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Prawn Masala

Name: Prawn Masala
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 cup fresh grated coconut; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 medium tomatoes, chopped; 1 tbsp black peppercorns, crushed; 1 tsp fennel seeds; 1 tsp red chili powder; 1/2 tsp ground turmeric; 4 cloves garlic; 1-inch piece fresh ginger; 1 sprig curry leaves; 2 tbsp coconut oil; 1 tsp salt

Plump prawns in a dark, coconut-thickened masala with the warm bite of black pepper — a coastal favorite that cooks in minutes.

⏱ 15 minPrep time

🔥 20 minCook time

🍽 4Servings

🏷 DinnerCategory

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Prawn masala is a weeknight favorite along the South Indian coast, where fresh prawns meet a boldly spiced coconut gravy. It comes together quickly — the masala does the work while the prawns cook in just a few minutes. It is the dish that makes you feel like a coastal home cook even on a busy Tuesday, with very little fuss.

Plump, juicy, and wrapped in spice

The prawns stay tender and sweet, balanced against a rich gravy of coconut, shallots, and ground spices that is savory, peppery, and just a little tangy. Curry leaves and a splash of tamarind keep it bright, while the thick masala clings to every prawn. It is the kind of curry that makes you reach for more rice before you have finished your plate. Serve it with a pile of hot rice or soft appams, and keep a little bread handy to mop the plate clean.

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Step by stepInstructions

1. Blend the coconut, fennel, garlic, and ginger with a little water into a smooth paste.
2. Heat the coconut oil and cook the onion until golden, about 7 minutes. Add the curry leaves, chili powder, turmeric, and crushed pepper and sizzle 1 minute.
3. Add the tomatoes and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the ground coconut paste and salt with 1/2 cup water and simmer 5 minutes.
5. Add the shrimp and cook 3 to 4 minutes until pink and just cooked through.
6. Serve hot with steamed rice.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Do not overcook the prawns — they are done the moment they turn pink and opaque. Pat them dry before adding so they sear instead of steam.

Recipe details

Prep15 min

Cook20 min

Servings4

CategoryDinner

PublishedAugust 17, 2026

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →

Prawn Masala

Plump, juicy, and wrapped in spice

Step by stepInstructions

💡 Chef tips & storage

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Recipe details

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Prawn Masala

Plump, juicy, and wrapped in spice

Step by stepInstructions

💡 Chef tips & storage

Rate this recipe

Recipe details

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

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