Tandoori Prawns Recipe | Juicy, Smoky and Easy to Make
How to make Tandoori Prawns (shrimps) recipe
Learn how to make delicious tandoori prawns at home like restaurant style with step by step guide. Smoky and tender prawns just so good with the perfect mint sauce aka green chutney.
Tandoori prawns — or tandoori shrimp as it’s known in the US — is a mouthwatering Indian appetizer made by marinating juicy seafood in spiced yogurt and grilling it until smoky and charred. Whether you call them prawns or shrimp, the result is pure perfection.
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What is Tandoori Prawns ?
Tandoori prawns are a popular Indian seafood dish known for their unique, bold and flavourful taste. Prawns are marinated in a mixture of yogurt, variety of aromatic spices and herbs. These marinated Prawns are cooked over charcoal fire resulting a distinctive raddish-orange colour, smoky and grilled flavour.
Prawns are also known as jhinga in India can be prepared using tandoor , tawa and oven . Tandoori prawns or jhinga recipe is very popular and goes perfectly well with your drinks as well. You can use tiger prawns or king prawns to make the recipe of tandoori tiger prawns or tandoori king prawns. Similarly with shrimps we can make tandoori shrimps recipe. And if you want to make then little bit spicy then increase the amount of red chilli powder or use green chili paste in the marination.
Prawns are also known as jhinga in India can be prepared using tandoor , tawa and oven . Tandoori prawns or jhinga recipe is very popular and goes perfectly well with your drinks as well. You can use tiger prawns or king prawns to make the recipe of tandoori tiger prawns or tandoori king prawns. Similarly with shrimps we can make tandoori shrimps recipe. And if you want to make then little bit spicy then increase the amount of red chilli powder or use green chili paste in the marination.
There are hundreds of recipes out there for prawns that you can try. One of my personal favourite prawns recipe is
where batter coated prawns are deep fried till become crisp golden.
Today we are going to try it with a traditional way of cooking method over charcoal Tandoor, using Oven and over gas stove. Cooking over charcoal Tandoor is one of the healthy and hygienic method . Because there is very less amount of oil is used and the food is cooked in it's it' juice over slow flames. Also it gives you a smoky flavours. You can use shrimp also in place of prawns to make a spicy shrimp recipe.
For more healthy seafood recipes
- Fish Tikka recipe
- Squid fry
- Surmai fry
- Fish fry recipe
- Pomfret fish tawa fry recipe
- pomfret fry recipe
- fish fingers recipe
- Bombil (Bombay duck) fry recipe
- Tandoori crab
- Tandoori Pomfret
- Hariyali kabab
Ingredients required to make the recipe
- 6 - 8 Prawns ( medium size), Jumbo or King size prawns can also be used.
- Greek Yogurt (Hung Curd)
- Kashmiri Red Chilly Paste( for red color appearance, chef's secrets ingredients for restaurant style finishing of the dish)
- Carron Seeds (optional), enhance digestion
- Spice powder: red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, chat masala, kasoori methi
- Lemon juice, ginger garlic paste
- Cooking oil or Mustard oil
- Besan (roasted gram flour): optional, we generally use it while deep frying the prawns not bbq or grilling the prawns. Though it act as a binding agent, it work best for deep frying.
Steps to make tandoori prawns
1. Peeling and cleaning
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2. Marinating
First marination
Marinate them using half of the lemon juice, chili powder and salt. If you want spicy shrimps then increase the amount of chili powder (cayenne pepper) for the recipe.
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Take a mixing bowl, add the yogurt, red chilly paste, ginger garlic paste, cumin powder, turmeric powder, carom seeds, garam masala,chat masala and salt . Mix them very well using a Whisk. Add the remaining oil and lemon juice and mix. These mixture is known as Tandoori masala which is used to marinate and cook the prawns. How to make Tandoori masala here you can read step by step guide to make this masala at home.
Mix the first marinated prawns with this tandoori masala and let it refrigerated for 40 minutes to marinate and absorb all the flavors.
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Chef's Notes:
- If you don't have kashmiri chilly, then heat 2 tablespoon cooking oil in a pan and add 1 tablespoon red chili powder(Like Deggi Mirch powder). Stir and remove within 30-40 seconds and mix in the marinate. You will get the perfect red color like restaurants.
- If you don't have yogurt or don't want to use then use fresh cream and cashew nut paste to make the marinade.
Marination Timing (Very Important)
Seafood absorbs acid fast.
| Prawn Size | Ideal Marination Time |
|---|---|
| Small | 15 minutes |
| Medium | 20–30 minutes |
| Large / Jumbo | 30–45 minutes (max) |
Over-marinating breaks down prawn proteins, causing mushy texture and water release during cooking.
3. Cooking the prawns
In charcoal tandoor
Take a iron shewer and thread them into the Shewer one by one leaving a small gaps in between them.
