Prawn curry is a rich and aromatic dish that brings together the delicate sweetness of prawns with a mix of bold, spicy flavors. Whether you’re looking to make a comforting weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress guests, prawn curry is both simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying. The combination of spices, coconut milk, and tender prawns creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting to the taste buds.
To start, heat some oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté them until they become soft and translucent. This will be the base for your curry’s rich flavor. Once the onions are ready, add minced garlic, ginger, and a combination of spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and chili powder. These spices will create the deep, aromatic flavor profile that defines a great prawn curry.
Next, add chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook them until they soften and break down. This creates a flavorful sauce base for the curry. If you like a smoother sauce, you can blend the tomatoes before adding them to the pan. Then, pour in a can of coconut milk, which gives the curry a creamy texture and balances the heat of the spices.
Let the curry simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. You can adjust the consistency by adding a little water or vegetable broth, depending on how thick or thin you prefer your sauce. Taste the curry and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if you need to balance the flavors.
Once the sauce is ready, add the prawns to the pan. Cook them for 3-5 minutes, or until they turn pink and are fully cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the prawns, as they can become rubbery.
Garnish the curry with freshly chopped cilantro and serve it with steamed rice or naan bread to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lime for a burst of acidity to balance the richness of the curry.
Prawn curry is a wonderful dish that combines spice, creaminess, and the natural sweetness of seafood. It’s perfect for anyone craving a hearty, flavorful meal that’s still light and fresh. Whether you’re a fan of Indian curries or looking for something new, this prawn curry will undoubtedly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients
- 500 grams Prawns Cleaned and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 1 Onion Finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons Ginger-garlic paste
- 2 teaspoons Coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Red chili powder Adjust to taste
- 2 cups Tomato puree
- 1 cup Coconut milk
- to taste Salt
- 1 handful Coriander leaves Chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a couple of minutes until the raw smell disappears.
- Stir in the coriander powder, turmeric powder, and red chili powder. Cook for another minute.
- Add the tomato puree and cook until the oil begins to separate from the sauce.
- Pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the prawns and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are cooked through and tender.
- Season with salt to taste and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with rice or naan.
Absolutely loved this recipe! The prawns were perfectly tender and the flavors were rich. Will definitely make it again!
I dunno, my curry turned out too watery. Did I do something wrong? It tasted fine, but I expected something thicker.
I’m not sure but I usually put in some flour or cornstarch to thicken things up if they’re too watery.
If it was watery, maybe you added too much tomato puree or didn’t let it simmer long enough? That coconut milk should help thicken it up.
What is coconut milk? Can I use regular milk instead? I want to try this but not sure if it’s okay to substitute.
I made it for a dinner party, and it was a hit! Everyone asked for the recipe. Will definitely make again!
It was too spicy for me. I added only half the chili powder and it was still fiery! 😅
I totally get you! I find chili powder can really pack a punch. I usually just skip it altogether.
Too spicy? How can it be too spicy?! I love a good kick in my curry! Maybe try ginger next time?
Ugh, I tried and it was a disaster. Wrong temp or something, idk.
I think maybe you put the temp too high. Prawns need a low heat! Or maybe your stove is weird?
Sounds like you might have rushed it? It’s really important to get the temp just right with prawns. They cook fast!
Yum! Tasted just like the one I had in India. Super tasty!
I didn’t have coconut milk, used heavy cream instead. Still turned out decent, but not the same.
Using heavy cream is a bold choice! I’ve done that too, and it can still taste good. Glad it worked for you!
Heavy cream? Not sure if that would work. I thought coconut milk is what makes it a curry. 🤔
Did anyone else find the cooking time way off? My prawns were overcooked!
Nah, I followed the time exactly and mine were fine. Did you maybe cook them too long? 🤔
I think the cooking time can vary depending on the size of the prawns. Maybe smaller ones cook faster! Just be careful next time.
This was so easy! I feel like a chef now! My family loved it! Thanks!
This was okay, but my prawns got overcooked and chewy. Might try it again and watch the cooking time more closely.
I had the same issue with the prawns the first time! Just keep an eye on them. They cook pretty fast. Good luck next time!
Okay, so I thought this could be better. My mom’s prawn curry is way better… Just sayin’!
Everybody’s got their own taste! Maybe your mom adds a special ingredient? I’ll have to try her version! 😊
My prawns were overcooked. I guess I left them too long. Be careful with the timing!
Idk, but I think it should have more spice. And why coconut milk? Isn’t that for desserts?
I don’t think coconut milk belongs in curry. Just leave it out, it’ll taste better.
Absolutely loved this recipe! The prawns turned out so juicy and full of flavor. Definitely a keeper!
Good recipe but way too many ingredients. Can I skip the turmeric? 🤔
You can definitely skip the turmeric! It adds color but it’s not absolutely necessary. Your curry will still taste great! 😊
I dunno. Turmeric is kinda important for the flavor and the health stuff, isn’t it? Just try it with it and see! 🤷♂️
Omg, this is the best thing I’ve cooked! So delicious!! 😍
That sounds amazing! I’ve always wanted to try prawn curry, but it seemed so complicated. You’ve inspired me! 😊
Really? Best thing ever? I’ve had curry that was better, just sayin’. Got a secret ingredient or something? 🤔
Prawns!? What about shrimp?
I don’t know, seemed a bit too spicy for my taste. Maybe less chili next time.
Spicy is good! Maybe just get used to it? It’s a curry after all!
I don’t like coconut milk in my curry… it taste weird. I added yogurt instead, it was so much better!
But… isn’t coconut milk essential for curry? I think you’re missing out on the real flavor. 😕
I totally get that! Coconut milk can be really strong. Yogurt is a great substitute. Gives it a nice tang!
Absolutely loved this recipe! The flavors were amazing. Will definitely make it again!
Tasty! My whole family loved it, thanks for sharing! 😀
Easy recipe but kinda bland for my taste. I added more chili and some lemon juice but still was missing something.
I totally get what you mean! I found it a bit underwhelming too at first. Maybe a dash of fish sauce or some tamarind paste next time? It adds a kick!
Hmm, I didn’t like it much. The prawns were overcooked and the sauce seemed too thick.
Absolutely delicious! The flavors blended so well together. My family loved it!
This prawn curry recipe is absolutely delicious! I can’t get enough of it. 🤤
5 stars!!! Will make it again for sure!! Yummy curry, me hungry just thinking about it.
This prawn curry is absolutely delicious! The flavors are amazing, just like my grandma’s recipe.
I totally agree! My family used to make prawn curry like this too. Brings back such good memories!
Sounds good, but my wife says prawns are dangerous. I dunno, I just stick with chicken.
Yum yum! I added some green peas for more color. Will make again!
Green peas? That’s interesting! I never thought of that, gotta try it next time.
Not sure if coconut milk works well with prawns. Kinda threw me off. 🤔
I tried making this but it came out kinda bland. Maybe I added too much coconut milk? 🤔
Prawns gotta be cooked a bit longer! They were a lil chewy. Stick to the times given!
So good! The spices really blend well, I used more chili powder tho. Spicyyyyy🔥!
I tried it too, but I thought it was a bit too spicy! Maybe I should’ve followed your lead and added more chili powder! 😅