Easy Homemade Prawns Masala Recipe (Authentic & Flavorful)

If you love seafood and enjoy bold, comforting flavours, this Easy Homemade Prawns Masala recipe is going to win your heart. This is an authentic, home-style prawns masala that is rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying, yet simple enough for everyday cooking. The beauty of this recipe lies in its technique—lightly frying the prawns first, then simmering them gently in a well-roasted masala. This small but important step makes a huge difference in taste and texture.

This recipe is perfect for beginners as well as experienced home cooks. It does not rely on complicated steps or fancy ingredients, but focuses on doing the basics right. When cooked patiently, this prawn masala turns out just like a restaurant-style dish, but with the warmth and comfort of homemade food.

How To Make Prawns Masala Step by Step

Step 1: Marinating the Prawns for Better Flavour

To begin this authentic prawn masala, start with 300 grams of cleaned prawns. Proper cleaning is very important because it affects both taste and texture. Once cleaned and washed, transfer the prawns to a bowl.

Now add salt, ¼ tsp turmeric powder, and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the prawns. 

Mix everything gently but thoroughly so that each prawn is evenly coated. This simple marinade plays a very important role in the recipe. The salt enhances the natural sweetness of the prawns, turmeric adds colour and removes raw odour, and lemon juice helps tenderise the prawns while keeping them fresh.

After mixing, let the prawns rest for about 15 to 20 minutes. This marination time allows the flavours to penetrate deep into the prawns, which later helps them taste flavorful even after cooking in the gravy.

Step 2: Frying the Prawns – The Secret Technique

Heat a pan on medium flame and add ¼ cup of oil. Once the oil is hot, gently add the marinated prawns. Fry them carefully until they turn golden on both sides.

This is a very important step and a key secret technique of this recipe. Frying the prawns before adding them to the masala gives them a beautiful texture. They become slightly crispy on the outside while staying soft and juicy on the inside. This step enhances the overall taste of the prawns masala and prevents the prawns from becoming rubbery later.

Do not overcrowd the pan, and do not overcook the prawns. They cook very fast. Once both sides are golden, remove the prawns from the pan and transfer them to a bowl. Keep them aside, as they will be added back later after the masala is ready.

Step 3: Using the Same Oil for Maximum Flavour

Now comes another smart and flavour-boosting step. Do not discard the oil used to fry the prawns. This oil already contains the aroma and taste of prawns, which will make the masala even more delicious.

In the same pan, add sliced onions. You can use one large onion or two small ones. Fry the onions on medium heat until they turn golden brown.

If there is enough oil left after frying the prawns, simply use it. If not, add a little more oil as needed. Frying onions patiently is very important because golden onions add sweetness, depth, and body to the gravy.

Step 4: Adding Ginger-Garlic Paste

Once the onions turn golden, add 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste. Sauté it for a few seconds until the raw smell disappears. This step should be done carefully, as ginger-garlic paste burns quickly.

At this stage, your kitchen will start filling with a warm, appetising aroma. This is the base of your authentic homemade prawn masala.

Step 5: Spices and Coconut Milk – Building the Masala

Now it is time to add the remaining spices. Add salt, ¼ tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp red chilli powder, 1 tbsp cumin powder, 1 tbsp coriander powder, ½ cup coconut milk and fish masala. You can use any brand of fish masala; in this recipe, Eastern fish masala is used.

Mix all the spices well with the onion mixture so that everything combines evenly. 

Coconut milk is what gives this prawn masala a soft, rich, and balanced flavour. It reduces the harshness of spices and adds a gentle creaminess without overpowering the dish.

Step 6: Roasting the Masala Properly

Cook the masala on medium heat, stirring continuously. This step is very important and should not be rushed. The spices need to cook properly so that their raw smell completely disappears.

Pro-tip: If the masala becomes too thick or starts sticking to the pan, you can add a little water. This helps the spices cook evenly and prevents burning.

Continue cooking until the masala looks glossy and well-roasted. You may notice a slight separation of oil, which indicates that the masala is ready.

Step 7: Adding Fried Prawns Back to the Masala

Once the masala is cooked properly, add the fried prawns back into the pan. Mix gently so that the prawns are evenly coated with the masala.

Now add water to adjust the consistency of the gravy. Mix everything well.

Step 8: Slow Cooking for Perfect Texture

Cover the pan and let the prawns masala cook on a low to medium flame for about 5 to 7 minutes. This slow cooking allows the prawns to absorb all the flavours from the masala while remaining tender.

After cooking, open the lid and check the prawns. They should be soft and juicy. If they are not fully tender, let them cook for a little longer. Avoid overcooking, as prawns can become chewy very quickly.

Step 9: Final Touch with Coriander and Green Chillies

Once the prawns are perfectly cooked, add ½ cup chopped fresh coriander leaves and 2 green chillies. Mix gently and turn off the heat.

Pro-tip: This recipe uses a slightly larger amount of coriander leaves because it enhances the taste of prawn masala and adds freshness. Do not skip or reduce it too much.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this easy homemade prawns masala hot with roti, chapati, naan, or plain steamed rice. It also tastes amazing with jeera rice or coconut rice.

Also read: Chicken pulao

Final Thoughts

This authentic prawn masala recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients and the right technique can create magic. Frying the prawns first, using the same oil for the masala, and cooking patiently are the small details that make this dish truly special.

If you are looking for an easy recipe that delivers restaurant-style taste at home, this homemade prawn masala is a must-try. Cook it with love, follow the steps patiently, and enjoy a comforting seafood meal with your family.

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Easy homemade prawns masala recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 300 g prawns cleaned
• Salt as required
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder for marination
• Juice of ½ lemon
• ¼ cup oil
• 1 large onion or 2 small onions sliced
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin powder
• 1 tablespoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon fish masala any brand
• ½ cup coconut milk
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup fresh coriander leaves chopped
• 2 green chilies chopped

Method

 

1. Marinate prawns with salt, turmeric powder, and lemon juice. Rest for 15–20 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a pan and fry prawns until golden on both sides. Remove and keep aside.
3. In the same oil, fry sliced onions until golden. Add more oil if needed.
4. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until raw smell disappears.
5. Add all spices and coconut milk. Cook until masala is well roasted.
6. Add fried prawns and mix gently.
7. Add water, cover, and cook for 5–7 minutes on low to medium flame.
8. Check doneness, then add coriander leaves and green chilies.
9. Serve hot with roti or rice.