Now place the Shewer inside a preheated tandoor and cooked for about 7 minutes. Apply some butter while cooking the jhinga at a regular intervals to keep them moist if necessary.
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When the prawns become crisp golden from all sides remove them from the shewer and serve .
Serve hot squeezing some lemon juice and chat masala over them. They goes best with green mint chutney. Prawns are generally get cooked in short time.
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Tandoori prawns in Oven
You can cook them in an Oven also. Preheat the oven to 200°C for 15 minutes and line a baking tray with aluminum foil. If using wooden sticks then soak them in water for 30 minutes. Or if using small iron shewers then start to thread them one by one keeping a minimum gap in between them. This will ensure that they get cooked evenly from all sides.
Now place the shewers or sticks over the tray and then inside the oven and cook for 15 minutes or till they become crisp golden. Brush some butter while baking at a certain interval. When they become crisp golden remove and garnish them in a serving plate and serve hot with green chutney, lemon wedges and onion slices.
Tandoori prawns using tawa
Alternatively you can cook tandoori prawns on a tawa or non stick pan easily at your home. Before cooking the prawns on tawa , remove and discard excess marinate from the prawns. Heat 2 tablespoon cooking oil on the tawa in high flame to make it non sticky for about half a minute. When the oil become hot lower the flame to low and place the marinated prawns or jhinga one by one on the tawa and cook for 1 minute. After that flip the prawns to another side and cook for another 1 minute.Cook them in this way for about 7 to 8 minutes or till all the moisture evaporated and the prawns become dry crisp and we'll cooked. When the prawns become crisp golden on both sides remove them and start to cook next batches of prawns.
Cooking Time by Prawn Size
| Prawn Size | Count per Kg | Cooking Time | Chef Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 50–60 | 3–4 minutes | Not recommended |
| Medium | 30–40 | 5–6 minutes | Turn once |
| Large | 20–25 | 7–8 minutes | Ideal balance |
| XL / Jumbo | 10–15 | 9–10 minutes | Premium plating |
How to Check Perfect Doneness (Chef Test)
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Color: Grey → opaque white
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Shape: Gentle “C” curve
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Texture: Springy, not stiff
If it curls into a tight “O” → overcooked.
Method-Wise Adjustments
Tandoor / Charcoal Grill
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Skewer evenly.
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Cook over direct high heat.
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Brush butter after flipping, not before.
Oven (Home Kitchen)
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Preheat at 220°C (fan mode).
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Place prawns on wire rack over tray.
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Grill/broil last 1–2 minutes for char.
Pan / Tawa (Alternative)
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Use heavy cast iron.
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Cook on high flame.
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Expect less smokiness but good flavor.
Do You Know Popular Indian fish names in English, Hindi and marathi ? Here is one my post Indian Fish Name English, Hindi, Marathi for You.
Tandoori Prawns (Tandoori Shrimp)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (25 reviews)
⏱️ Prep: 15 min |
🍳 Cook: 8 min |
🍽️ Serves: 2
By Mobasir Hassan
Published: Aug |
Last Modified: Oct
Juicy and smoky Tandoori Prawns ( tandoori Shrimp)marinated in a spiced yogurt-based tandoori masala, then grilled till crisp golden. A perfect seafood appetizer to serve with green chutney, lachcha onions and lemon wedges.
Ingredients
- 6–8 medium size prawns (cleaned & deveined)
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt (thick)
- 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
- 1/2 tbsp red chilli paste
- 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp Kasoori methi (crushed)
- 1/4 tsp carom seeds (ajwain)
- 1/4 tsp chaat masala (optional)
- 2 tbsp cooking oil (or mustard oil)
- 1/3 tbsp clarified butter (for basting)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Clean & Prepare Prawns: Peel, devein, and wash prawns. Pat dry with a towel.
- First Marination: Mix half lemon juice, red chilli powder, and salt with prawns. Rest for 10 minutes.
- Tandoori Masala: In a bowl, whisk yogurt, ginger garlic paste, chilli paste, cumin, turmeric, garam masala, ajwain, oil, and remaining lemon juice.
- Marinate: Coat prawns with this masala and refrigerate 40-50 minutes.
- Oven Method: Preheat oven to 200°C. Line tray with foil and place rack. Thread prawns onto skewers, grill 7 minutes. Baste with butter, cook 2–3 more minutes till golden.
- In charcoal tandoor : Take a iron shewer and thread them into the Shewer one by one leaving a small gaps in between them.
- Now place the Shewer inside a preheated tandoor and cooked for about 7 minutes. Apply some butter while cooking the jhinga at a regular intervals to keep them moist if necessary.
- When the prawns become crisp golden from all sides remove them from the shewer.
- Serve: Sprinkle with chaat masala, serve hot with mint chutney, onion rings, and lemon wedges.
