Quick Prawn Tikka Masala Recipe
This Quick Prawn Tikka Masala is a flavorful North Indian dish that brings together the delightful taste of succulent prawns and a rich, aromatic gravy. Perfectly spiced with a combination of red chilli powder, turmeric, garam masala, and more, it offers a quick and delicious option for a weeknight dinner. Pair it with steamed rice or naan for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Prawns (jumbo, cleaned) | 10 pieces |
Lemon juice | 1/2 teaspoon |
Red Chilli powder | 1 tablespoon |
Salt | To taste |
Ginger Garlic Paste | 1 tablespoon |
Hung Curd (Greek Yogurt) | 1/2 cup |
Fresh cream | 1/4 cup |
Onions (chopped) | 2 |
Tomatoes (pureed) | 3 |
Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder | 1 tablespoon |
Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
Garam masala powder | 1 tablespoon |
Butter | 1 tablespoon |
Sunflower Oil | As required |
Tandoori masala (optional) | 1 teaspoon |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Dinner
Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Marinate the Prawns:
Begin by preparing the marinade for the prawns. In a large bowl, combine the lemon juice, salt, red chilli powder, and ginger garlic paste. Mix thoroughly to ensure the spices are well blended. Add the prawns to the bowl and toss them until each piece is evenly coated with the marinade. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the prawns. -
Cook the Prawns:
In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the marinated prawns to the pan. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, turning the prawns occasionally until they are just tender. Be careful not to overcook the prawns as they can become tough. Once done, transfer them to a separate bowl and set them aside. -
Prepare the Gravy:
In the same pan, add about 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil. When the oil heats up, add the cumin seeds. As they sizzle, add the chopped onions and sauté them for 4 to 5 minutes until they turn golden brown. -
Add the Spices:
Stir in the ginger garlic paste, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Fry this mixture for about 1 minute, allowing the spices to release their aromatic flavors. -
Tomato Puree and Creamy Base:
Add the pureed tomatoes to the pan and stir well. Let this cook on low heat for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture thickens. Next, add the fresh cream, hung curd (Greek yogurt), and garam masala powder. Mix everything together and let the gravy simmer on low heat for another 2 to 3 minutes to combine the flavors. -
Combine the Prawns with the Gravy:
Now, gently add the cooked prawns back into the pan. If you are using tandoori masala, sprinkle it in at this stage for an extra layer of flavor. Stir gently, ensuring the prawns are well coated with the creamy, spicy gravy. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, just enough for the prawns to absorb the flavors without becoming overcooked. -
Final Touches:
Taste the curry and adjust salt if necessary. Garnish with fresh onion rings and a sprinkle of coriander leaves for added color and freshness. -
Serving Suggestion:
Serve your delicious Quick Prawn Tikka Masala hot, ideally paired with steamed rice or naan bread. For an even more balanced meal, you can serve it alongside a refreshing side like Beetroot Pachadi (a tangy yogurt-based beetroot salad).
This quick and easy recipe brings the warmth and richness of traditional Tikka Masala to your kitchen in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner, this dish is sure to impress with its delightful blend of spices, creamy texture, and tender prawns.