For those who cherish the rich flavors of seafood, the Indian prawn fry or shrimp fry is an authentic treat. Delicately seasoned with Indian herbs and spices, these prawns are first soaked in a fragrant marinade before being dry roasted to perfection. Whether you're pairing it with rice or introducing it as a starter for a non-veg meal, this dish is bound to be a hit.
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At its core, the prawn fry is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in Indian cuisine. Using only a few key ingredients like aromatic Indian spices and herbs, the prawns are immersed in a basic spice mixture and roasted in a liberal amount of oil. This dish embodies simplicity, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect with a bowl of white rice or as a tantalizing start to a non-vegetarian meal.
Beyond their delightful taste, prawns are a nutritional powerhouse, boasting a wealth of omega-3 fatty acids while being low in calories. It's worth noting that in this post, I've interchanged the terms 'prawns' and 'shrimp'. From my experience, both bring an equally delightful taste and aroma to the dish. Whether you've got prawns or shrimp at your disposal, either will work splendidly in this beloved recipe.
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Ingredients and Substitution Overview
For this dish, you'll need easily accessible ingredients from any Indian store:
- Prawns: I've chosen medium-sized black tiger shrimp, but feel free to use any size or variety. Black tiger prawns are especially fitting.
- Chili Powder: Regular or Kashmiri for a vibrant red hue.
- Garam Masala: A blend of Indian spices adding flavor, aroma, and warmth.
- Coriander and Turmeric Powder: Enhances taste and flavor.
- Ginger-Garlic Paste: Neutralizes seafood's raw smell, boosting taste.
- Curry Leaves: Garnish generously for an added exotic flavor, available at Indian grocery stores.
How to make Prawns Fry?
Dive into the savory world of seafood with our Prawns Fry recipe, perfect for a quick yet flavorful treat. Follow our step-by-step guide, complete with vibrant images and a practical video tutorial below, to master this crispy, golden delight in no time!
More Classic Collection of Shrimp Delicacies:
Prawns Fry (Indian Shrimp Fry)
Ingredients
- 2 lb Prawn, cleaned and deveined
- 2 Onions, chopped
- 2 sprig Curry Leaves
- 1 tsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- 2 tsp Coriander Powder
- 1 tsp Garam Masala Powder
- ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
- Salt, as needed
- ¼ cup Oil, or adjust to your preference
Instructions
To make Prawns Fry
- In a mixing bowl, combine cleaned prawns or shrimp with salt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, chili, coriander, and garam masala powder.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly and let it marinate for about 15 minutes.
- Heat a pan over medium heat and pour in the oil. Add onions and sauté until they turn soft.
- Add the marinated prawns to the pan and mix well.
- Let the prawns cook until they release water and start to curl up.
- Increase the heat to high and roast the prawns until they are thoroughly coated in the masala.
- Add a generous amount of curry leaves and give everything a quick stir.
To Serve
- Enjoy the prawn fry as a starter or paired with rice as a side dish.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
Cleaning Tips:
- Vein Removal: While prawns are flavorful, not cleaning the vein (often black or green) can introduce an undesirable aroma. Always ensure it's removed.
- Dealing with Shells & Heads: If your prawns or shrimp come with shells and heads, remove them first before vein cleaning.
- Opt for Pre-Cleaned: To save time, consider using pre-cleaned prawns or shrimp.
- Frozen vs. Fresh: I've used cleaned frozen shrimp, but if you have access to fresh ones, they're great too. For frozen varieties, make sure to thaw or bring them to room temperature before cooking.
Marinating & Cooking Tips:
- Marination Time: To maximize flavor, marinate prawns for at least 15 minutes. If you're not pressed for time, letting them sit overnight enhances the taste even more.
- Ginger-Garlic Paste: This is key for eliminating any raw seafood smell. Don't skip it.
- Roasting Duration: The longer you roast, the better the spice coating on the shrimp, enhancing its taste.
- Oil Choice: I've chosen canola oil for roasting, but coconut oil can impart a distinct taste if you prefer.
Additional Tips:
- Deep Frying: While I've not used flour in this recipe if you wish to deep fry, mix in 2 tsp of corn flour and 1 tsp rice flour during marination.
- Curry Leaves: They provide an unmistakable aroma and flavor to the prawn fry. Ensure they're generously added.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We’re not nutrition experts. Nutritional info is estimated and should be used as a guide. For precise details, consult a professional.
Explore our culinary collection, from flavorful shrimp recipes and vibrant stir fries to versatile dinner dishes. Perfect for any occasion, these recipes promise to delight your taste buds with their rich flavors and diverse styles.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this flavorful prawn fry with your favorite rice dishes for a complete meal. Alternatively, it serves wonderfully as a starter or appetizer for lunch and dinner non-vegetarian feasts. Enjoy the rich blend of Indian spices and herbs that elevate this simple yet delectable seafood dish.
Storage Suggestions
While this prawn fry is most delectable when consumed fresh and warm, if you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day. For optimal flavor and safety, ensure you reheat the prawns thoroughly before serving again.
Sindhuja
I tried at home. Everyone liked it. And really got vanished as soon as I kept on the table.
Sangeetha Vel
That's great to hear Sindhuja. Thank you for sharing your feedback 🙂
Suji
Hi! Tried your prawn recipe and it was a hit!! Thank you.
Sangeetha Vel
Hi Suji,
I am happy to hear that it turned out great for you 🙂 . Thank you for your feedback!