Goan Prawn and Ladyfinger Curry with Tamarind and Coconut
A vibrant curry combining succulent prawns and tender ladyfinger cooked in a tangy tamarind and coconut sauce, seasoned with traditional Goan spices. This indian-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes pairs raw prawns, peeled and deveined, grated fresh coconut, tamarind paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb raw prawns, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup ladyfinger (okra), sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 3/4 cup grated fresh coconut
- 1 tbsp tamarind paste
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 3 dried red chilies
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 leaves curry leaves
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp fresh coriander leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Dry roast 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp mustard seeds, 1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds, 3 dried red chilies, and 3/4 cup grated fresh coconut in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and golden. Allow to cool, then grind to a smooth paste using 1/2 cup water.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds and wait until they crackle, then add 8 curry leaves, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 finely chopped medium onion. Sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in the ground coconut paste and 1/2 tsp turmeric powder. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens.
- Step 4: Add 1 tbsp tamarind paste, 1 tsp salt, and 1 1/4 cups water. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil.
- Step 5: Add 1 cup sliced ladyfinger and cook uncovered over medium heat for 7 minutes until tender but not mushy.
- Step 6: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined prawns, stir gently, cover, and simmer for 5-6 minutes until prawns are cooked through and pink.
- Step 7: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with steamed rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Goan Prawn and Ladyfinger Curry with Tamarind and Coconut take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 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 Goan Prawn and Ladyfinger Curry with Tamarind and Coconut?
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 grated fresh coconut from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Goan Prawn and Ladyfinger Curry with Tamarind and Coconut?
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 Goan Prawn and Ladyfinger Curry with Tamarind and Coconut 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 Goan Prawn and Ladyfinger Curry with Tamarind and Coconut?
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.
