Tandoori shrimp(prawns)

Tandoori shrimp(prawns), an Indian prawn recipe made with a tandoori masala marinade.

You can make this Indian grilled shrimp recipe using your open flame grill, oven, or stovetop.

In this shrimp recipe, you will learn how to make shrimp tandoori with a step-by-step tutorial. You will also learn how to use different cooking methods to make these grilled Indian shrimps.

You can serve the tandoori shrimp in skewers or on a platter as an appetizer. All they need is a few wedges of lime to add to the shrimp before serving them.

Ingredients and flavors of Tandoori shrimp(prawns).

Tandoori is referred to as a method of cooking using a clay oven.

But not having a clay oven should not stop you from making tandoori shrimp at home.

Ingredients used to make a tandoori paste.

To make the tandoori shrimp, we first marinate the shrimp in, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, cumin powder, turmeric powder, salt, a dash of black pepper, and chili powder.

The amount of chili powder you use and the type of chili powder you use will give you the heat and the color when the shrimps are grilled. For best results, I would advise you to use Kashmiri chili powder which has a beautiful dark crimson color and mild heat.

Once you have all the above ingredients, you add the yogurt and make the tandoori paste.

The cleaned and deveined shrimp are then marinated in the tandoori paste for as long as possible, to soak in the flavors.

Cooking methods used for this tandoori shrimp.

As mentioned above you can use your oven, or outdoor grill to cook these tandoori shrimp, or cook them over a stovetop grill pan.

You can also use a regular frying pan to fry them with a little bit of oil, giving you the same results.

Flavors of the tandoori shrimp,

The result is a smoky, tangy, yet juicy grilled shrimp with amazing flavors to compliment as a side dish.

What to serve with Tandoori shrimp.

You can serve these Indian grilled shrimp over no yeast naan bread, yogurt, or a mint dip.

Add a bowl of tomato salsa if you feel like serving a mix of global dishes.

Toss some of the tandoori shrimp with a salad mix, some rice, or couscous to make a quick lunch bowl.

Prepare the tandoori shrimp in skewers and you can take them for a picnic or barbeque party.

Or simply serve them with rice and a dal tadka for a simple Indian meal.

A fresh summer salad is one of the side dishes you can serve with it.

Frequently asked questions about tandoori shrimp.

Can I use frozen shrimp to make tandoori shrimp?

Yes, simply thaw them, pat dry any excess water and then marinate them as instructed below.

Can I make these shrimp with the shell on?

If you are going to grill them over flames or high heat then making the tandoori shrimp with the shell on would be a better option.

This would make a great platter of peel and eat Indian grilled shrimp serving.

How do I clean and devein to make these tasty shrimp tandoori?

You can use my guide on how to clean and devein shrimp post to learn how to do it.

How long should I cook the tandoori shrimp?

Without the shell, the shrimp will cook, grill, or fry quickly so, 2-3 minutes on each side would do.

Can I make these tandoori shrimp ahead of time?

Since grilling them over a stovetop or oven takes minimum time and effort, you can marinate and thread them in skewers, then 1/2 an hour before serving time, you can grill them.

How do I pack the shrimp to grill or cook them at a picnic or friend’s barbecue party?

Marinate them, thread them in skewers and then pack them in an air-tight container or foil. Store them in a cooler and transport them.

More shrimp recipes to try

Lemon pepper shrimp in 15 minutes

Fried shrimp(breaded and fried)

Peel and eat grilled shrimp

Bang bang shrimp.

Recipe at a glance

How to make tandoori shrimp(prawns)

500g of cleaned, deveined shrimp with tail on(30 medium-sized shrimp)
4 tablespoons of yogurt or curd
2 tablespoons of ginger garlic paste
1 teaspoon of Kashmiri chilli powder(gives the color and mild heat, substitute with sweet paprika powder)
1 teaspoon of red chili powder
1 teaspoon of cumin powder
1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
1 teaspoon of garam masala powder
1/2 a teaspoon of black pepper powder
3 tablespoons of lime or lemon juice
2 tablespoons of oil
Salt to season

Method

Pat dry the shrimp(prawns) and set them aside.

How to marinate the shrimp in tandoori paste

Add the following ingredients into a large bowl, yogurt or curd(4 tbsp), ginger garlic paste(2 tbsp), Kashmiri chili powder(1 tsp, substitute with sweet paprika powder), red chill powder(1 tsp), cumin powder(1 tsp), turmeric powder(1/2 tsp), garam masala powder(1 tsp), black pepper powder(1/2 a tsp), lemon or lime juice(3 tbsp), oil(2 tbsp), salt to season.

Mix and combine well, taste, and adjust the lime and salt flavors as you need.

You can also add more heat by adding red chili powder.

This is your tandoori masala for the shrimp.

Add the shrimp into the tandoori masala and combine.

Cover with a cling film and refrigerate for at least 1-3 hours.

How to prepare them for cooking or grilling.

Remove the shrimp from the refrigerator and let them reach room temperature(15-20 minutes).

If you are making them as tandoori shrimp kebabs, then soak a few bamboo skewers in water for 15 minutes and thread the marinated shrimp onto these skewers. 5-6 on each stick.

Make sure to remove excess tandoori marinade.

You can also simply cook them as it is.

Ways to cook the shrimp tandoori.

The open flame grilling method.

Place them over the grill, brush a little oil and cook for two minutes each on both sides.

Tandoori shrimp made in the oven.

Line a baking tray with foil.

Preheat oven at 200C, and place the shrimp or skewers on the tray.

Brush oil or ghee and use the grill function or bake function to cook the shrimp for 12-15 minutes until they are golden in color.
Make sure to check on them as the cooking time will change as per the size of the shrimp. Halfway through, turn them over to get even cooking on both sides.

Once done, remove from oven, baste with oil or ghee and serve.

Cooking tandoori shrimp over a stovetop frying pan or grilling pan.

Using a grilling pan.

Place the grilling pan over medium heat and let the pan heat. Brush oil and place the skewered shrimp.

Grill each side for 2-3 minutes while brushing oil until they turn golden in color. To add a smoky flavor, let them char a little bit over high heat.

Using a tawa or frying pan.

For this method, you won’t be able to use skewers.

Place pan over low-medium fire and pour 2 tablespoons of oil.

Add the marinated shrimp and spread them over the pan. You will notice the excess marinade cook and then leave the dry shrimp to cook.

At this point, drizzle oil and fry them on both sides. By increasing the heat at the last minute you can char the shrimp to get the smoky flavor.

Serve with some lime wedges or use the serving ideas given above.