Prawn masala is a very good starter that can be had as such with Plain Rice .I have cooked using Coconut Oil which tastes really awesome.
Prawns are one of the tastiest seafood. The best thing about prawn is, it gets cooked easily. With less effort and minimal ingredients, we get a tasty feast. This is a beginner friendly dish. Anyone can start cooking with the instructions given.
I love experimenting with Prawns and I have quite a few collections. Do check out if you love shrimp as much as I do.
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How to Cook Prawn Masala
Prawn Masala or Iral thokku has a semi gravy with onions and tomato as the base. Perfectly cooked onions and tomato are then cooked with ginger garlic and spice powders. Once the masala is ready we then add the cleaned shrimp and cook along with the masala. Finally, garnish with lemon juice and top with finely chopped Cilantro.
Ingredients for Prawn Thokku, Pictorial
Prawn - Always use clean and deveined prawns. You may use Tiger Prawns or Shrimp also.
Onions, Tomato - As always the base of the thokku or masala is Onions and Tomato. I am using 2 big finely chopped onions and 1 sweet finely chopped big tomato. Make sure you always cook the onions well before adding the tomato.
Ginger Garlic paste - This is an ingredient that is definitely not to be missed. It adds so much flavor to the dish. You may use ginger garlic paste or crushed ginger garlic.
Spice Powders - I am going with the basic spice powders like Red Chilli powder, Garam Masala, Pepper Powder, Turmeric powder. If you prefer a bright red color you may use Kashmiri Red Chilli powder.
Garnish - I am using Lemon Juice from half lemon and a fistful of finely chopped coriander leaves.
Tempering Ingredients - Just the basic mustard, Cumin along with curry leaves. Using coconut oil is a game changer so do not skip.
FAQ's On Prawn Thokku
Chettinad way of cooking prawn thooku is with even more aromatic spices. Whereas this version of Prawn thokku is with simple pantry ingredients. All the dishes have their own charm so it is. You can check the Chettinad Prawn Masala recipe also in the blog.
Prawn gets cooked really fast. All it takes is 5 to 8 mins depending on the variety and size. If you cook more it tends to become rubbery and overcooked.
Prawn Masala has a thick semi gravy consistency. It goes well with almost anything and everything. Idli, Dosa, Roti, Pulao, Biryani, or any dish.
How to Prepare Prawn Thokku, Pictorial
1. Clean and devein the prawns and set them aside. In a pan add in Coconut oil. Once it heats up add in 1 tsp of Mustard Seeds and 1 tsp of cumin seeds. Let it Splutter and then and in Curry Leaves.
2. Next add in finely chopped onions and fry till glossy. I am using 2 big onions. Chop finely and then add.
3. Next add in 1 tbsp of crushed ginger and garlic. Saute till the raw smell leaves
4 Now add in 1 big chopped tomatoes cook till they leave oil
5. Add in 1 tsp of Chilli powder, ½ tsp of pepper powder, ¼ tsp of Turmeric Powder, 1 tsp Garam Masala, and salt to taste.
6. Sprinkle 1 tbsp of water and cook for a minute.
7. Mix well and then add in the cleaned prawns.
8. Give a good stir so that the masala evenly coats on the prawns. Close the lid and cook on a medium flame for 2 mins. Prawn will start leaving water and cook. Open the lid mix well and cook for another 3 mins. Check for salt and spice and add if anything is less
9. Switch off the flame. Tasty prawn masala is ready. Add in lemon juice and garnish with coriander leaves.
Pro Tips:
- Tastes good with steamed rice .
- Cooking with coconut oil is a must to get the flavour so don’t skip that.
- The masala can be just mixed with rice and had without any kuzhambu.
Similar Shrimp Recipes:
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📖 Recipe
Prawn Masala | Prawn Thokku
Standard 1 cup measures 240 ml
Ingredients
- ¼ kg Prawns
- 2 Onion
- 1 Tomato
- 1 tsp Chilli powder
- ¼ tsp Turmeric powder
- ½ tsp Pepper powder
- 1 tsp Garam Masala
- Salt as needed
- 1 tbsp Crushed Ginger garlic
- 1 tbsp Water
To Temper :
- 1 tbsp Coconut Oil
- 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds
- 1 spring Curry Leaves
Instructions
- Clean and devein the prawns and set them aside. In a pan add in Coconut oil. Once it heats up add in 1 tsp of Mustard Seeds and 1 tsp of cumin seeds. Let it Splutter and then and in Curry Leaves.
- Next add in finely chopped onions and fry till glossy. I am using 2 big onions. Chop finely and then add.
- Next add in 1 tbsp of crushed ginger and garlic. Saute till the raw smell leaves
- 4 Now add in 1 big chopped tomatoes cook till they leave oil
- Add in 1 tsp of Chilli powder, ½ tsp of pepper powder, ¼ tsp of Turmeric Powder, 1 tsp Garam Masala, and salt to taste.
- Sprinkle 1 tbsp of water and cook for a minute.
- Mix well and then add in the cleaned prawns.
- Give a good stir so that the masala evenly coats on the prawns. Close the lid and cook on a medium flame for 2 mins. Prawn will start leaving water and cook. Open the lid mix well and cook for another 3 mins. Check for salt and spice and add if anything is less
- Switch off the flame. Tasty prawn masala is ready. Add in lemon Juice and garnish with coriander leaves.
Notes
- Tastes good with steamed rice .
- Cooking with coconut oil is a must to get the flavour so don’t skip that.
- The masala can be just mixed with rice and had without any kuzhambu.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: I am not a nutritionist, the nutrition value provided here is an estimate. It will vary based on the quantity and brands of the products used.
Note: This post is originally from 2016. Its now updated with new Recipe card, Pictures and Content.
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