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    Home » Recipes » Shrimp » Prawns Fry

    Prawns Fry Recipe (Indian Shrimp Fry)

    Published: July 2, 2021 by Sangeetha Vel | Updated: June 29, 2024 4 Comments

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    Indian prawn fry, also known as shrimp fry is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy seafood, seasoned with rich Indian herbs and spices. The prawns are marinated in a fragrant mix, then dry roasted to bring out their flavors. It's a versatile dish that you can serve as a starter or pair with rice for a satisfying meal.

    Prawns Fry / Shrimp FryPin
    What You’ll Find On This Page
    • Ingredients and Substitution Overview
    • How to Make Prawns Fry at Home?
    • Prawns Fry (Indian Shrimp Fry)
    • Recipe Video
    • Chef's Notes and Tips
    • Nutrition Info
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storage Suggestions

    Indian prawn fry celebrates the straightforward yet profound flavors of Indian cooking. With just a handful of essential ingredients like spices and herbs, the prawns are coated in a spice blend and cooked in a good amount of oil. This recipe can be made in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick dinner or a tempting appetizer.

    Not only are these prawns delicious, but they're also good for you. Prawns offer plenty of omega-3 fatty acids and are low in calories. In this post, I use 'prawns' and 'shrimp' interchangeably, as both add fantastic flavor and aroma to the meal. Whether you have prawns or shrimp, you'll find that either option makes this dish a crowd-pleaser.

    Discover More Classic Shrimp Recipes:

    • Fried Shrimp
    • Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
    • Garlic Butter Shrimp
    • Szechuan Shrimp
    • Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
    • Grilled Salmon

    Ingredients and Substitution Overview

    For this delicious Indian prawn fry, here’s what you’ll need, all of which you can easily pick up at any Indian grocery store:

    • Prawns: I like using medium-sized black tiger shrimp, but feel free to choose any type or size that you prefer. Black tiger prawns are a great choice for their rich flavor and firm texture.
    • Chili Powder: Choose either regular chili powder or opt for Kashmiri chili powder if you want a lovely, bright red color in your dish. Kashmiri chili is also milder, making it a great option if you prefer less heat.
    • Garam Masala: This spice blend adds the essential flavors and aroma that really make this dish stand out.
    • Coriander and Turmeric Powder: These spices are perfect for boosting the taste and giving the prawns a beautiful color.
    • Ginger-Garlic Paste: It’s key for eliminating any fishy smell and enhancing the flavor profile.
    • Curry Leaves: Add in a generous amount of the leaves for that fresh aroma and flavor.

    How to Make Prawns Fry at Home?

    Ready to make this delicious Prawn Fry? Follow our simple step-by-step guide, complete with images and a helpful video tutorial below, and you'll be enjoying these crispy, golden prawns in no time! Let’s get started!

    Prawns FryPin

    Explore More Indian Seafood Recipes:

    • Prawn Masala
    • Prawn Biryani
    • Meen Pollichathu
    • Chepala Pulusu
    • Fish Curry
    Prawns FryPin

    Prawns Fry (Indian Shrimp Fry)

    The Prawns Fry, also known as Indian Shrimp Fry, is a simple yet flavor-rich Indian seafood side dish. Made with fresh prawns or shrimp and seasoned with traditional Indian masala, spices, and herbs, this dry-roasted delicacy pairs perfectly with rice. It also serves as a delightful starter for many non-vegetarian meals.
    5 from 3 votes
    Author: Sangeetha Vel
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    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: Indian
    Prep: 10 minutes mins
    Cook: 20 minutes mins
    Adjust 4 servings

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 2 lb Prawn, or shrimp, cleaned and deveined
    • 2 Onions, chopped
    • 2 sprig Curry Leaves
    • 1 tsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
    • 1 tsp Chili Powder
    • 2 tsp Coriander Powder
    • 1 tsp Garam Masala Powder
    • ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
    • Salt, to taste
    • ¼ cup Oil, or adjust to your preference
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    Instructions
     

    Preparing Prawns Fry

    • In a mixing bowl, combine cleaned prawns or shrimp with salt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, chili, coriander, and garam masala powder.
      prawns and indian spices in a bowl
    • Thoroughly mix the ingredients, ensuring each prawn is coated with the aromatic spices, and allow them to marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld together and infuse into the prawns.
      marinated prawns in a bowl
    • Heat a pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onions and sauté them until they turn soft and translucent. This forms the flavorful base for the prawns.
      sauting onions in a pan
    • Carefully add the marinated prawns to the pan, ensuring they are in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Stir well to coat the prawns in the onion mixture.
      mixing prawns with onions
    • Allow the prawns to cook until they release their juices and start to curl up. This indicates that they are cooking through.
      Prawns cooking in a pan
    • Turn up the heat to high to quickly roast the prawns, making sure they're fully coated in the masala mixture. Cook the prawns on high heat to achieve a nice sear without overcooking. Prawns cook rapidly and can become tough if left on the heat for too long.
      roasting prawns until red
    • Finally, add a handful of fresh curry leaves to the pan and give everything a quick stir. The curry leaves add a burst of aromatic flavor, elevating the dish to the next level. There you have it, a delicious meal ready to be enjoyed!
      adding curry leaves to the prawn

