How to Make Spicy Prawn Ghee Roast: A South Indian Seafood Delicacy
This Spicy Prawn Ghee Roast recipe brings the flavors of coastal South India to your kitchen. Juicy prawns are marinated in a blend of tangy spices, then roasted in golden ghee until perfectly cooked. The result is a dish that's rich, aromatic, and irresistibly delicious.
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Recipe Details
Prep Time
40 minutes (including marination)
Cook Time
25 minutes
Servings
4
Difficulty
Intermediate
Simple Summary
Prawn Ghee Roast is a luxurious South Indian delicacy featuring succulent prawns cooked in aromatic spices and rich, nutty ghee, resulting in a dish that's both indulgent and bursting with flavor.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 40 minutes (including marination)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Intermediate
Ingredients
- 500g large prawns, cleaned and deveined
- 4 tbsp ghee
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 sprigs curry leaves
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp black pepper powder
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves for garnish
For the marinade:
- 1 tbsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
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In a bowl, mix the prawns with the marinade ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
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Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the marinated prawns and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink. Remove and set aside.
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In the same pan, heat 2 tbsp ghee and 1 tbsp oil. Add chopped onions and curry leaves. Sauté until onions turn golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
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Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
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Reduce heat to low. Add red chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, cumin powder, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
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Add tamarind paste and salt. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes.
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Increase heat to medium. Add the partially cooked prawns to the spice mixture. Stir gently to coat the prawns with the spices.
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Add the remaining 2 tbsp of ghee. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the prawns are fully cooked and the ghee starts to separate from the masala.
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Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
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Garnish with chopped coriander leaves before serving.
Chef's Notes
- For the best flavor, use fresh prawns. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of red chili powder.
- Ghee is crucial for the authentic flavor of this dish, but you can substitute with butter if necessary.
- For a tangier taste, increase the amount of tamarind paste.
- This dish is best served immediately while hot and crispy.
Nutritional Info
Per serving (approximate):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 22g (with healthy omega-3 fatty acids from prawns)
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Rich in vitamin B12, selenium, and iodine from prawns
- Good source of antioxidants from spices
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with steamed rice, naan bread, or dosa for a complete meal.
- Pair with a cooling cucumber raita or yogurt to balance the spice.
- Garnish with a lemon wedge for an extra citrusy kick.
- Enjoy with a glass of chilled white wine or a light beer for a perfect dinner combination.
- For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or with a side of sautéed vegetables.