Chef’s Tips
- Always discard excess marinade before cooking to avoid watery prawns.
- Ajwain (carom seeds) helps digestion and enhances seafood flavor.
- Kashmiri chilli paste adds rich red color without making it too spicy.
- You can also cook prawns on a charcoal tandoor or tawa for a smoky touch.
❤️ Did you love this recipe?
I’d love if you’d leave a rating or review below!
I’d love if you’d leave a rating or review below!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approx. 150 g Cooked Prawns)
Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients and
portion size.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Total Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 165 mg |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Potassium | 330 mg |
| Calcium | 120 mg |
| Iron | 2.4 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.1 µg |
| Vitamin D | 2.1 µg |
| Vitamin A | 180 IU |
| Vitamin C | 4 mg |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | ~300 mg |
Nutrition Highlights
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High Protein: Supports muscle repair and satiety
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Low Carb: Ideal for weight loss & diabetic diets
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Omega-3 Rich: Heart and brain health
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Vitamin B12: Supports nerve function
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Calcium + Vitamin D: Bone support
Health Note:
People with high cholesterol or shellfish allergy should consume in moderation.
Serving Ideas (Restaurant-Style Meal Solutions)
1. Tandoori Prawn Tarka over Dal (Fusion Power Dish)
A chef-favorite modern Indian presentation.
How to Serve:
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Prepare plain yellow dal or moong dal tadka.
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Heat butter or ghee.
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Toss chopped tandoori prawns with a pinch of Kashmiri chilli and garlic.
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Spoon the sizzling prawn tarka directly over hot dal.
Why it Works:
Protein-on-protein, smoky seafood meets comforting lentils. High satiety, elite flavor.
2. Tandoori Prawn Naan Wrap (Street-Style Upgrade)
Perfect for dinner or party plating.
Assembly:
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Warm naan or roomali roti
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Spread mint chutney + yogurt salad
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Add sliced tandoori prawns
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Sprinkle onions, lemon, chaat masala
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Roll tight
Optional Add-on:
Grilled bell peppers or pickled onions.
3. Tandoori Prawn Rice Bowl (Fitness-Friendly)
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Steamed basmati or jeera rice
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Tandoori prawns
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Mint yogurt salad
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Roasted vegetables
Macros: High protein, controlled fat, balanced carbs.
Health benefits of Prawns
Prawns is one of the healthiest seafood loved by all over the world. Prawns is also known as shrimps but they have few differences. Like their size, prawns are big compare to shrimps. And they are little sweet in taste than shrimps. There are many health benefits of prawns if you include it in your diet.
- They are the main source of high quality protein includes all nine essential amino acids in the right portion for the body to function.
- Prawns are rich source of Vitamins B-6 , B-12 and Niacin, which helps build muscle, give energy to body and replenish red blood cells.
- Eating prawns helps build strong bone as they contains phosphorus, copper and magnesium. They are also rich in Iron.
- Prawns have low cholesterol levels. And they are rich source of Selenium, which is one of most effective antioxidants
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make tandoori prawns in an air fryer?
A: Yes, preheat the air fryer at 200°C and cook prawns for 8–10 minutes. Brush with butter midway for best flavor.
Q: How do I prevent prawns from becoming rubbery?
A: Do not overcook. Prawns cook very fast; 7–8 minutes is enough. Remove as soon as they turn golden.
Q: Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
A: Yes, but thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating, otherwise the masala won’t stick properly.
Q: Can I cook prawns without skewers?
A: Absolutely. You can cook them on a greased grill pan, tawa, or even bake them directly on a lined tray.
Q: How long can you marinate prawns for ?
Generally when we prepare any tandoori foods, it is best to marinate them for at least 3 to 4 hours to absorb all the flavours. Similarly for prawns also, it is best to marinate them for 3 hours or overnight.
Q: How long do I need to cook prawns ?
Prawns doesn't take much time to cook. If you boil them then it hardly take 3 to 4 minutes. And while cooking them in tandoor it take 6 to 7 minutes to get cooked with the masala. And in Oven also 6 to 7 minutes is sufficient for cooking the prawns. Similarly in pan fry it take 3 to 4 minutes.
Q: Can I use frozen Prawns for the recipe?
Yes. While fresh prawns are recommended for best flavour and texture. You can use frozen prawns as well just make sure to thraw them properly before marinating.
Q: What can I serve with Tandoori Prawns?
They are best enjoyed with green chutney, onion slices and lemon wedges. Tandoori prawns pair wonderfully with Naan bread, steam rice or fresh cucumber salad.
NICE TO MEET YOU!
I’m Mobasir Hassan, Executive Sous Chef with the Radisson Hotel Group. After years in hotel kitchens, I now share chef-tested recipes, step-by-step cooking techniques, and restaurant-style dishes that home cooks can recreate with confidence. I’m glad you’re here!