    Serving

    • Enjoy the delightful prawn fry either as a flavorful starter or paired with rice as a satisfying side dish.
      serving prawns fry

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    Recipe Video

    Chef's Notes and Tips

    Here are my top tips to help you perfect your Prawn Fry in your own kitchen:

    Cleaning Tips:

    • Vein Removal: Prawns are tasty, but the vein (often black or green) can give off an unpleasant smell. Make sure to remove it completely.
    • Dealing with Shells & Heads: If your prawns or shrimp still have shells and heads, take those off before you clean the vein.
    • Opt for Pre-Cleaned: To cut down on prep time, you can use pre-cleaned prawns or shrimp.
    • Frozen vs. Fresh: I often use cleaned frozen shrimp, but fresh prawns are fantastic if you can get them. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed or brought to room temperature before cooking.

    Marinating & Cooking Tips:

    • Proper Drying: Before marinating, make sure to pat your prawns dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture ensures that the marinade sticks well and prevents oil splatters during frying.
    • Marination Time: To fully infuse the prawns with flavor, marinate them for at least 15 minutes. For an even deeper taste, consider marinating overnight. This extra time allows the spices to really soak into the prawns, enhancing their flavor beautifully. For the best results, marinate your prawns in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature.
    • Ginger-Garlic Paste: Essential for getting rid of any fishy smell, ginger-garlic paste is a must. Not only does it clear away unwanted aromas, but it also adds a hearty flavor that perfectly complements the spices used in the dish.
    • Avoid Overcrowding: When frying or roasting the prawns, ensure they have enough space in the pan. Overcrowding can lower the cooking temperature and lead to uneven cooking.
    • Roasting Duration: Longer roasting times lead to a better spice adherence and a more flavorful crust on the prawns. Aim for a golden-brown finish to maximize taste.
    • Oil Choice: While I typically use canola oil due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point, switching to coconut oil can add a subtle tropical hint that pairs wonderfully with the spices.
    • Use a Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked prawns, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This ensures they are cooked through while remaining juicy.

    Additional Tips:

    • Acidic Finish: Just before serving, squeeze a bit of lemon or lime juice over the prawns for a fresh burst of flavor.
    • Deep Frying: Although this recipe doesn't call for flour, if you prefer your prawns with a crispy outer layer, you can mix in 2 teaspoons of corn flour and 1 teaspoon of rice flour during the marination process. This combination will give the prawns a delightful crunch when deep-fried.
    • Curry Leaves: Curry leaves are a must for adding an unmistakable aroma and flavor to your prawn fry. Make sure to use them generously; they elevate the dish with a fragrant, herbal touch that’s hard to replicate with any other ingredient.

    Nutrition Info

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 469kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 365mg | Sodium: 281mg | Potassium: 708mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 187IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 171mg | Iron: 2mg

    Disclaimer

    We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.

    Tried this recipe?Please consider Leaving a Review!

    Serving Suggestions

    Enjoy this flavorful prawn fry alongside your favorite rice dishes like white rice, basmati, or jasmine rice, complemented by rasam to round out the meal. Alternatively, it makes a fantastic starter or appetizer for lunch and dinner gatherings, especially at non-vegetarian feasts.

    Storage Suggestions

    This prawn fry tastes best when enjoyed fresh and warm. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll keep well for up to a day. When you're ready to enjoy them again, make sure to reheat the prawns thoroughly to ensure they are both safe to eat and delicious.

    Comments

    1. Sindhuja says

      April 02, 2023 at 3:26 am

      5 stars
      I tried at home. Everyone liked it. And really got vanished as soon as I kept on the table.

      Reply
      • Sangeetha Vel says

        April 02, 2023 at 8:42 am

        That's great to hear Sindhuja. Thank you for sharing your feedback 🙂

        Reply
    2. Suji says

      September 12, 2021 at 2:15 am

      Hi! Tried your prawn recipe and it was a hit!! Thank you.

      Reply
      • Sangeetha Vel says

        September 12, 2021 at 2:14 pm

        Hi Suji,
        I am happy to hear that it turned out great for you 🙂 . Thank you for your feedback!

        Reply
    5 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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    Hi, I'm Sangeetha Vel! the author, recipe researcher, creator, and cooking hands behind Yellow Chili's. A realistic, friendly, empathetic, and enthusiastic foodie who loves to share authentic, easy, quick, healthy, instant, and kids-approved recipes.

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