection: Choose firm, bright-colored prawns without any fishy smell for the best flavor and texture.
  • Coconut Milk Trick: Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier curry sauce that clings perfectly to the prawns.
  • Resting Time Magic: Allow the curry to rest after cooking to let flavors meld and develop a more complex taste profile.
  • Quick Cooking Key: Cook prawns just until they curl and turn pink to prevent becoming tough and rubbery.

Tasty Twists On Rick Stein Prawn Curry

  • Vegan Prawn Curry: Replace prawns with firm tofu or king oyster mushrooms, using the same spice blend for a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Spice Family Version: Reduce chili quantity and use mild paprika instead, creating a kid-friendly curry with gentle flavors.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all spices and coconut milk are certified gluten-free, serving with cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
  • Keto-Friendly Variation: Use larger prawns, increase coconut milk, remove tomatoes, and add extra virgin olive oil for a high-fat, low-carb version.

Perfect Sides With Rick Stein Prawn Curry

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the curry's richness, balancing the spicy prawns with its bright, refreshing acidity.
  • Complement with Cooling Raita: Prepare a cucumber yogurt side dish to neutralize the curry's heat, offering a smooth, creamy contrast that enhances the overall dining experience.
  • Match with Fluffy Basmati Rice: The delicate, fragrant rice absorbs the curry's complex flavors, creating a perfect base that allows the prawn's tender texture to shine through.
  • Serve with Coconut-Infused Beverage: A chilled coconut water or coconut-based mocktail mirrors the recipe's coconut elements, providing a refreshing and harmonious drink pairing.

How To Keep Rick Stein Prawn Curry Tasting Fresh

  • Transfer leftover curry to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor transfer.
  • Pour cooled curry into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
  • Place curry in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Pour curry into a pan, add a splash of water or coconut milk to prevent drying.

FAQs About Rick Stein Prawn Curry

  • What type of prawns work best for this curry?

Choose fresh, medium-sized prawns with shells removed. Tiger prawns or white prawns are excellent choices that provide great flavor and tender texture.

  • How spicy is this curry?

The spice level depends on the number of chilies used. You can adjust heat by reducing or increasing chili quantity. For mild version, remove chili seeds before blending.

  • Can I substitute coconut milk?

Avoid substituting coconut milk as it’s crucial for authentic flavor and creamy texture. If unavailable, use light cream or yogurt, but the taste will be different from traditional curry.

  • Is this curry gluten-free?

Yes, this prawn curry recipe is naturally gluten-free. Ensure all individual spices and ingredients are certified gluten-free to maintain dietary restrictions.

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Prawn Curry Recipe

Prawn Curry Recipe


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4.8 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Spicy Indian Prawn Curry blends aromatic spices with succulent seafood in a creamy, coconut-based sauce. Coastal flavors dance across your palate, promising a rich culinary journey that brings Mumbai’s kitchen straight to your dining table.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 20 jumbo prawns (about 250 grams/8.8 ounces), cleaned and deveined

Spices and Aromatics:

  • 810 dried Kashmiri red chilies
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 tablespoon finely minced ginger
  • 810 curry leaves

Base and Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup freshly grated coconut
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped tomatoes
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • Small knob tamarind or 1 teaspoon tamarind paste

Instructions

  1. Create a vibrant curry base by pulverizing green chilies, garlic, aromatic spices, fresh coconut, tangy tamarind, and creamy coconut milk into a smooth, fragrant paste.
  2. Warm coconut oil in a deep skillet, then sauté minced ginger and finely chopped onions until they transform into a soft, translucent golden mixture.
  3. Introduce ripe, diced tomatoes to the skillet, allowing them to break down and meld seamlessly with the onion foundation.
  4. Incorporate the prepared masala paste and a pinch of salt, then allow the mixture to simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, developing rich, complex flavors.
  5. Carefully add fresh prawns to the simmering sauce, cooking them precisely until they turn a delicate pink and curve into a characteristic C-shape, which indicates perfect doneness.
  6. Scatter fragrant curry leaves across the surface, remove from heat, and let the curry rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to fully harmonize.
  7. Present the steaming curry alongside fluffy basmati rice or warm, pillowy naan bread for a complete, aromatic dining experience.

Notes

  • Customize spice levels by adjusting the number of chilies, catering to different heat tolerances without compromising flavor.
  • Choose fresh, high-quality prawns for the best texture and sweetness, ensuring they’re deveined and cleaned thoroughly before cooking.
  • Substitute prawns with firm white fish or tofu for a vegetarian version, maintaining the rich, aromatic curry base.
  • Let the curry rest after cooking to allow the flavors to meld and intensify, creating a more complex and harmonious taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 225 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 145 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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