Sri Lankan prawn coconut curry
Sri Lankan prawn coconut curry
Sri Lankan Prawn Coconut Curry: A Creamy, Flavorful Seafood Delight! π€π₯₯
If you're a fan of rich, aromatic curries with a perfect balance of spices and coconut, then the Sri Lankan Prawn Coconut Curry is a must-try! This dish is a perfect blend of tender prawns, creamy coconut milk, and a variety of aromatic spices. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and packed with the tropical flavors that Sri Lankan cuisine is known for. π΄πΆ️
Whether you want to impress your guests or indulge in a comforting meal, this Sri Lankan Prawn Coconut Curry will transport your taste buds straight to the sunny shores of Sri Lanka. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe! π¨π³π©π³
What Makes Sri Lankan Prawn Coconut Curry Special? π
Sri Lankan food is famous for its use of fresh ingredients, aromatic spices, and the star ingredient—coconut! π₯₯ In this curry, the prawns are cooked in a luscious coconut milk base, creating a creamy sauce that’s rich in flavor. The curry is packed with heat from chili, depth from curry leaves, and a slight tang from the lime, making every bite an explosion of flavor.
The coconut milk not only adds creaminess but also gives the curry a mild sweetness that complements the heat from the spices perfectly. It’s the ideal dish to serve with a steaming bowl of rice, flatbread, or even bread for dipping. π
Ingredients You’ll Need π΄
- 500g prawns (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tbsp coconut oil (or any cooking oil of choice)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2-3 green chilies, slit lengthwise (adjust to spice level)
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp curry powder (preferably Sri Lankan-style)
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 can (400ml) coconut milk π₯₯
- 1 tbsp tamarind paste (optional, for extra tang)
- A handful of curry leaves π
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
- 1-2 tbsp lime juice (or lemon juice)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish) πΏ
How to Make Sri Lankan Prawn Coconut Curry: Step-by-Step π©π³π¨π³
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Prepare the Prawns: Clean and devein the prawns, making sure to remove the shells if you prefer. Leaving the tails intact adds a nice touch, but it's up to you! π¦
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Cook the Aromatics: Heat coconut oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sautΓ© until they soften and turn golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Stir for another minute until the kitchen smells divine! π§πΆ️
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Add the Spices: Toss in the turmeric, curry powder, cumin, and coriander powder. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices, allowing them to bloom for about 2 minutes. This step really brings out the flavors! πΏ
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Add the Coconut Milk: Pour in the coconut milk and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir well to combine everything. If you want a bit of tang, this is the time to add tamarind paste. Let the curry simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. π₯₯
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Cook the Prawns: Add the prawns to the curry and let them cook for about 5-7 minutes or until they turn pink and curl up. Be careful not to overcook the prawns, as they can become tough. π¦
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Finish the Curry: Add soy sauce, lime juice, and salt to taste. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. The prawns should be cooked perfectly by this time. π
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Garnish and Serve: Remove the curry from the heat. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the Sri Lankan Prawn Coconut Curry hot with steamed rice, roti, or crusty bread. ππ
Tips for the Perfect Sri Lankan Prawn Coconut Curry ✨
- Fresh Prawns are Best: For the best flavor, use fresh prawns. If you’re using frozen prawns, make sure they’re thoroughly thawed and well-drained to avoid excess moisture. ❄️
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder curry, reduce the number of green chilies and chili powder. For extra heat, you can always add more! πΆ️
- Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk: For a creamier, richer texture, opt for full-fat coconut milk. Light coconut milk won’t provide the same luxurious consistency. π₯₯
- Curry Leaves Are Essential: Curry leaves add a unique flavor to this dish, so try not to skip them. You can find them at most Asian or Sri Lankan grocery stores. π
Why You’ll Love This Sri Lankan Prawn Coconut Curry π
- Creamy and Comforting: The coconut milk gives the curry a smooth, velvety texture that’s perfect for dipping with bread or pairing with rice. π
- Packed with Flavors: From the fragrant curry leaves to the tangy lime juice and aromatic spices, this curry is bursting with vibrant flavors. πΏ
- Quick and Easy: This curry comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight dinner or a dish for special occasions. ⏳
- Healthy and Nutritious: Prawns are high in protein, and coconut milk is rich in healthy fats. This dish is both delicious and nutritious! π₯₯πͺ
Final Thoughts on Sri Lankan Prawn Coconut Curry π
Sri Lankan Prawn Coconut Curry is a perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors that will leave you craving more. It’s an easy dish to make for a weeknight dinner or to serve at a dinner party. With the rich taste of coconut and the tender prawns swimming in a flavorful curry sauce, this dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser! π½️
Happy Cooking! π₯ Don’t forget to share your cooking experience with us! Tag your photos with #SriLankanPrawnCoconutCurry and let us know how it turned out! π
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