When it comes to seafood, few dishes deliver an explosion of flavor quite like a Tandoori Prawns Recipe. Imagine succulent prawns marinated in a blend of spices that dance on your taste buds, grilled to perfection until they develop a smoky char that is utterly irresistible. The aroma wafting from your kitchen will have everyone drooling before the meal even hits the table.
This dish isn’t just for special occasions; it’s perfect for summer BBQs, cozy family dinners, or whenever you need a little culinary adventure. Trust me when I say that one bite of these spicy, tangy prawns will transport you straight to a bustling Indian market filled with vibrant colors and tantalizing aromas.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Tandoori Prawns Recipe offers an easy preparation method that anyone can master
- Bursting with flavor from aromatic spices, this dish is visually stunning with its fiery red color
- Ideal for both grilling and baking, it’s versatile enough to suit any occasion
- Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a casual weeknight dinner
I’ll never forget the first time I made this dish for my friends; their eyes lit up with delight as they took their first bites. It was pure magic!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Prawns: Choose large, fresh prawns for the best texture and flavor; peel and devein them beforehand.
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Yogurt: Use plain yogurt to create a tangy marinade that helps tenderize the prawns beautifully.
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Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and balances the spices perfectly.
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Tandoori Masala: This spice blend is key! It includes cumin, coriander, paprika, and more; check your local store or make your own.
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Garlic and Ginger Paste: These aromatics infuse deep flavors into the marinade; opt for fresh if possible.
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Cooking Oil: A neutral oil is ideal for grilling or baking without overpowering other flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Make the Marinade: In a bowl, combine yogurt, tandoori masala, lemon juice, garlic-ginger paste, and cooking oil. Mix until smooth and fragrant.
Add Prawns to Marinade: Toss the cleaned prawns into the marinade until they are well-coated. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes (or longer if you have time) so they soak up all those delicious flavors.
Preheat Your Grill or Oven: For grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). If you’re baking, set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cook the Prawns: Place the marinated prawns on skewers or directly on the grill/oven tray. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn pink and slightly charred.
Garnish & Serve!: Once done cooking, remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro and lemon wedges. Serve immediately while hot for maximum enjoyment.
Enjoying these Tandoori Prawns can feel like hosting an extravagant feast right in your kitchen without breaking a sweat!
You Must Know
- Tandoori prawns are not just a treat; they’re a feast for the senses
- The vibrant spices and smoky flavors create an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen
- Plus, they cook up in no time, making them perfect for unexpected guests or a quick weeknight dinner
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the prawns for at least 30 minutes. Then, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the prawns for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn pink and slightly charred.
Add Your Touch
Consider swapping yogurt for coconut milk in the marinade for a creamy twist. You could also add some mango chutney on the side to elevate the dish further with sweetness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover tandoori prawns in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, simply warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat to avoid drying them out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For extra flavor, let the prawns marinate overnight
- This allows spices to deeply penetrate
- Always use fresh prawns for the best texture and taste
- Don’t overcrowd the grill; it steams instead of sears!
Cooking these tandoori prawns always brings back memories of my friends’ endless compliments at summer barbecues, reminding me that good food creates great connections.
FAQ
Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely before marinating.
What can I serve with tandoori prawns?
Serve with rice, naan bread, or a fresh salad to balance flavors.
How spicy are these tandoori prawns?
The spice level is adjustable; reduce chili powder for milder flavor.
Tandoori Prawns
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Tandoori Prawns are a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the essence of Indian cuisine right to your table. Marinated in a zesty blend of yogurt and spices, these succulent prawns are grilled to perfection, creating a smoky char that tantalizes your taste buds. Perfect for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners, this easy-to-make dish will impress family and friends alike. With a burst of spices and freshness, get ready for an unforgettable culinary adventure!
Ingredients
- 1 lb large prawns, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbsp tandoori masala
- 1 tbsp garlic-ginger paste
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, tandoori masala, lemon juice, garlic-ginger paste, and cooking oil until smooth.
- Add prawns to the marinade, coating them well. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400°F / 200°C).
- Grill prawns for 3-4 minutes on each side until pink and slightly charred.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
