Tangy Goan Ambot Tik Prawn Curry
A tangy and spicy Goan prawn curry bursting with flavors from tamarind, red chilies, and fresh coastal spices. This goan-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes pairs grams prawns, cleaned and deveined, dry red chilies, tamarind paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 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
- 450 grams prawns, cleaned and deveined
- 5 dry red chilies
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste
- 1 tbsp coriander seeds
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
- 1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 5, minced garlic cloves
- 1 inch piece, minced ginger
- 4 tbsp vegetable oil
- 10 leaves curry leaves
- 1.5 cups water
- 1.25 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Dry roast 5 dry red chilies, 1 tbsp coriander seeds, 1 tsp cumin seeds, and 1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant; grind into a fine powder.
- Step 2: Heat 4 tbsp vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat; add 1/2 tsp mustard seeds and 10 curry leaves, cooking until mustard seeds pop.
- Step 3: Add 5 minced garlic cloves, 1 inch minced ginger, and 1 medium finely chopped onion; sauté for 7 minutes until golden and aromatic.
- Step 4: Stir in the ground spice powder and 1/2 tsp turmeric powder; cook for 3 minutes until oil separates from the masala.
- Step 5: Add 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 1.25 tsp salt, 1 tsp sugar, and 1.5 cups water; bring to a boil.
- Step 6: Add 450 grams cleaned prawns; simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes until prawns are cooked through and the curry thickens slightly; adjust seasoning to taste.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tangy Goan Ambot Tik Prawn Curry take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Tangy Goan Ambot Tik Prawn Curry?
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 dry red chilies from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tangy Goan Ambot Tik Prawn Curry?
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 Tangy Goan Ambot Tik Prawn Curry 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 Tangy Goan Ambot Tik Prawn Curry?
Goan 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.
