Spicy Coconut Masala Prawns
Indulge in the flavors of the sea with this Spicy Coconut Masala Prawns recipe! Succulent tiger prawns are marinated and cooked in a rich and aromatic coconut masala, infused with the warm spices of cinnamon, cumin, cloves, and cardamom. This dish captures the essence of coastal cuisine and is perfect for showcasing the fresh, bold flavors of India. Serve it hot, spooned over steamed rice or alongside warm naan to soak up the delicious sauce.
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cinnamon bark
2 pieces (whole)
Cumin seeds
1 teaspoon (whole)
Cloves
1 teaspoon (whole)
Cardamom pods
1 teaspoon (whole)
Onions
3 tablespoons (sauteed in ghee)
Ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Onions
3 tablespoons (ground)
Green chili
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Tomatoes
1/2 cup (diced)
Salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Coconut milk
1/4 cup (canned or fresh)
Vinegar
1 tablespoon (any variety)
Tiger prawns
5 (cleaned and deveined)
Garam masala
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the garam masala: In a dry skillet, roast the cinnamon bark, cumin seeds, whole cloves, and cardamom pods over medium heat until they become fragrant and slightly darkened, about 2-3 minutes.
2
Once roasted, transfer the spices to a spice grinder or mortar and pestle and grind them into a fine powder. Set aside the garam masala.
3
In the same skillet, heat ghee over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until translucent and golden brown, about 5 minutes.
4
Stir in the ground cumin and the chopped green chili; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
5
Add the ground onions to the skillet and sauté for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6
Incorporate the diced tomatoes and salt into the mixture, cooking until the tomatoes soften and break down, about 5 minutes.
7
Pour in the coconut milk and vinegar, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to heat through gently, simmering for about 2 minutes.
8
Add the tiger prawns to the pan, stirring well to coat them in the sauce. Cook until the prawns turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
9
Finally, sprinkle the freshly ground garam masala over the prawns and stir to mix. Remove from heat.
10
Serve the Spicy Coconut Masala Prawns immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro and accompanied by rice or naan.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Coconut Masala Prawns?
It is an aromatic Indian coastal dish featuring succulent tiger prawns cooked in a rich coconut-based masala sauce infused with warm spices.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 1 serving.
What type of prawns should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 5 tiger prawns, which should be cleaned and deveined.
What spices are needed for the homemade garam masala?
You will need cinnamon bark, cumin seeds, whole cloves, and cardamom pods.
How do I prepare the whole spices for the masala?
Roast the cinnamon, cumin seeds, cloves, and cardamom in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, then grind them into a fine powder.
What kind of fat is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses ghee to sauté the onions and spices for a rich flavor.
How are the onions used in this recipe?
Onions are used in two ways: 3 tablespoons are finely chopped and sautéed, and another 3 tablespoons are ground.
Can I use canned coconut milk?
Yes, you can use either canned or fresh coconut milk for this recipe.
How long do the prawns take to cook?
Prawns should be cooked for approximately 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
What provides the heat in this dish?
The heat comes from chopped green chili and the various warm spices included in the masala.
When should I add the tomatoes?
Add the diced tomatoes after sautéing the onions, ground cumin, and green chili.
What is the purpose of vinegar in the sauce?
Vinegar is added along with the coconut milk to provide a necessary touch of acidity to balance the rich flavors.
What should I serve with Spicy Coconut Masala Prawns?
This dish is best served hot over steamed rice or alongside warm naan bread.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 14 ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this a seafood dish?
Yes, it is a seafood dish categorized under Indian cuisine.
What should the final garnish be?
The prawns should be garnished with fresh cilantro before serving.
How long does it take to sauté the chopped onions?
The chopped onions should be sautéed for about 5 minutes until they are translucent and golden brown.
Is there a specific way to grind the spices?
You can use a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle to achieve a fine powder.
When is the fresh garam masala added?
The freshly ground garam masala is sprinkled over the prawns at the very end of the cooking process.
What is the role of cumin in this recipe?
Cumin is used twice: once as whole seeds in the roasted spice mix and once as ground cumin in the sauté.
How much coconut milk is required?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of coconut milk.
Does this recipe use fresh or ground ginger?
The provided ingredient list does not include ginger; it focuses on garlic-free aromatics like onions and green chili.
What does 'cleaned and deveined' mean for prawns?
It means removing the shell and the dark digestive tract (vein) from the back of the prawn.
Can I use pre-made garam masala?
While you can, the recipe emphasizes roasting and grinding whole spices fresh for the best aromatic flavor.
How much vinegar is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of any variety of vinegar.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The tags include prawns, seafood, curry, indian cuisine, coconut milk, masala, and spicy.
Is the salt amount fixed?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of salt, but it can be adjusted to taste.
What happens to the tomatoes during cooking?
The tomatoes should be cooked for about 5 minutes until they soften and break down into the sauce.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is a rich, thick masala consistency made from ground onions, tomatoes, and coconut milk.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick meal?
Yes, with a cooking time for prawns of only 3-4 minutes and minimal prep, it is a relatively fast dish to prepare.