Spicy coconut prawn curry with mango chutney, steamed jasmine rice, and cucumber salad on side.
A vibrant one-pot curry that balances fiery heat with sweet mango chutney, silky coconut milk, and bright, crisp cucumber, served beside fragrant Jasmine rice for a complete, comforting dinner any night of the week.
This dish begins with a fragrant base of onions, garlic, and ginger sautéed gently to release their sweetness without browning. Red chili paste introduces heat, while turmeric and coriander offer earthy warmth. Coconut milk pours in to create a silky, luxurious sauce that coats every prawn with a velvety sheen. A splash of lime juice brightens the flavors just enough to cut through richness, and a pinch of sugar nudges the balance toward mellow sweetness. The prawns cook quickly, remaining tender and juicy as the sauce thickens around them.
As the curry simmers, the kitchen fills with an inviting perfume of coconut and citrus. Mango chutney is stirred in at the end, lending a fruity contrast that pairs beautifully with the heat. The chutney’s tangy zing brightens the dish and echoes the lime zest in the sauce. Fresh cilantro leaves are folded through just before serving to introduce a peppery, herbaceous note. The rice cooks separately, ensuring each grain remains fluffy and separate, ready to soak up the curry without becoming overwhelmed by its richness. A crisp cucumber salad adds a refreshing crunch.
Fresh herb aroma and crunchy cucumber balance the richness.
The recipe hinges on layering flavors in stages, letting each component contribute its character. Begin with a base of finely chopped aromatics that soften into a perfume rather than a scorching bite. Add spices gradually, allowing them to bloom without overpowering the dish. The prawns should be added toward the end of cooking so they stay plump and sweet rather than tough and chewy. Coconut milk creates a rich, glossy sauce that clings to each prawn, while a touch of water or stock thins it to the perfect consistency. Adjust salt and acidity with fish sauce and lime to taste.
This curry is designed to be flexible: if you like more heat, increase the red chilies or add a dash of chili powder. For a milder version, reduce the chili paste and rely on black pepper to deliver warmth. The mango chutney provides a bright counterpoint that can be made in advance and kept chilled for a few days. The cucumber salad refreshes the palate with cool slices and a light vinaigrette. To finish, scatter fresh herbs over the top for a vibrant, aromatic finish that makes the dish feel celebratory.
Layered flavors, quick cooking, and easy substitutions.
A well-balanced plate starts with the rice, which should be steamed to a perfect, fluffy separation. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear, then cook with a precise water-to-rice ratio and let it rest covered off the heat. While the rice rests, simmer the curry gently and taste for depth—add a splash more lime juice if needed. The cucumber salad should be sliced thinly and dressed with a light mixture of rice vinegar, a touch of sugar, and salt, allowing the flavors to mingle without dulling the crisp texture. Serve the curry alongside the steaming jasmine rice and cucumber salad.
The mango chutney should be a bright spoonful on the side or swirled lightly into the curry for bursts of sweetness. If you prefer, make a small batch with ripe mangoes, ginger, chili, and a hint of mustard seeds to echo Indian-inspired flavors. The prawns can be swapped for scallops or firm tofu for non-seafood versions, though the dish loses some of its oceanic brightness. Ensure the prawns are fully peeled and deveined before cooking to guarantee a quick, even sear that seals in flavors. Finish with a final citrus squeeze to awaken the palate.
Practical tips for timing, temperature, and leftovers.
When planning quantities, think about two prawns per person for a main course, plus a generous ladle of sauce to coat the rice. The spice level can be tailored by adjusting the chili paste quantity, making this dish accessible to families and guests with varying heat tolerances. If you want extra tropical notes, grate a little fresh ginger into the chutney or into the curry for a zesty kick. For garnish, a few emerald cilantro sprigs and a light shower of sesame seeds add visual appeal and a subtle nutty crunch. The dish remains satisfying even after reheating, though it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Practically, this curry travels well for potlucks or weekend gatherings. Reheating should be gentle so the prawns don’t overcook, and the sauce can be refreshed with a splash of coconut milk or a pinch of sugar if it thickens too much. The cucumber salad travels well because it stays crisp when kept cold and dressed just before serving. If you’re pairing with wine, a dry riesling or a fragrant gewürztraminer complements the coconut fat and mango sweetness without clashing with the curry’s heat. Plate the curry first, then spoon rice and cucumber alongside for presentation.
A complete, comforting dinner idea with depth.
To begin, measure ingredients precisely to keep flavors balanced across the entire dish. Use medium heat to avoid scorching the aromatics, then reduce to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors while keeping the prawns tender. Pay attention to sauce thickness; if it reduces too quickly, add a splash of water or stock to maintain a silky texture. Taste frequently, adjusting salt, acid, and spice until the curry sings with harmony. The cucumber salad’s tanginess should cut through the richness, giving the diner a refreshing bite between spoonfuls of curry. Serve immediately for best texture and fragrance.
If you’re feeding a crowd, scale the recipe by multiplying ingredients while maintaining the same pan size to keep the curry thick and glossy. For extra depth, toast whole spices in a dry pan before grinding them and adding to the curry base. A small amount of tamarind paste can contribute a subtle sour note that complements the mango chutney nicely. Use fresh-shucked prawns if possible for superior sweetness. After cooking, let the dish rest briefly to allow flavors to settle, then reheat gently when ready to serve.
This menu showcases how a single dish can marry heat, sweetness, and brightness with a light, crisp accompaniment. The prawns, quick to cook, keep their delicate bite while absorbing the curry’s complex spice profile. Coconut milk provides a luscious mouthfeel, softening the spiciness and creating a creamy sauce that clings to each grain of jasmine rice. Mango chutney introduces a fruitful contrast that elevates the dish beyond a simple curry. The cucumber salad offers color, crunch, and a refreshing palate cleanser between bites. Together, these elements create a balanced, inviting meal suitable for weeknights or special meals.
In the spirit of timeless cooking, this recipe invites experimentation while emphasizing harmony. Consider swapping protein types or adding occasional vegetables such as bell peppers or snap peas to brighten the plate. The key is maintaining the curry’s glossy sauce and ensuring the rice stays perfectly steamed. A squeeze of lime at the end sharpens the flavors and brightens the entire dish. With a light hand on the chutney, you can control sweetness and tartness, tailoring the plate to your personal preference. The result is a comforting, memorable curry that remains evergreen on the dinner table.
