Prawn Pulao
A fragrant one-pot meal where succulent prawns are cooked with long-grain basmati rice and a blend of aromatic spices. This dish is perfect for a special weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch, ready in under 45 minutes.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Rice and Prawns
- b.Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until it runs clear. Soak in fresh water for 20 minutes, then drain completely.
- c.In a bowl, marinate the cleaned prawns with 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp red chilli powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Mix well and set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- c.Add the whole spices: cinnamon stick, cloves, green cardamom, and bay leaf. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the sliced onions and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and golden brown.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Create the Masala Base
- b.Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Sauté for 1 minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- c.Add the chopped tomatoes, remaining 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp red chilli powder, garam masala, and 1 tsp salt. Mix well.
- d.Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes break down and oil begins to separate from the masala.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine Prawns and Rice
- b.Add the marinated prawns to the pot. Sauté for 2 minutes until they just turn pink and curl up. Avoid overcooking.
- c.Gently fold in the drained basmati rice, stirring for 1 minute to coat the grains with the masala without breaking them.
- d.Pour in 2.75 cups of hot water. Stir once, check for salt, and adjust if necessary. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Steam the Pulao (Dum)
- b.Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
- c.Simmer for 15 minutes without opening the lid. All the water should be absorbed.
- d.Turn off the heat and let the pulao rest, still covered, for 10 minutes. This step is crucial for perfectly fluffy, separate grains.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.After resting, open the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork.
- c.Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped coriander and mint leaves.
- d.Serve the hot Prawn Pulao with a side of cooling raita or a simple kachumber salad.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Soaking the basmati rice is essential for achieving long, separate, and fluffy grains.
- 2Do not overcook the prawns in the masala step; they will continue to cook with the rice and can become tough.
- 3Using hot water helps maintain the cooking temperature and ensures the rice cooks evenly.
- 4The 10-minute resting period (dum) after cooking is the secret to a perfect, non-sticky texture.
- 5For a richer flavor, you can replace the water with prawn or vegetable stock.
- 6Fry a handful of sliced onions until crisp (birista) and use them as a garnish for extra texture and flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Replace prawns with boneless chicken pieces, fish fillets (like kingfish or pomfret), or a mix of vegetables like carrots, peas, and beans for a vegetarian version.
Flavor EnhancementFlavor Enhancement
For a coastal twist, substitute 1 cup of water with 1 cup of thin coconut milk. This will add a creamy texture and subtle sweetness.
Healthier GrainHealthier Grain
Use brown basmati rice instead of white. You will need to increase the water to about 3.25 cups and cook for a longer duration (around 35-40 minutes).
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Prawns are packed with high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function, while being low in fat.
Anti-inflammatory Spices
The recipe uses spices like turmeric (containing curcumin) and ginger, which are known for their powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Provides Sustained Energy
Basmati rice is a good source of complex carbohydrates that provide a steady release of energy, keeping you full and energized for longer.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of this Prawn Pulao (approximately 1.5 cups or 380g) contains around 370-410 calories, depending on the size of the prawns and the amount of ghee used.