This Spicy Prawn Curry uses a special chilli called kanthari from Kerala, India. Also known as kanthari prawns, this prawn curry recipe uses just a handful of ingredients and is ready before you know it!\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n If you are a fan of spicy food, then this Spicy Prawn Curry needs to be on your list! Traditionally made with Kanthari chillies, a special type of chilli from the South Indian state of Kerala, this prawn curry is supposed to be hot and spicy. In this prawn curry recipe, I have replaced Kanthari chillies with regular green chillies as they\u2019re more easily available. The spiciness of this curry is then balanced with coconut milk. The result is a dish that\u2019s spicy, nutty, rich, and so, so flavorful.\u00a0<\/p>\n This dish comes together really quickly and calls for minimal ingredients, but the flavors are rustic and simply out of this world! We love eating this Kerala style prawn curry with neer dosa<\/em><\/strong><\/a> and appam<\/em><\/strong><\/a>, but it tastes really good with just steamed rice<\/em><\/strong><\/a> too.\u00a0<\/p>\n Prawn:<\/strong> I have used large frozen prawns or shrimp, which are cleaned and deveined. You can use fresh prawns too if you prefer\u00a0<\/p>\n Chillies<\/strong>: This recipe traditionally uses kanthari chillies, a special, very spicy variety from the South Indian state of Kerala. But since they\u2019re difficult to source, I have used a lot of regular green chillies to achieve the same spiciness\u00a0<\/p>\n Spices<\/strong>: Turmeric powder, pepper powder, fennel seeds for flavor and color\u00a0<\/p>\n Aromats<\/strong>: Sambar onions (you can use diced regular onions), lots of garlic and ginger form the base of this spicy prawn curry\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Curry leaves<\/strong>: For an earthy freshness and that authentic South Indian flavor<\/p>\n Oil<\/strong>: I have used coconut oil for that authentic flavor. If you don\u2019t have it, sub it for any oil of choice. Ghee works well too\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Coconut milk<\/strong>: To balance out the spice and add richness and creaminess. I have used canned coconut milk, but homemade, thick coconut milk works just as well\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Coconut<\/strong>: Coconut slices for texture and a lovely nutty flavor in every bite<\/p>\n Yes, you can. I prefer to use frozen prawns as I don\u2019t live near a coast. But if you have access to good quality, freshly sourced fresh prawns, you can absolutely use them.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Yes. Sambar onions (shallots) have a slightly sweeter, more intense flavour, but you can substitute them with finely chopped red or yellow onion if needed.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n The coconut milk gives the curry its creamy texture, so I recommend using it. If you prefer a lighter curry, you can reduce the quantity slightly, but the consistency will be thinner.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Prawns cook very quickly. They are done when they turn pink and opaque and curl into a loose C shape. Avoid cooking them for too long or they can become rubbery.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Yes, but keep an eye on the cooking time as smaller prawns cook faster.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n This curry is perfect with something simple that can soak up all that creamy coconut gravy. Serve it with:<\/p>\n If you love a good prawn curry that\u2019s big on flavour but doesn\u2019t need a long list of ingredients, this Kanthari Prawn Curry is one to try. The combination of fiery green chillies, crushed ginger and garlic, toasted coconut, curry leaves and creamy coconut milk makes every spoonful so flavourful, while the prawns cook in just a few minutes.<\/p>\n I love serving this with something simple like steamed rice, appam or neer dosa so that nothing gets in the way of that delicious coconut gravy. It\u2019s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but feels special enough to make when you\u2019re craving a proper South Indian-style meal.<\/p>\n![\"spicy](\"https:\/\/myfoodstory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Spicy-Prawn-Curry-_-Kanthari-Prawns-3.jpg\")
<\/figure>\njump to section: spicy prawn curry<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
Ingredients for Chilli Garlic Chicken\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Frequently Asked Questions\u00a0<\/h2>\n
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<\/figure>\nRicha\u2019s Top Tips<\/h2>\n
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<\/figure>\nWatch Kanthari Prawn Curry Recipe Video <\/h2>\n