Chili Garlic Prawns with Turmeric Rice

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Succulent prawns sautéed with garlic and red chili flakes, served on a bed of fragrant turmeric-infused basmati rice. This indian-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs large prawns, peeled and deveined, basmati rice, water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup basmati rice until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rice with 2 cups water, 1 tsp turmeric powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender and water absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While the rice cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until garlic is golden and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined prawns along with 1 tsp salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the prawns turn pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Remove skillet from heat and drizzle 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice over the prawns. Toss gently to combine.
  5. Step 5: Fluff the turmeric rice with a fork and serve the prawns on top, garnished with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Chili Garlic Prawns with Turmeric Rice take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Chili Garlic Prawns with Turmeric Rice?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep basmati rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chili Garlic Prawns with Turmeric Rice?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chili Garlic Prawns with Turmeric Rice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Chili Garlic Prawns with Turmeric Rice?

Indian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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