Creamy Prawn Curry Recipe

Irresistibly Creamy Prawn Curry Recipe to Warm Your Soul

Culinary magic happens when you blend a delectable prawn curry with rich, silky textures that dance across your palate.

Coastal spices infuse every sumptuous bite with vibrant warmth and depth.

Fragrant ingredients whisper tales of exotic kitchens and traditional cooking techniques.

Succulent prawns swim in a luxurious sauce that embraces complex flavor profiles.

Sea-fresh shellfish merge seamlessly with aromatic Indian spices, creating an irresistible symphony of taste.

Comfort meets adventure in this remarkable dish that promises to transport your senses.

You’ll want to savor each magnificent spoonful and celebrate the incredible harmony of ingredients.

What Draws Everyone to Creamy Prawn Curry

  • This prawn curry delivers maximum taste with minimal preparation time, letting you whip up a gourmet meal in under 30 minutes.
  • Combining simple spices like turmeric and lemon juice transforms ordinary prawns into a tantalizing dish, enhancing natural seafood flavors with minimal effort.
  • Perfect for busy families seeking a delicious protein-packed meal that feels fancy but requires straightforward cooking techniques anyone can master.
  • The basic marinade allows flexibility to adjust spice levels or add extra ingredients, making it adaptable to different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredient Breakdown for Creamy Prawn Curry

Seafood Base:
  • Prawns: Sweet, tender seafood that absorbs the curry's rich flavors. Wild-caught or large tiger prawns recommended for best texture.
  • Salt: Essential for enhancing the prawns' natural taste and seasoning.
Spice Blend:
  • Turmeric: Warm, earthy spice that adds golden color and subtle depth. Fresh ground preferred over pre-ground for maximum flavor.
  • Black Pepper: Provides gentle heat and aromatic warmth to the marinade.
Acidic Component:
  • Lemon Juice: Bright citrus element that tenderizes prawns and adds tangy freshness. Fresh squeezed is best, avoiding bottled varieties.

How to Make Creamy Prawn Curry from Scratch

Step 1: Marinate Succulent Prawns

  • Prawns
  • Salt
  • Turmeric
  • Black pepper
  • Lemon juice

Gently mix all ingredients in a bowl, ensuring each prawn is evenly coated. Allow the mixture to rest and absorb flavors for 10-15 minutes while preparing the curry base.

Step 2: Craft Aromatic Base

  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Vegetable oil

Finely chop onions, mince garlic, and grate ginger. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the aromatics until golden and fragrant, releasing their rich, deep flavors.

Step 3: Build Curry Depth

  • Tomato paste
  • Curry powder
  • Cumin
  • Coriander
  • Chili powder

Stir in spices and tomato paste, cooking for 2-3 minutes to bloom the spices and create a robust foundation for the curry.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

  • Coconut milk
  • Heavy cream

Pour coconut milk and cream into the skillet, stirring continuously to create a smooth, luxurious sauce. Simmer gently to let the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Cook Marinated Prawns

Add marinated prawns to the creamy sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes until prawns turn pink and become tender, ensuring they’re fully cooked but not overdone.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges

Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the curry and serve with lime wedges. The bright herbs and citrus will add a fresh, zesty kick to the rich, creamy dish.

Serve hot with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread for a complete, mouthwatering meal.

Kitchen Notes for Creamy Prawn Curry

  • Maximize Flavor Marination: Allow prawns to soak up the zesty marinade for at least 15 minutes to enhance their taste and tenderness.
  • Prevent Rubbery Texture: Cook prawns quickly over medium-high heat to avoid overcooking, which can make them tough and chewy.
  • Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of black pepper and chili to match your personal heat tolerance without compromising the curry's authentic taste.
  • Choose Fresh Seafood: Select high-quality, fresh prawns with a firm texture and clean ocean smell for the most delicious results.
  • Control Curry Consistency: Add coconut milk gradually and simmer gently to achieve the perfect creamy thickness that coats the prawns beautifully.

Storing and Reheating Creamy Prawn Curry Made Simple

  • Store leftover curry in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Transfer cooled curry to freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly to preserve flavor and prevent freezer burn, and store for maximum 2 months.
  • Gently warm curry in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and maintain sauce consistency, adding a splash of water if needed.
  • Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming and prevent seafood from becoming rubbery.

Ideal Pairings for Creamy Prawn Curry

  • The delicate, fluffy grains of basmati rice provide a heavenly base that soaks up the rich, creamy curry sauce, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
  • This zesty white wine cuts through the curry's richness with its bright acidity, complementing the prawns' delicate sweetness and enhancing the dish's complex spice profile.
  • Soft, warm naan bread topped with chopped cilantro offers a perfect vehicle for scooping up every last drop of the luscious curry, adding a fresh herbal note to each bite.
  • This refreshing yogurt-based side dish brings a cooling contrast to the curry's warmth, balancing the spices and providing a smooth, creamy counterpoint to the prawns.

Different Styles of Creamy Prawn Curry

  • Vegan Seafood Curry: Replace prawns with firm tofu or hearts of palm, marinated in same spices for a plant-based version that maintains the dish's rich flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all spices and ingredients are certified gluten-free, and serve with cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to keep the meal allergen-friendly.
  • Low-Carb Ocean Option: Substitute rice with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, and use coconut cream for a keto-friendly curry that's packed with protein and healthy fats.
  • Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Curry: Use full-fat coconut milk as a replacement for dairy cream, which adds a smooth texture and complements the seafood's natural sweetness.

Questions and Answers: Creamy Prawn Curry

  • What ingredients do I need for the marinade?

You’ll need prawns, salt, turmeric, black pepper, and fresh lemon juice. These simple ingredients help tenderize the prawns and add a layer of flavor before cooking.

  • Why marinate the prawns?

Marinating helps the prawns absorb seasoning, making them more flavorful and tender. The lemon juice also helps break down the protein, ensuring a softer texture when cooked.

  • How long should I marinate the prawns?

Let the prawns sit in the marinade for 10-15 minutes. This short marinating time allows the spices to penetrate the seafood without making the texture tough or rubbery.

  • Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen prawns. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating to ensure the best flavor and texture in your curry.

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Creamy Prawn Curry Recipe

Creamy Prawn Curry Recipe


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4.9 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Indulgent seafood lovers rejoice with this luscious Prawn Curry, a delectable blend of tender prawns swimming in a silky, spice-infused coconut sauce. Savor each spoonful of this aromatic dish that promises to transport your palate straight to coastal kitchens where flavor reigns supreme.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (500 grams) prawns (peeled & deveined, tails optional)

Spices and Seasonings:

  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (adjust for spice level)

Other Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons oil or butter
  • 1 small onion (finely chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1-inch ginger (grated)
  • 1 small tomato (pureed or finely chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste (for depth of flavor, optional)
  • 1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream (for creaminess)
  • ½ cup water or seafood broth (adjust for consistency)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, balances acidity)
  • Fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
  • Squeeze of lime juice
  • Red chili flakes (optional, for extra spice)

Instructions

  1. Coat the prawns thoroughly with salt, turmeric, freshly ground black pepper, and a splash of zesty lemon juice, ensuring each morsel is evenly seasoned.
  2. Allow the prawns to luxuriate in the marinade for approximately 10-15 minutes, enabling the flavors to penetrate deeply while you orchestrate the curry’s foundation.
  3. Heat a generous dollop of ghee or oil in a heavy-bottomed pan, creating a shimmering surface that will embrace the aromatics.
  4. Gently sauté finely chopped onions until they transform into a translucent, golden landscape, releasing their sweet, caramelized essence.
  5. Introduce minced garlic, ginger, and green chilies, stirring vigorously to awaken their intense, fragrant notes without scorching.
  6. Sprinkle in a harmonious blend of ground spices – coriander, cumin, and garam masala – allowing them to bloom and infuse the base with their complex, layered warmth.
  7. Pour in rich, velvety coconut milk, creating a luxurious, creamy canvas that will cradle the prawns in a silky embrace.
  8. Nestle the marinated prawns into the bubbling curry, cooking them delicately until they turn opaque and curl slightly, signaling their perfect doneness.
  9. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime, adding a bright, verdant finish that cuts through the richness and elevates the entire dish.
  10. Serve immediately alongside steamed basmati rice or warm, pillowy naan bread to soak up the sublime, spice-laden sauce.

Notes

  • Enhance marination by scoring prawn surfaces gently, allowing spices to penetrate deeper and create more intense flavor profiles.
  • Switch protein options easily by substituting prawns with chicken, tofu, or paneer for dietary preferences or ingredient availability.
  • Control spice levels by adjusting chili quantities or using mild paprika instead of hot varieties, making the curry adaptable for different heat tolerances.
  • Achieve richer curry consistency by using full-fat coconut milk and allowing slow simmering, which helps develop deeper, more complex taste layers.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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