Tandoori prawns

 


Tandoori prawns  is one of the the most famous Indian grilled sea food dish in India as well as all over the world. Prawns or shrimps are marinated in hung yogurt and some select spices and is usually cooked in a round grill over charcoal (The Tandoor) .Hence the name Tandoori prawns. However this can be also prepared at home in a convection oven or in a grill pan . It is a very popular appetizer or a party snack. 

Preparation time : 20 mins

for hung curd (4 to 5  hrs)

Marination time : 30 mins

Cooking time  : 20 to 25 mins

Serves : 2 to 3 

INGREDIENTS :

Medium or large sized prawns (Cleaned and de-veined with tail on) around 12 to 15 pieces


FOR THE MARINATION :

Turmeric powder 1/2 spoon

Red chilly powder 1 Tsp

Tandoori masala 1 tsp

Ginger garlic paste 3 tsp

Lemon juice 1 Tbsp

Gram flour roasted 3 to 4 Tbsp

Hung curd 1 cup

Cooking Oil 2 tsp

Butter for basting

Salt to taste 

Chat masala as per taste

Onion rings, mint leaves  and lemon slices for garnish.

METHOD :

1. In a muslin cloth hang some plain yogurt or curds to dry out its moisture, for around 4 to 5 hrs. Most recipes say 30 mins is enough but my experience is it needs 4 to 5 hours, else the marinade won't stick to the prawns properly and  can be watery.

2. once hung curd is ready, Clean, Wash the prawns and slit them open to make a butterfly kind of shape as shown below.. Spread on a clean towel, paper to dry them out. Keep aside.

                                     

3. In a bowl mix together Oil, hung curd, lemon juice, turmeric, ginger-garlic paste, red chilli powder, salt and the tandoori masala and roasted gram flour paste. Check the taste. Adjust spice levels to suit your palate.

4. Mix well to form a very thick and homogenous paste. should look like the image below.

                                      

5. Apply this smooth and thick paste all over the prawns. Ensure to apply it such that each piece of prawns gets completely well coated with the marinade.


                                     


6. Refrigerate the marinated prawns for 30 mins to marinate well .

7. Remove from refrigerator, You can either cook the prawns in a convection oven for 20 to 25 mins on 200 degree Celcius or Heat a grill pan and once it is very hot grill the prawns on slow flame on the pan.

8. Keep turning occasionally and basting it with butter to get flavour.

9. Once the prawns are cooked and got the typical tandoori brown grilled colour, they are ready to serve.

10. Sprinkle some chat masala on top of the prawns.

11. Garnish with onion rings and a slice of lemon. Maybe some mint leaves.