Goan Spiced Prawn and Okra Stir-Fry
A quick stir-fry combining succulent prawns and tender okra with Goan spices and mustard seeds for a flavorful side or light main. This indian-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs pound raw prawns, peeled and deveined, mustard seeds, leaves curry leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 260 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.
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw prawns, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups okra (ladyfinger), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 10 leaves curry leaves
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, julienned
- 2 green chilies, sliced
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp fresh coriander leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add 1 tsp mustard seeds and 10 curry leaves, cooking until mustard seeds pop, about 30 seconds.
- Step 2: Add 1 thinly sliced medium onion, 1 tbsp julienned fresh ginger, and 3 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 4 minutes until onions soften and edges turn golden.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 sliced green chilies, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp red chili powder, and 1 tsp salt; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 2 cups chopped okra and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until okra is tender but not mushy.
- Step 5: Add 1 pound peeled and deveined prawns and cook for 4-5 minutes until prawns turn pink and opaque, stirring gently to combine flavors.
- Step 6: Remove from heat, sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander leaves over the stir-fry, and serve immediately with steamed rice or flatbread.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Goan Spiced Prawn and Okra Stir-Fry take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Spiced Prawn and Okra Stir-Fry?
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 mustard seeds from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Goan Spiced Prawn and Okra Stir-Fry?
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 Spiced Prawn and Okra Stir-Fry 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 Spiced Prawn and Okra Stir-Fry?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made this for a dinner party and everyone raved about it. The Goan spices really shone through.
- ★★★★★
This dish was a hit with my family! The spices were perfectly balanced and the prawns were so tender.
- ★★★★☆
Loved the flavors, but the okra took a bit longer to cook than expected. Still a great recipe!