Prawn pakora is a delectable South Asian dish that has become a favorite snack for many around the globe. This crispy and flavorful appetizer is made by marinating fresh prawns in a spiced gram flour batter and then deep-frying them until they are golden brown and crunchy on the outside, and tender on the inside.

The origins of prawn pakora can be traced back to the Indian subcontinent, where it is a popular street food and party snack. The dish is believed to have originated in the coastal regions of India, where prawns are abundant and are widely used in traditional cooking.

Over the years, prawn pakora has gained popularity in other parts of the world, thanks to its unique flavor and texture.

The recipe for prawn pakora is relatively easy, making it a perfect dish for home cooks looking to impress their guests.

The key to making delicious prawn pakora lies in the marination process, where the prawns are infused with a blend of aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. This gives the dish its distinctive taste and makes it a flavorful treat for seafood lovers.

Whether you are planning a cozy night in or hosting a gathering with friends, prawn pakora is a versatile dish that will surely be a crowd-pleaser.

So why not try your hand at making this delicious snack at home and enjoy the flavors of the Indian subcontinent right in your own kitchen?

Ingredients

Prawns: Prawns are the main protein and star ingredient in this dish. They add a delicious seafood flavor and a nice texture to the pakoras.

Gram Flour: Gram flour, also known as chickpea flour, is a gluten-free flour made from ground chickpeas. It is used as a coating for the prawns to give them a crispy texture when fried.

Onion: Onions add a sweet and savory flavor to the pakoras. They also provide a nice crunch to contrast with the soft prawns.

Garlic: Garlic is used to add a pungent and slightly spicy flavor to the pakoras. It pairs well with the prawns and other spices in the dish.

Ginger: Ginger adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the pakoras. It also has a slightly spicy kick that complements the other ingredients.

Fresh Coriander: Fresh coriander, also known as cilantro, adds a bright and fresh flavor to the dish. It is used as a garnish to add a pop of color and a hint of citrusy flavor.

Ground Turmeric: Ground turmeric adds a vibrant yellow color to the pakoras. It also has a warm and earthy flavor that pairs well with the other spices.

Ground Cumin: Ground cumin adds a nutty and slightly smoky flavor to the dish. It is a common spice used in Indian cuisine and pairs well with the other ingredients in the pakoras.

Chilli Powder: Chilli powder adds a spicy kick to the dish. The amount used can be adjusted to suit your spice preference.

Baking Powder: Baking powder is used as a leavening agent to help the pakoras puff up and become light and crispy when fried.

Salt: Salt is used to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients in the dish. It helps to balance out the sweetness of the onions and the heat of the spices.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

When serving Prawn Pakora, there are several accompaniments and dishes that pair well with this flavorful appetizer. Here are some suggestions to make your meal complete:

• Mint Chutney: The fresh and cooling flavor of mint chutney is the perfect complement to the spicy and crispy Prawn Pakora. The combination of the two creates a harmony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Tamarind Chutney: Another popular choice is tamarind chutney, which adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish. The contrast of the tangy chutney with the savory pakoras creates a balanced and delicious combination.
• Onion Salad: A simple onion salad with sliced onions, tomatoes, and green chilies can add a refreshing crunch to your meal. The freshness of the salad pairs well with the deep-fried pakoras.
• Coriander Yogurt Dip: A creamy and herby coriander yogurt dip can provide a cool and creamy contrast to the spicy prawn pakoras. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to be a hit with your guests.
• Indian Pickles: If you enjoy a bit of heat and acidity, serving some spicy Indian pickles alongside your prawn pakoras can add an extra dimension of flavor to your meal.

For a complete meal, you can serve Prawn Pakoras with some steamed rice, naan bread, or a side of dal. The variety of textures and flavors in these dishes will create a satisfying and memorable dining experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Prawn Pakora?

Prawn pakora is a popular Indian appetizer made with marinated prawns coated in a flavorful batter and deep-fried until crispy.

How do you make Prawn Pakora?

To make prawn pakora, first marinate the prawns with spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder. Then coat them in a batter made from gram flour, rice flour, and water. Finally, deep fry the prawns until they are golden brown and crispy.

Can I make Prawn Pakora ahead of time?

Yes, you can make prawn pakora ahead of time and reheat them in the oven or air fryer before serving to ensure they stay crispy.

What can I serve with Prawn Pakora?

Prawn pakora is typically served as an appetizer with chutney or sauce on the side. You can also serve them with a side salad or as part of a larger Indian meal.

Can I use frozen prawns to make Prawn Pakora?

Yes, you can use frozen prawns to make prawn pakora. Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Fish Pakora
• Shrimp Pakora
• Onion Pakora
• Chicken Pakora
• Egg Pakora

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Prawn Pakora

by Nabeela Kauser

Crispy on the outside, succulent on the inside, this dish blends the bold flavors of spices with the delicate sweetness of prawns. Perfect for a crunchy snack or appetizer, these pakoras are a tantalizing combination of textures and tastes that will leave you craving for more.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Appetiser

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4

Calories 160 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 200 g Prawns peeled and deveined
• ▢ 100 g Gram Flour
• ▢ 1 Onion finely chopped
• ▢ 2 cloves Garlic minced
• ▢ 1 Ginger grated
• ▢ 1 Coriander chopped
• ▢ 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Cumin Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Chilli Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Baking Powder
• ▢ 1/2 tsp Salt
• ▢ Water as needed

Instructions

• In a mixing bowl, combine gram flour, ground turmeric, ground cumin, chilli powder, baking powder, and salt.
• Add minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped onion, and chopped fresh coriander to the bowl.
• Gradually add water to the mixture, stirring continuously, until you achieve a smooth batter consistency.
• Fold in the peeled and deveined prawns, ensuring they are well coated with the batter.
• Allow the batter to rest for 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
• Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
• Once the oil is hot, carefully drop spoonfuls of the prawn and batter mixture into the hot oil.
• Fry the pakoras until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
• Remove the pakoras from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain excess oil on kitchen paper.
• Serve hot with your favourite dipping sauce or chutney.

Notes

Ensure the oil is at the right temperature before frying to achieve crispy pakoras.

You can adjust the amount of chilli powder according to your spice preference.

Serve the pakoras immediately for the best taste and texture.

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 160kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 16gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.3gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 483mgPotassium: 431mgFibre: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 199IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 119mgIron: 2mg

Keyword Cooking, Food, Indian, Indian Food, Pakistani, Pakora, Prawns, Ramadan, Recipe, Street Food

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