Indian CuisineDurban Indian

Durban Prawn Curry

Durban Prawn Curry is an Indian twist to seafood. The spiciness of this dish takes seafood to a whole new level.

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By DenisiyaPublished on May 16, 2017
Durban Prawn Curry
⏱️
Prep Time20 mins
🍳
Cook Time56 mins
⌛
Total Time76 mins
🍽️
ServingsServes 4-6
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This Indian Recipe Serves 2

Durban Prawn Curry is an Indian twist to seafood. The spiciness of this dish takes seafood to a whole new level.

I prefer this dish quite spicy but the heat levels can be adjusted according to your taste.

A South African Curry is altogether different from its Asian counterparts. Furthermore, a Durban curry, is not quite the same as a Cape Malay style curry. Durban curries are for the most part more sultry, conceivably, in light of the fact that they have advanced from transient Indian workers, & we likewise have the L.M. Mozambique Peri impacts sifting down the coast.

Prawn is a typical name for little amphibian shellfish with an exoskeleton & ten legs, some of which can be eaten.
The expression “prawn” is utilized especially in the United Kingdom, Ireland, & Commonwealth countries, for extensive swimming shellfish or shrimp, particularly those with commercial significance in the fishing industry.

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Ingredients

Scale:
Base Yield: Serves 4-6
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Step-by-Step Instructions

32 Steps
  1. Step 1

    Make sure the prawns are defrosted.

    Step 1 visual guide
  2. Step 2

    Most of the time, the packaging may state that the prawns are cleaned & de-veined but some of them might still be uncleaned.

    Step 2 visual guide
  3. Step 3

    De-vein & remove shells if found. Rinse & place into a bowl.

    Step 3 visual guide
  4. Step 4

    To the cleaned prawns, add salt & cracked black pepper.

    Step 4 visual guide
  5. Step 5

    Add in fish spice or seasoning.

    Step 5 visual guide
  6. Step 6

    Add in cayenne pepper.

    Step 6 visual guide
  7. Step 7

    Finally, add in ginger & garlic paste & lemon juice.

    Step 7 visual guide
  8. Step 8

    Mix well until all the prawns are coated in the spices.

    Step 8 visual guide
  9. Step 9

    Allow the prawns to marinate for 10 minutes.

    Step 9 visual guide
  10. Step 10

    Peel & chop the onion.

    Step 10 visual guide
  11. Step 11

    Rinse & slit the green chilies.

    Step 11 visual guide
  12. Step 12

    Blend the tomatoes.

    Step 12 visual guide
  13. Step 13

    After 10 minutes of marinating the prawns, place a pot on medium-high heat & add in the vegetable oil. Thereafter, add in the marinated prawns.

    Step 13 visual guide
  14. Step 14

    Spread the prawns out evenly & allow it to fry for 2 minutes.

    Step 14 visual guide
  15. Step 15

    After 2 minutes, give it a quick stir & allow it to fry for a further 2 minutes.

    Step 15 visual guide
  16. Step 16

    Once fried, the prawns should have changed in colour.

    Step 16 visual guide
  17. Step 17

    Remove the fried prawns from the pot & set aside in a bowl.

    Step 17 visual guide
  18. Step 18

    Using the same oil that the prawns had fried in, add in the onions, 2 slit green chilies & thyme.

    Step 18 visual guide
  19. Step 19

    Thereafter, add in the star aniseed, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, cumin (jeera) seeds & fennel (soomph) seeds.

    Step 19 visual guide
  20. Step 20

    Mix well & allow to sauté until the onions are translucent.

    Step 20 visual guide
  21. Step 21

    Once the onions are translucent, add in turmeric powder, cumin (jeera) powder, garam masala, coriander (dhania) powder, cardamom (elachi) powder, chili powder or masala & red chili flakes.

    Step 21 visual guide
  22. Step 22

    Mix well.

    Step 22 visual guide
  23. Step 23

    Thereafter, add in the blended tomatoes, curry leaves & salt to taste.

    Step 23 visual guide
  24. Step 24

    Mix well & pour in a little water.

    Step 24 visual guide
  25. Step 25

    Cover with a lid & allow to cook for 10 minutes.

    Step 25 visual guide
  26. Step 26

    After 10 minutes, the tomatoes should form a thick gravy. Give it a stir.

    Step 26 visual guide
  27. Step 27

    Add in the fried prawns with a little water.

    Step 27 visual guide
  28. Step 28

    Mix well.

    Step 28 visual guide
  29. Step 29

    Cover with a lid & allow to cook for 5 minutes so that the prawns & the gravy can infuse flavours.

    Step 29 visual guide
  30. Step 30

    After 5 minutes, give it a stir & turn off the heat.

    Step 30 visual guide
  31. Step 31

    Plate & garnish with freshly chopped coriander (dhania). I also garnish it with the remaining 2 green chilies which I finely slice – this step is optional depending on your level of spiciness.

    Step 31 visual guide
  32. Step 32

    This Durban Prawn Curry can be served with bread, roti, rice, savoury rice, hard porridge (kali/sagiti) or phutu.

    Step 32 visual guide
Video Tutorial

Watch How It's Made

Follow along with Denisiya's step-by-step video guide for Durban Prawn Curry.

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Frequently Asked Questions & Cooking Tips

Expert kitchen guidance and troubleshooting for making the best Durban Prawn Curry

How do I prevent the fish, roe, or seafood from breaking up in Durban Prawn Curry?

Seafood and delicate fish roe cook very quickly. Once added to the simmering tomato chutney or gravy, reduce the heat to low and do not stir vigorously; instead, gently swirl the pan to coat without breaking up the pieces.

Can I prepare the tomato and onion base in advance?

Yes! You can cook the aromatic braised onion, tomato, and masala base in advance. When ready to serve, bring the chutney to a simmer, add the seasoned fish roe or seafood, and cook gently until tender.

How should I store leftover Durban Prawn Curry?

Allow the dish to cool before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly on low heat before serving, only reheating the portion you intend to eat.

Denisiya - Founder & Chef at EatMee Recipes
About the Creator

Meet Denisiya

Hi, I'm Denisiya! Food lover, recipe developer, and founder of EatMee Recipes. I specialize in authentic South African Durban Indian cuisine, comforting curries, and modern Instant Pot adaptations. Every recipe on this site is tested in my personal kitchen to ensure you get mouth-watering, foolproof results every time.

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