MASALA SHRIMP

Jumbo size shrimp sautéed in onion, tomato along with some aromatic earthy spices, this Masala Shrimp could be on your weeknight menu. We paired it with nuts and raisin rice pilaf, but this can be equally tasty with paratha or roti.

I always store shrimp in my freezer for busy days. It thaws faster and cooks really quick making it perfect for days when you need a homemade meal in a jiffy. This dish comes together in less than 20 minutes.

Masala Shrimp Ingredient list:

Shrimp (any size will work, but the cooking time will differ accordingly)

Red Onion – You can use white onion too, but red onion always works best for Indian dishes.

Tomatoes -- I used 1 fresh tomato, that added the texture to the masala and also a bit of tomato paste for the gorgeous red color.

Spices:

Kasuri Methi – Dried fenugreek leaves is the best instant way to add flavors in any Indian curries.

Cumin Seeds and Powder

Bay Leaves – Dried Bay leaves works better with Indian curries. We call it Tejpata.

Coriander Powder

Garam Masala – I prefer to use homemade garam masala powder as it gives the best aroma to your curries. Here is a link to my homemade garam masala if you want to try.

I used homemade ghee to prepare the dish, but you can use any variety of vegetable oil.

The texture of the Masala Shrimp side is not loaded with gravy. I like to keep it dry with the shrimp coated in the spiced masala.

You can however add water and increase the quantity of the gravy.

Don’t overcook the shrimp:

The star of this Masala Shrimp side dish are the shrimps, so definitely get good quality shrimp and do not overcook it.

Overcooking shrimp makes it tastes like rubber. Perfectly cooked shrimp will have a tender bite and that make the dish tastes amazing.

Steps to prepare this Shrimp with Spices

Marinate the shrimps with salt, turmeric and chili powder for at least 15 minutes.

In the meantime, chop the onion and tomatoes and start preparing the masala spices.

It’s important to cook the onion and the spices with tomatoes and tomato paste until you see oil separating from the sides. This s will take about 15 minutes.

Once that is done, add the shrimp and stir fry with the spices for 3 minutes.

Finish it with garam masala, fine chopped cilantro leaves and squeeze lemon juice.

Enjoy this Masala Shrimp right away as it tastes best when just cooked served warm.

MASALA SHRIMP

Kankana Saxena

Jumbo size shrimp sautéed in onion, tomato along with some aromatic earthy spices, this Masala Shrimp could be on your weeknight menu. We paired it with nuts and raisin rice pilaf, but this can be equally tasty with paratha or roti.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Stir Fried

Cuisine Indian

Calories 279 kcal

Ingredients

 

• 1 red onion (about 6 oz)
• A juicy red tomato (about 6 oz)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
• Jumbo Shrimp - 1 lb
• 1 inch fresh ginger
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 green chili
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoon ghee or oil
• finely chopped cilantro leaves (about 2 to 3 tablespoons)
• fresh lemon juice to add at the end

spices

• cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
• bay leaves - 2
• kasuri methi - 1 tablespoon (dried fenugreek leaves)
• salt - as per taste
• turmeric powder - ½ teaspoon
• cumin powder - 1 teaspoon
• coriander powder - 1 teaspoon
• kashmiri chili powder - 1 teaspoon
• garam masala powder - 1 teaspoon

Instructions

 

• Marinate the shrimp with salt and a bit of turmeric along with chili powder. Leave it aside for 15 minutes.
• Pound the garlic, ginger and green chili.
• Finely chop the onion and the tomatoes.
• In a heavy bottom skillet or pan, add the ghee or oil. Add the sugar and let it caramelized for a few seconds. Then add the ginger garlic chili paste along with kasuri methi, bay leaves and cumin seeds.
• Let it sizzle for a while then add the onion along with salt. Stir it around and cook for 2 minutes to soften the onion.
• Then add the spice powder, cumin powder, chili powder and coriander powder. Stir it around for 2 minutes.
• Add the tomatoes and the tomato paste. Toss it around, cover and let it simmer for 7 minutes. Remove the lid and toss it around. You will see that spices the cooked, the color is gorgeous red by now and the oil should be separating from the side.
• Scatter the marinated shrimp and toss around. Add the garam masala and cook for 5 minutes.
• Switch off the gas, scatter the chopped cilantro leaves and lemon juice. Toss it around and check for salt. Add more if needed.
• Serve warm.

Notes

Don’t overcook the shrimp:

The star of this Masala Shrimp side dish are the shrimps, so
definitely get good quality shrimp and do not overcook it.

Overcooking shrimp makes it tastes like rubber. Perfectly
cooked shrimp will have a tender bite and that make the dish tastes amazing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 279kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 28gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 256mgSodium: 1251mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6g

Keyword easy recipe, Indian food, main course, seafood