Easy Kerala Prawn Roast Recipe
This Kerala prawn roast is a simplified, healthier version of the traditional prawn ghee roast. Made with a mix of coconut oil and ghee, it delivers bold South Indian flavors without the heaviness. No grinding required—just everyday ingredients, one pan, and 30 minutes for a low-calorie, high-protein seafood dish you’ll love.
Author: Sheeba
Equipment
Ingredients
To marinate
- 300 grams (10.6 ounces) grey prawns (peeled and deveined)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon garam masala
- ¾ teaspoon salt
Others
- 1 teaspoon ghee (or melted butter)
- 1½ tablespoons coconut oil
- 5 cashews
- 10 pearl onions or shallots
- 5 cloves garlic
- 2 sprigs curry leaves
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
STEP BY STEP IMAGES
Scroll back to find detailed recipe photos!
Instructions
Marinate prawns
- Mix 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, ½ teaspoon turmeric, ¼ teaspoon garam masala and ¾ teaspoon salt in a small bowl.
- Divide the spice mix into 2 portions.
- Add one half of the spice mix to 300 grams (10.6 ounces) grey prawns and toss well.
- Keep aside to marinate (about 10 minutes) while you prep the rest of the ingredients.
- Peal and finely chop 10 pearl onions or shallots.
- Peel and mince 5 cloves garlic.
Roast prawns partially
- Heat 1 teaspoon ghee (or melted butter) and 1½ tablespoons coconut oil in a wok or pan.
- Once it is hot, add the prawns and stir on medium-high heat for 3 to 5 minutes, until slightly browned.
- Remove the prawns and keep aside.
Cook aromatics
- To the same pan, add 5 cashews and the chopped onions.
- Stir on low flame until the onions start to brown.
- Add minced garlic and 2 sprigs curry leaves. Sauté until the mixture becomes golden brown.
- Add the remaining half of the spice mix and stir.
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of water and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
Add roasted prawns
- Add the prawns back to the pan and stir for a minute or two. Turn off the flame.
- Drizzle 2 teaspoons lemon juice and stir. Transfer to a bowl or serving platter.
- Enjoy with boiled rice, roti or biriyani.
Video
Notes
- Build the flavor: Take your time sautéing the onions and garlic—this slow browning is what builds depth and richness in the dish.
- Onions: If you don't have pearl onions or shallots, feel free to use regular onions.
- Chopping onions: Chop the pearl onions finely to speed up the browning process. It also helps them deliciously stick around the prawns into every curve!
- Cooking the prawns: Since the prawns are already partially roasted, don't allow them to cook for more that a couple of minutes.
- Thumb rule for cooking prawns: Prawns get overcooked very quickly. So you should keep a close tab on the time.
C-shaped prawns = cooked O-shaped prawns = overcooked
Nutrition Facts
Easy Kerala Prawn Roast Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
159.3
% Daily Value*
Fat
8.3
g
13
%
Saturated Fat
5.4
g
34
%
Trans Fat
0.01
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.5
g
Monounsaturated Fat
1.3
g
Cholesterol
97.7
mg
33
%
Sodium
873
mg
38
%
Potassium
246.7
mg
7
%
Carbohydrates
10.5
g
4
%
Fiber
1.9
g
8
%
Sugar
3.4
g
4
%
Protein
11.8
g
24
%
Vitamin A
323
IU
6
%
Vitamin C
27.9
mg
34
%
Calcium
75.5
mg
8
%
Iron
0.8
mg
4
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.