Indian Prawn Curry (Spiced Prawn Stew)

Indian prawn curry is a dish that brings together the vibrant spices of India and the fresh, succulent flavours of seafood. This spiced prawn stew is a symphony of flavours, ranging from spicy and tangy to subtly sweet, creating a meal that feels both luxurious and comforting.

Often served with steamed rice or flatbreads, Indian prawn curry is a perfect example of how simplicity and bold flavours can create a dish that is both memorable and deeply satisfying.

What Is Indian Prawn Curry?

Prawn curry is a traditional Indian dish made with prawns simmered in a flavourful gravy, typically composed of tomatoes, coconut milk, or yogurt, and a blend of aromatic spices. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility.

Depending on the region, the curry may take on different forms: in South India, the use of coconut milk adds a creamy sweetness, while in Northern India, yogurt or tomatoes are more common, creating a tangier version.

What remains consistent is the rich, spiced gravy that perfectly complements the delicate sweetness of the prawns.

The dish is often prepared with ingredients like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder, which infuse the prawns with a warm, earthy flavour. Garlic, ginger, and onions provide a savoury base, while fresh green chilies add heat and depth.

It’s a dish that doesn’t overwhelm the prawns but enhances their natural taste, allowing each bite to be full of character and spice.

Ingredients and Taste

The main star of this dish is, of course, the prawns. Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the intense flavours of the curry. The prawns are first marinated with spices like turmeric and salt to bring out their flavour, then quickly cooked to retain their tender texture.

The gravy is where the magic happens. Coconut milk, yogurt, or tomatoes form the base, creating a rich and slightly creamy texture. The spices; cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, give the curry its signature warmth, while the ginger and garlic add a punch of freshness.

Depending on the region or recipe, you might find the addition of mustard seeds, curry leaves, or tamarind, which add further layers of complexity.

The end result is a dish that strikes a beautiful balance: the sweetness of the prawns, the heat of the spices, the creaminess of the sauce, and the tang from the tomatoes or yogurt.

It’s a harmonious blend that invites you to savour every mouthful, with each bite offering a slightly different flavour.

A Taste of History

Prawn curry is a dish with roots that reach deep into India’s coastal regions, particularly in areas like Kerala, Goa, and Bengal. These regions have a long history of seafood dishes, with fishing communities thriving for centuries on the bounty of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

The use of prawns in Indian cuisine is an age old tradition, and the flavours that accompany the prawns in the curry reflect the diverse spices and influences that have shaped Indian cooking over time.

In Kerala, the influence of coconut and tropical flavours is strong, leading to a prawn curry that is often sweet, creamy, and fragrant with curry leaves and coconut milk.

In Goa, Portuguese influences bring elements like vinegar or tamarind into the dish, creating a tangier version. Meanwhile, in Bengal, mustard oil and seeds play a dominant role, giving the dish a sharper, more robust flavour.