Prawn Balchao (Goan Pickle-Style Hot Prawns) Recipe

Name: Prawn Balchao (Goan Pickle-Style Hot Prawns)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 kg small to medium-sized prawns, uncooked (cleaned and de-veined); 4 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 large onions, chopped fine; 3 large tomatoes, chopped fine; 2 sprigs curry leaves; 2 tablespoons garlic paste; 1 tablespoon ginger paste; 10 dried red chilies; 2 teaspoons black peppercorns; 1 tablespoon cumin seed; 1 teaspoon turmeric powder; 1 teaspoon mustard seeds; 2 inches cinnamon sticks; 10 cloves; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1/2 cup vinegar; salt

Servings: persons

1 kg small to medium-sized prawns, uncooked (cleaned and de-veined)
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 large onions, chopped fine
3 large tomatoes, chopped fine
2 sprigs curry leaves
2 tablespoons garlic paste
1 tablespoon ginger paste
10 dried red chilies
2 teaspoons black peppercorns
1 tablespoon cumin seed
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
2 inches cinnamon sticks
10 cloves
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup vinegar
salt

1
Put the prawns in a large bowl and sprinkle salt on them. Keep aside.
2
Roast the chillies, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, peppercorns, turmeric, cloves and cinnamon till they begin to release their aroma.
3
Remove from heat and cool.
4
Grind the ginger, garlic and roasted spices into a smooth paste using the vinegar.
5
Heat the oil on a medium flame in a wok-style pan to medium-high heat.
6
Add the prawns and stir fry till opaque. Remove from the pan and keep warm.
7
In the same pan, fry the onions till light brown. Add the tomato and curry leaves and fry until the tomatoes are soft.
8
Now add the spice-vinegar paste, sugar and salt to taste and fry till the oil begins to separate.
9
Add the prawns to this sauce, mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.
10
Serve with plain boiled rice and/or naan.

358

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 17 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 kg small to medium-sized prawns, uncooked (cleaned and de-veined), 4 tablespoons vegetable oil, 2 large onions, chopped fine, 3 large tomatoes, chopped fine, and more.

Yes, Prawn Balchao (Goan Pickle-Style Hot Prawns) falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Prawn Balchao (Goan Pickle-Style Hot Prawns)

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions