There’s a special place in my heart for Tandoori Prawns. Imagine the sizzling sound as they hit a hot grill, sending aromatic spices wafting through the air – it’s like a mini fiesta in your kitchen! The vibrant red-orange hue of the prawns, kissed by spices and yogurt, promises a flavor explosion that dances on your tastebuds. This dish is an invitation to gather friends and family for an unforgettable meal filled with laughter, stories, and perhaps a little too much garlic naan.
I still remember the first time I prepared Tandoori Prawns for my friends’ dinner party. As the prawns cooked, their enticing aroma had everyone hovering around the grill like moths to a flame. We laughed, chatted, and devoured every last bite. Now, whenever I make this dish, it brings back those warm memories of friendship and good food.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
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- <p>This Tandoori Prawns recipe combines bold flavors with easy preparation perfect for any occasion
- The stunning colors of the dish make it a showstopper at dinners or gatherings
- You can easily adjust spice levels to suit everyone’s tastes
- Plus, these juicy prawns are highly versatile and can be served with various sides or sauces.</p>
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Cooking these delightful prawns has always been a crowd-pleaser among my friends and family. Their reactions were priceless – wide eyes followed by complete silence as they savored each bite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Large Prawns: About 1 pound, cleaned and deveined; fresh or frozen work well but thaw completely if frozen.
Greek Yogurt: Use full-fat yogurt for creaminess; it helps tenderize the prawns while adding flavor.
Tandoori Masala: A key spice blend you can find in stores; it provides that signature smoky flavor.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is best; it adds acidity that brightens all the flavors in this dish.
Garlic and Ginger Paste: Equal parts minced garlic and ginger create a flavorful base for marinating.
Cilantro (for garnish): Fresh cilantro adds color and freshness right before serving; chop finely.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, tandoori masala, lemon juice, garlic-ginger paste, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth to ensure even flavor distribution.
Marinate the Prawns: Add cleaned prawns to the marinade, making sure they’re well-coated. Cover with plastic wrap and let them marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor absorption.
Preheat Your Grill or Oven: Get your grill heated to medium-high heat (about 400°F) or preheat your oven broiler. This ensures those perfect char marks on your prawns when cooking.
Skewer the Prawns (if grilling): Thread marinated prawns onto skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them first). This makes flipping easier while grilling.
Cook Until Perfectly Charred: Place skewered prawns on the grill or lay them on a baking sheet if using an oven. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until charred and opaque – don’t overcook!
Serve with Style!: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving. Pair with lemon wedges for extra zest! Enjoy with naan or rice for a hearty meal.
Cooking should feel like a joyful adventure rather than just another chore. With Tandoori Prawns on your menu, you’re bound to create memories as savory as the dish itself!
You Must Know
- Tandoori prawns offer a burst of flavor and vibrant color
- Marinating them allows the spices to penetrate deeply, ensuring each bite is heavenly
- The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking for seconds—trust me, you won’t want to skimp on this!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the prawns for at least 30 minutes. Then, heat your grill or oven while skewering the prawns, ensuring even cooking and maximizing that smoky flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different proteins or veggies. Add some mango chunks or peppers for a fruity twist, or spice it up with extra chili powder if you dare!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover tandoori prawns in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a pan to preserve the texture and flavor without drying them out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly juicy tandoori prawns, don’t skip marinating; it’s essential
- Use fresh spices for maximum flavor impact
- Always preheat your grill or oven to ensure even cooking and avoid rubbery prawns
I vividly remember the first time I made tandoori prawns. My friends devoured them so fast that I barely got one! It was a clear sign I had struck culinary gold.
FAQ
How long should I marinate the prawns for the best flavor?
Marinating for at least 30 minutes lets flavors infuse beautifully into the prawns.
Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and cooking.
What should I serve with my tandoori prawns?
Serve with naan bread or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the spice.
Tandoori Prawns
Indulge in the vibrant and aromatic world of Tandoori Prawns. This dish features succulent prawns marinated in a zesty blend of Greek yogurt, tandoori masala, and fresh spices, then grilled to perfection. With each bite, you’ll experience a delightful explosion of flavors that brings friends and family together for an unforgettable dining experience. Perfectly charred and bursting with flavor, these Tandoori Prawns are sure to impress at any gathering!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb large prawns, cleaned and deveined
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat)
- 2 tbsp tandoori masala
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp garlic-ginger paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, tandoori masala, lemon juice, garlic-ginger paste, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Add the cleaned prawns to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F) or set your oven broiler.
- If grilling, thread the marinated prawns onto skewers.
- Grill or broil the prawns for 5-7 minutes per side until charred and opaque. Avoid overcooking!
- Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving and enjoy with naan or rice.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling/Broiling
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (150g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
