Andhra Prawn Curry
A fiery and tangy prawn curry from the heart of Andhra Pradesh. Succulent prawns are simmered in a rich gravy of onions, tomatoes, tamarind, and a signature blend of spices. Perfect with steamed rice.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate Prawns & Prepare Pastes
- b.In a bowl, toss the cleaned prawns with 1/4 tsp of turmeric powder and 1/2 tsp of salt. Mix well and set aside to marinate for 15-20 minutes.
- c.While the prawns marinate, place the grated coconut in a small grinder with 2-3 tbsp of water. Blend until you have a smooth, fine paste. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics (Tadka)
- b.Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter completely.
- c.Add the cumin seeds and curry leaves. Sauté for 30 seconds until the leaves are crisp and aromatic.
- d.Add the finely chopped onions and slit green chillies. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and have turned a deep golden brown.
- e.Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until its raw aroma disappears.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Masala Base
- b.Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes, mashing them with your spoon, until they break down and become soft and pulpy.
- c.Reduce the heat to low. Add the remaining 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and coriander powder. Stir continuously and cook the spices for 2-3 minutes until they are fragrant and you see oil separating from the masala at the edges.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer the Curry & Cook Prawns
- b.Stir in the prepared coconut paste and the tamarind pulp. Mix well to combine with the masala.
- c.Pour in 1 cup of water and add the remaining 1 tsp of salt. Bring the gravy to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- d.Gently add the marinated prawns to the simmering gravy. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, just until the prawns turn pink and curl up. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will become tough.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Rest
- b.Sprinkle the garam masala and freshly chopped coriander leaves over the curry. Give it a final, gentle stir.
- c.Turn off the heat and cover the pan. Let the curry rest for at least 10 minutes. This allows the prawns to absorb the flavors of the gravy.
- d.Serve hot with steamed rice or roti.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Do not overcook the prawns. They cook in minutes and will turn rubbery if left on the heat for too long. Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn opaque and curl.
- 2For a richer and thicker gravy, you can add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds (khus khus) while grinding the coconut paste.
- 3The key to a deep-flavored base is to patiently sauté the onions until they are well-browned, not just translucent.
- 4Always add powdered spices on low heat to prevent them from burning, which can make the curry bitter.
Adapt it for your goals.
Creamier Version
For a milder, creamier curry, reduce the tamarind pulp slightly and stir in 1/4 cup of thick coconut milk at the very end, after turning off the heat.
With VegetablesWith Vegetables
Add vegetables like drumsticks or potato cubes along with the tomatoes to make the curry more wholesome. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Extra SpicyExtra Spicy
For an even spicier kick, add 2-3 whole dried red chillies (like Guntur or Byadgi) to the oil along with the mustard seeds during the tempering step.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Prawns are a fantastic source of high-quality, low-fat protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Supports Heart Health
Prawns contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health by helping to lower triglyceride levels.
Anti-Inflammatory Spices
The use of turmeric, ginger, and garlic provides powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that can help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Rich in Selenium
Prawns are a good source of selenium, an important antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage and supports a healthy immune system and thyroid function.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Andhra Prawn Curry contains approximately 380-420 calories. The exact count can vary based on the size of the prawns and the amount of oil and coconut used.