Prawn Fritters Recipe (Shrimp Vadai)
Delight your taste buds with these scrumptious Prawn Fritters, also known as Shrimp Vadai, a cherished appetizer in Indian cuisine that is perfect for any gathering or a cozy evening at home. The combination of fresh prawns, aromatic spices, and herbs creates a delightful flavor explosion, making these fritters a favorite among seafood lovers. The best part is that they are relatively easy to prepare and can be enjoyed with a variety of chutneys, adding an extra layer of taste.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Prawns | 1/4 kg (approximately 8.8 oz) |
| Fresh coconut (grated) | 1/4 cup |
| Shallots | 6 |
| Ginger (grated) | 1/2 inch piece |
| Garlic cloves | 5 |
| Green chilies | 2 |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Onion | 1 (finely chopped) |
| Fennel seeds (Saunf) | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh coriander leaves (Dhania) | 1/4 cup (tightly packed) |
| Rice flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Sunflower oil (for deep frying) | As needed |
| Curry leaves | A sprig |
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving (1/4 of recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 200 |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Total Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 1 g |
| Sodium | Varies (based on added salt) |
Preparation Time
| Time Component | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
Instructions
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Prepare the Prawns: Start by cleaning and de-veining the prawns, ensuring they are ready for use. This step is crucial for achieving the best flavor and texture in your fritters.
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Blend Ingredients: In a blender, combine the cleaned prawns, grated coconut, shallots, ginger, garlic, green chilies, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt. Blend until you achieve a smooth and consistent mixture.
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Combine the Mixture: Transfer the blended mixture into a large mixing bowl. To this, add the rice flour, finely chopped onion, coriander leaves, curry leaves, and fennel seeds. Mix thoroughly to ensure that all ingredients are well incorporated and evenly distributed.
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Shape the Fritters: Divide the mixture into equal-sized portions and shape them into small balls. Flatten each ball slightly to form a fritter shape, ensuring they are compact enough to hold together during frying.
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Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan or wok, heat sunflower oil over medium heat. Test the oil by dropping a small piece of the mixture; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready for frying.
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Fry the Fritters: Carefully place 4-5 fritters into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
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Drain Excess Oil: Once the fritters are cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil, ensuring a light and crispy finish.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve your delicious Prawn Fritters hot, accompanied by refreshing Dhaniya Pudina Chutney and tangy Date Tamarind Chutney. These fritters make for an excellent snack during tea time or a delightful appetizer for your gatherings.
Tips for the Perfect Prawn Fritters
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Prawn Quality: Use fresh, high-quality prawns for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen prawns, ensure they are thoroughly thawed and drained of excess moisture.
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Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chilies and the quantity of red chili powder to suit your spice preference. If you enjoy a milder flavor, you can reduce the chili content.
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Coconut Variations: Fresh coconut adds a unique flavor, but you can also use desiccated coconut as an alternative, though it may alter the texture slightly.
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Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like mint or parsley in addition to or instead of coriander leaves for a different flavor profile.
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Serving Suggestions: These fritters can also be served with ketchup or a spicy mayonnaise dip for an additional taste twist.
By following this recipe, you’ll create a batch of tantalizing Prawn Fritters that are bound to impress your family and friends, bringing a taste of Indian cuisine into your home. Enjoy cooking and savoring these delightful bites!
