Goan Shrimp Balchão Pickle Stew
A spicy and tangy Goan-style shrimp stew inspired by the traditional balchão pickle with vinegar and red chili paste. This indian-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, dried red chilies, white vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 dried red chilies
- 4 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 3 cloves
- 1 (1-inch) cinnamon stick
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup water
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Soak 8 dried red chilies in hot water for 20 minutes until soft. Drain and blend with 4 tbsp white vinegar, 1 tsp mustard seeds, 1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 3 cloves, 1-inch cinnamon stick, and 5 minced garlic cloves to form a smooth spicy paste.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped small onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
- Step 3: Add the prepared chili-vinegar paste to the onions and cook, stirring frequently, for 6-7 minutes until the oil begins to separate and the mixture turns glossy.
- Step 4: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp along with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp sugar, and 1/2 cup water. Stir well and simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes until shrimp are cooked and the sauce thickens.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Goan Shrimp Balchão Pickle Stew take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 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 Shrimp Balchão Pickle Stew?
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 dried red chilies from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Goan Shrimp Balchão Pickle Stew?
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 Shrimp Balchão Pickle Stew 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 Shrimp Balchão Pickle Stew?
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.
