Prawn curry with coconut milk
A rich and aromatic coconut prawn curry infused with spices, herbs, and a hint of lime. A quick yet elegant dish that brings coastal flavours to your table.
Updated : 09 October, 2025
Easy
About 20 min.
Ingredients
0.5 teaspoon
Curcuma
1 teaspoon
Salt
400 grams
King prawns
90 milliliters
Vegetable oil
2
Laurel leaf
3
Red onion
1 tablespoon
Ground cumin
0.5 teaspoon
Curcuma
chunk
Ginger
Garlic
2
Green chilli pepper
75 milliliters
Coconut milk
as needed
Water
0.5 teaspoon
Sugar
0.5 teaspoon
Cardamom
1 tablespoon
Cilantro, coriander
0.5
Lime
Table
Table of volume measurements:
- teaspoon - 5 ml
- dessert spoon - 10 ml
- tablespoon - 20 ml
- glass - 200 ml
Preparation
Step 1
Begin by marinating the prawns with curcuma and salt in a shallow dish. Let them rest in a cool place for 30 minutes to an hour to allow the flavours to develop.
Step 2
Blended the red onions into a fine paste. Heat 60ml/2fl oz of oil in a pan over medium heat and add the bay leaves along with the onion paste. Fry gently for 6-8 minutes, stirring often, until the onions turn a very light brown and become fragrant.
Step 3
In a separate non-stick frying pan, heat the remaining oil and fry the prawns briefly for about 1-2 minutes, just until they begin to change colour. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 4
In a small bowl, mix together the ground cumin, curcuma, grated ginger and garlic with 75ml/2½fl oz of water. Add this mixture to the onions, reduce the heat, and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring regularly to allow the spices to blend and thicken.
Step 5
Add salt, chopped green chillies, and the fried prawns to the pan. Stir for one minute, then pour in the coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or just until the prawns are tender and fully cooked. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little water to loosen it.
Step 6
Taste and season with a touch of sugar to balance the flavours. Finish by sprinkling over the cardamom powder, fresh coriander, and a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.
Step 7
Serve the coconut prawn curry immediately alongside the fragrant rice for a comforting, flavourful meal.