Short Description
Malai Prawn, or Creamy Prawn Curry, is a rich and flavorful dish featuring succulent prawns cooked in a luscious, spiced cream-based sauce. This dish is a perfect blend of aromatic spices, coconut milk, and cream, making it a luxurious meal for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy, and full of flavor
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Pairs well with rice or naan
- Perfect for special occasions or a comforting meal
- Customizable with different spice levels
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Prawns (cleaned and deveined)
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, minced
- Green chilies, sliced
- Tomatoes, pureed
- Coconut milk
- Heavy cream
- Garam masala
- Turmeric powder
- Red chili powder
- Coriander powder
- Cumin powder
- Salt, to taste
- Sugar (optional, for balance)
- Butter or oil
- Fresh coriander, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Heat butter or oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add minced garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Cook until fragrant.
- Stir in pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil separates from the mixture.
- Add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt. Cook for another minute.
- Pour in coconut milk and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the prawns and cook for 5-7 minutes until they turn pink and are fully cooked.
- Stir in heavy cream and garam masala, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning and add a pinch of sugar if needed.
- Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with rice or naan.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Increase the red chili powder or add extra green chilies.
- Lighter Version: Use light coconut milk and skip the heavy cream.
- Herb-Infused: Add curry leaves for an extra layer of flavor.
- Nutty Flavor: Stir in ground cashews for a richer taste.
- Tangy Twist: Squeeze some lemon juice before serving.
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of coconut milk if needed.
- Avoid microwaving on high heat to prevent overcooking the prawns.
FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns?
Yes, just ensure they are properly thawed and patted dry before cooking.
What can I serve with Malai Prawn?
It pairs well with basmati rice, jeera rice, or naan.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the heavy cream and use more coconut milk.
How do I prevent overcooking prawns?
Cook them just until they turn pink, about 5-7 minutes, to keep them tender.
Is this dish very spicy?
It has a mild spice level, but you can adjust it to your preference.
Can I use other seafood?
Yes, fish or scallops work well with this creamy curry base.
What type of prawns are best?
Fresh, medium to large prawns work best for this dish.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but for the best texture, add the prawns just before serving.
Can I use ghee instead of butter?
Yes, ghee adds an extra richness to the dish.
How can I thicken the sauce?
Reduce it on low heat or add ground cashews for a thicker consistency.
Conclusion
Malai Prawn is a delightful, creamy dish that brings together the richness of coconut milk and cream with the bold flavors of Indian spices. Perfect for a special meal or a comforting dinner, this curry is sure to become a favorite. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-style meal at home!
PrintMalai Prawn (Creamy Prawn Curry)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Bengali, Indian
Description
Malai Prawn, also known as Chingri Malai Curry, is a luxurious Bengali dish made with succulent prawns simmered in a fragrant coconut cream sauce. It’s mildly spiced, rich in flavor, and perfect for special occasions or an indulgent meal!
Ingredients
For the Prawns:
- 500g (1 lb) prawns (cleaned & deveined, tails on or off as per preference)
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp mustard oil (or regular oil for frying)
For the Curry:
- 2 tbsp mustard oil (or ghee)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 green cardamom pods
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped or blended)
- 1 tsp ginger paste
- 1 tsp garlic paste
- 1 medium tomato (pureed or finely chopped)
- 1 green chili (slit, optional for spice)
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 200ml (3/4 cup) coconut milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (or thick coconut cream)
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance flavors)
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Prawns
- Clean and devein the prawns, leaving the tails on for extra flavor (optional).
- Marinate with turmeric and salt, then let sit for 10 minutes.
- Heat 1 tbsp mustard oil in a pan and lightly fry the prawns for about 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Curry Base
- In the same pan, add 2 tbsp mustard oil.
- Add bay leaf, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chopped or blended onion and cook until golden brown.
- Stir in ginger and garlic paste. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until raw smell disappears.
- Add the pureed tomato, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until the oil separates.
Step 3: Add Coconut Milk & Prawns
- Pour in the coconut milk, mix well, and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add the fried prawns, sugar (if using), and green chili. Let cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream (or thick coconut cream) and garam masala. Simmer for 2 more minutes until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with steamed rice, jeera rice, or naan!
Notes
- Use fresh tiger prawns or jumbo prawns for the best flavor.
- Replace heavy cream with extra coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- For extra richness, add a splash of cashew or almond paste.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer chilies.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Sodium: ~600mg
- Fat: ~25g
- Saturated Fat: ~15g
- Carbohydrates: ~10g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Protein: ~25g
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *