"Tandoori Prawns with a Pakistani Twist – A Must-Try!"

 

"Tandoori Prawns with a Pakistani Twist – A Must-Try!"

Rich Pakistani Tandoori Prawns marinated yogurt spiced with an assortment of spices and grilled to the right intensity. Quick, flavorful seafood dish ideal for any time.

Prep Time: 15 mins

marination Time: 30 mins – 1 hour

Cooking Time: 10–12 mins

Serves: 2–3 people

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

• 500g large prawns (peeled & deveined, tails on)

• 1/2 cup thick yogurt (hung curd or Greek yogurt)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

• 1 tsp laal mirch powder (red chili powder)

• 1/2 tsp haldi powder (turmeric powder)

• 1 tsp garam masala powder

• 1 tsp jeera powder (roasted cumin powder)

• 1 tsp coriander powder

• 1/2 tsp kashmiri red chili crushed (optional for added heat)

• Salt, as required

• 1 tbsp mustard oil or regular oil (for the smoky flavor)

• Pinch of red food color (optional, for old-fashioned tandoori look)

Optional for Smoky Flavor:

• Charcoal piece

• 1/2 tsp ghee or oil (for application in dhungar method)

   Instructions:

1. Clean & Prep Prawns:

Wash the prawns thoroughly and wipe with a paper towel. Keep aside.

2. Prepare the Marinade:

Mix all together in a bowl: oil, food color, spices, lemon juice, and yogurt. Mix until smooth.

3. Marinate:

Put prawns into the marinade. Coat thoroughly. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for more flavor).

4. Smoky Dhungar Flavor (Optional):

• Heat some charcoal to red hot.

• Put a small steel bowl or foil cup in the middle of marinated prawns.

• Put the hot charcoal carefully inside it, sprinkle a few drops of ghee or oil on it.

• Cover it with a lid at once to enclose the smoke.

• Let it infuse for 5-7 minutes. Remove charcoal.

5. Grill/Cook:

• Oven Method:

 Set oven to 200°C (390°F). Put prawns on a baking tray covered with foil. Bake at 10–12 minutes, turning halfway.

• Pan/Grill:

 Heat grill pan or tawa in small amount of oil. Cook prawns on a medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side until well browned and cooked through.

• Air Fryer: 

Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 8–10 minutes, half way over turn.

Garnish & Serve:

• Sprinkle fresh coriander, chaat masala

• Serve hot with naan or rice, lemon wedges, mint chutney

Let me know if you'd like a yogurt-free version, or a video script for this recipe