Prawn Ghee Roast
A fiery and tangy Mangalorean specialty where juicy prawns are cooked in a rich, aromatic masala paste and a generous amount of clarified butter. This classic dish is bold, flavorful, and unforgettable.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Prepare the Ghee Roast Masala Paste (Approx
- a.10 minutes)
- b.Soak the Byadgi and Guntur red chillies in hot water for 20 minutes to soften them. After soaking, drain the water.
- c.While the chillies soak, dry roast the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, black peppercorns, and fenugreek seeds in a pan on low heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
- d.In a blender, combine the soaked chillies, roasted spices, garlic cloves, ginger, and tamarind paste.
- e.Add a few tablespoons of water and grind to a thick, smooth paste. Set this masala paste aside.
- 2
Marinate the Prawns (Approx
- a.15 minutes)
- b.In a mixing bowl, combine the cleaned and deveined prawns with turmeric powder, half of the lemon juice (0.5 tbsp), and a pinch of salt.
- c.Mix well to coat the prawns evenly. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- 3
Cook the Prawn Ghee Roast (Approx
- a.15 minutes)
- b.Heat 3 tablespoons of ghee in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until it turns soft and golden brown.
- d.Add the curry leaves and the prepared ghee roast masala paste. Sauté for 8-10 minutes on low-medium heat, stirring frequently, until the raw smell disappears and the paste darkens in color. You will see ghee starting to separate from the sides of the masala.
- e.Add the marinated prawns and the whisked curd. Stir well to coat the prawns thoroughly with the masala.
- f.Season with salt and powdered jaggery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the prawns curl up, turn pink, and are just cooked through. Avoid overcooking.
- g.Finally, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of ghee and the rest of the lemon juice (0.5 tbsp). Give it a final mix and cook for one more minute.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- c.Serve hot with neer dosa, appam, or steamed rice.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor and texture, always use fresh, high-quality prawns.
- 2The vibrant red color comes from Byadgi chillies, which are mild. Adjust the number of Guntur chillies to control the spice level.
- 3Roasting the whole spices on a low flame is a critical step to release their aromatic oils without burning them.
- 4Do not overcook the prawns. They cook very quickly and will become tough and rubbery if left on the heat for too long.
- 5Be generous with ghee; it is the signature ingredient that gives the dish its rich, nutty aroma and flavor.
- 6Ensure the masala paste is well-cooked until ghee separates. This step is key to developing the deep, complex flavors of the dish.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace prawns with 250g of paneer cubes or 400g of mushrooms. Marinate and cook them similarly, reducing the cooking time for paneer to avoid it becoming chewy.
Other MeatsOther Meats
This ghee roast masala is excellent with chicken. Use 500g of bite-sized chicken pieces and increase the cooking time until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Creamier VersionCreamier Version
For a richer, less tangy gravy, you can add 1 tablespoon of cashew paste along with the curd. This will balance the flavors and add a creamy texture.
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 building and repairing tissues, muscle growth, and overall body function.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The blend of spices like turmeric, ginger, garlic, and peppercorns contains powerful antioxidants and compounds with anti-inflammatory benefits, which can help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Source of Healthy Fats
Ghee, when used in moderation, provides butyric acid, a short-chain fatty acid that supports gut health, and contains fat-soluble vitamins like A, E, and D.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Prawn Ghee Roast (approximately 210g) contains around 380-450 calories. The majority of calories come from the ghee and prawns. The exact count can vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used.