Silky Prawn Curry Recipe

Dreamy Silky Prawn Curry Recipe: Luscious Seafood Magic

Creamy coconut milk blends seamlessly with spicy prawn curry, creating a tantalizing dish that sings with Southeast Asian flavors.

Tender prawns swim in a rich, aromatic sauce bursting with complex spices.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of heat and smoothness that dances across your palate.

The recipe draws inspiration from traditional coastal cooking techniques perfected over generations.

Fragrant herbs and carefully selected spices elevate this curry from ordinary to extraordinary.

Fresh prawns provide a delicate sweetness that complements the bold, multilayered sauce.

You’ll want to savor every spoonful of this comforting, soul-warming meal that promises to transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Thailand.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Prawn Curry

For Prawns Marinade:
  • Prawns: Fresh, plump shellfish that absorb zesty flavors and become tender during marination.
  • Salt: Enhances natural sweetness and helps tenderize the prawns.
  • Turmeric: Adds golden color and earthy warmth with potential anti-inflammatory benefits.
  • Black Pepper: Introduces gentle heat and aromatic complexity to the seafood.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens the prawns with tangy acidity and helps break down proteins.
For Curry Base:
  • Onions: Sweet foundation that provides depth and caramelized undertones to the curry.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that creates intense savory notes.
  • Ginger: Adds zingy warmth and traditional South Asian flavor profile.
  • Green Chilies: Delivers fresh, vibrant heat to balance the creamy sauce.
  • Tomatoes: Creates rich, slightly acidic base that complements the seafood.
For Curry Finishing:
  • Coconut Milk: Creates luxurious, silky texture and balances spicy elements.
  • Cream: Adds extra richness and smoothness to the final sauce.
  • Fresh Coriander: Brings bright, herbal freshness as a finishing garnish.
  • Cooking Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and prevent sticking.

Tools for Prawn Curry

  • Large Skillet: Essential for cooking the curry, ensures even heat distribution.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and preparing ingredients.
  • Sharp Knife: Perfect for precise ingredient preparation.
  • Mixing Bowl: Used for marinating prawns with spices and lemon juice.
  • Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring curry and preventing ingredients from sticking.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices for balanced flavor.
  • Measuring Cup: Assists in adding precise liquid quantities to the curry.

Instructions for Making Prawn Curry

  • Marinate Seafood

Grab your plump prawns and give them a flavor bath with zesty seasonings. Let them soak up all the delicious spices while you get ready to cook.

  • Create Aromatic Base

Heat up your skillet and drop in some fragrant onions, ginger, and garlic. Watch them dance and sizzle, releasing their mouthwatering scent throughout your kitchen.

  • Build Curry Layers

Pour in rich coconut milk and sprinkle in your favorite curry powder. Stir everything together, creating a silky, golden sauce that promises incredible depth of flavor.

  • Cook Prawns

Gently slide the marinated seafood into the bubbling curry. Let them simmer until they turn perfectly pink and curl up, absorbing all the incredible spices.

  • Final Touch

Sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top and squeeze a bit of lime for brightness. Your creamy prawn curry is ready to transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise.

Flavoring Tips for Prawn Curry

  • Quick Marination Magic: Allow prawns to sit in the marinade slightly longer for deeper flavor penetration, ensuring each bite is packed with zesty and aromatic notes.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by adding more or less green chili according to personal preference, making the curry mild or fiery hot.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter, vegan-friendly version that maintains the rich, creamy texture of the original recipe.
  • Protein Swap: Replace prawns with chicken, tofu, or chickpeas to create versatile curry options that cater to different dietary needs and protein preferences.
  • Fresh Herb Boost: Garnish with fresh cilantro or mint leaves just before serving to add a bright, fresh element that cuts through the creamy curry base and enhances overall flavor profile.

Serving Ideas for Prawn Curry

  • Tropical Beach Plating: Serve the creamy prawn curry over a bed of fragrant jasmine rice, garnished with fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime for a vibrant, restaurant-style presentation.
  • Comfort Bowl Companion: Pair this curry with warm naan bread or fluffy basmati rice to soak up the rich, creamy sauce and enhance the overall dining experience.
  • Refreshing Side Dance: Add a crisp cucumber raita or light green salad on the side to balance the curry's richness and provide a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm, spicy dish.
  • Elegant Dinner Party Twist: Elevate the meal by serving in individual clay bowls or on elegant white plates, with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for an extra layer of texture and tropical flair.

Storage Guide for Prawn Curry Leftovers

  • Smart Prep Timing: Marinate prawns while making curry sauce to maximize kitchen efficiency and enhance flavor absorption.
  • Chill and Savor: Store leftover curry in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, ensuring best taste and food safety.
  • Freezer-Friendly Hack: Freeze curry without cream for up to one month, adding fresh cream when reheating to maintain smooth texture.
  • Reheating Magic: Gently warm curry in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent separation and maintain creamy consistency.
Print
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Silky Prawn Curry Recipe

Silky Prawn Curry Recipe


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4.6 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Delightful creamy prawn curry brings Indian coastal flavors to your kitchen with rich, spiced sauce. Succulent prawns nestled in aromatic coconut gravy promise a memorable dining experience you’ll savor until the last delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (500 g) prawns (peeled & deveined, tails optional)
  • 1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream (for creaminess)
  • 2 tbsps oil or butter
  • 1 small onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 small tomato (pureed or finely chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1-inch ginger (grated)
  • ½ cup water or seafood broth (adjust for consistency)
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste (for depth of flavor, optional)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
  • Squeeze of lime juice
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • ½ tsp turmeric powder
  • ½ tsp chili powder (adjust for spice level)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)
  • Red chili flakes (optional, for extra spice)

Instructions

  1. Marination: Massage prawns with salt, turmeric, black pepper, and lemon juice, ensuring comprehensive coating. Allow 10-15 minutes for flavor absorption.
  2. Aromatics Preparation: Melt ghee in a heavy pan, sauté onions until golden and translucent. Incorporate minced garlic, ginger, and green chilies, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
  3. Spice Infusion: Sprinkle ground coriander, cumin, and garam masala into the pan, toasting briefly to release their aromatic essence and create a flavor-rich foundation.
  4. Curry Development: Stream coconut milk into the spiced base, creating a smooth, creamy liquid. Gently introduce marinated prawns, cooking until they transform from translucent to opaque with delicate curled edges.
  5. Finishing Touches: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh cilantro and a vibrant lime squeeze. Plate alongside steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread to complement the curry’s complex flavor profile.

Notes

  • Marinate Mindfully: Ensure prawns are evenly coated with spices and lemon juice, allowing 10-15 minutes for maximum flavor absorption without oversaturating.
  • Control Spice Temperature: Sauté aromatics and spices gently over medium heat to prevent burning, which can create bitter undertones and compromise the curry’s delicate balance.
  • Timing is Crucial: Cook prawns just until they turn opaque and slightly curled, typically 3-4 minutes, to maintain tender, succulent texture and prevent rubbery consistency.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap coconut milk with cashew cream or almond milk for a lighter version, maintaining the curry’s creamy essence while catering to different dietary preferences.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 200 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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