Prawn Masala is a popular Indian dish made with succulent prawns cooked in a rich, aromatic spicy gravy.
The complex spices and tangy tomatoes blend together perfectly, creating a curry that’s both flavorful and comforting. Whether served with steamed rice, naan, or roti, Prawn Masala is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Here’s how you can make this delicious curry at home.
Ingredients
For the Prawn Masala:
- 500g prawns (cleaned and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or mustard)
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 2 tomatoes (pureed)
- 2 green chilies (slit)
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
For Tempering:
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2-3 cloves
- 2 cardamom pods
- 1 small cinnamon stick
Preparation Steps to Guide : How to Make Spicy and Flavorful Prawn Masala

Step 1: Prepare the Prawns
- Clean and devein the prawns. You can leave the shells on or remove them based on your preference.
- Marinate the prawns with turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Set aside for 10-15 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Masala Base
- Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon stick.
- Once the spices sizzle, add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, and sauté for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add pureed tomatoes, coriander powder, and salt. Cook the mixture until the oil separates from the masala (about 8-10 minutes).
Step 3: Cook the Prawns
- Add the marinated prawns to the masala base. Stir gently and cook for about 4-5 minutes or until the prawns turn pink and are cooked through.
- Sprinkle garam masala and stir well to combine.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve the Prawn Masala with steamed rice or naan.
Pro Tips
- For extra richness, you can add a spoonful of cream at the end of cooking.
- If you like it spicier, add more green chilies or red chili powder to suit your taste.
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FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen prawns, but make sure they are properly thawed before marinating and cooking.
Can I make this curry ahead of time?
Yes, Prawn Masala can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.