Kolambi Rava Fry
Crisp, golden prawns coated in a spiced semolina crust and pan-fried until crunchy outside and juicy inside. This coastal favorite is quick to make and tastes great with lemon and sliced onion on the side.
For 16 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Clean and dry the prawns.
Wash the prawns gently, then pat them very dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. Dry prawns hold the coating better and fry up crisp.
TIPIf the prawns are wet, the rava coating will turn patchy and soft. - mix · ~3 min
Season the prawns.
1.Place the prawns in a bowl.2.Add red chili powder, turmeric powder, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and salt.3.Rub the masala well over the prawns until evenly coated. - rest · ~10 min
Rest the prawns for 10 minutes.
Let the prawns sit so they pick up the spice and lemon flavor before coating.
- mix · ~1 min
Prepare the rava coating.
Spread the semolina and rice flour on a plate and mix them together. This gives the prawns a crisp crust with a little extra crunch.
- assemble · ~4 min
Coat the prawns in the rava mixture.
1.Take each prawn and press it lightly in the semolina mixture.2.Turn and coat both sides evenly.3.Shake off any loose coating and keep the coated prawns on a plate. - fry · ~6 min
Pan-fry the prawns until crisp.
1.Heat oil in a flat pan over medium heat.2.Place the coated prawns in a single layer without crowding the pan.3.Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on the first side until golden.4.Flip and cook the other side for 2 to 3 minutes more until crisp and the prawns are just cooked through.TIPDo not overcook the prawns or they will turn rubbery. - serve
Serve hot with sliced onion and lemon wedges.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pat the prawns completely dry before marinating, or the rava coating will slide off in the pan.
- 2Rest the spiced prawns only about 10 minutes; a much longer lemon marinade can start to toughen the surface.
- 3Press the semolina coating on gently so it adheres well and forms an even crust while frying.
- 4Use a flat pan and keep the prawns in a single layer so they crisp instead of steaming.
- 5Fry on medium heat, not high, so the rava turns golden before the prawns overcook inside.
- 6Serve immediately after frying; the crust is at its crunchiest in the first few minutes.
- 7If making in batches, place fried prawns on a wire rack rather than stacking them on a plate.
Adapt it for your goals.
Extra-spicy
Increase the red chili powder or add a little coastal-style garam masala for a hotter, bolder fry.
low oilLow-oil
Cook the coated prawns on a well-greased tawa or in an air fryer for a lighter version with less oil.
fish versionFish-version
Use the same masala and rava coating on surmai or bombil fillets if you want a larger seafood fry.
gluten freeGluten-free
Replace semolina with extra rice flour or coarse rice rava if you want a wheat-free crust.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein-Rich Seafood
Prawns provide satisfying lean protein, making this fry more filling than many snack-style fried dishes.
Lighter Than Deep-Fried
Because the prawns are pan-fried with a small amount of oil, the dish can feel lighter than a deep-fried seafood appetizer.
Bright, Digestive Flavors
Ginger, garlic, lemon, and spices add strong flavor without needing heavy sauces, and they keep the dish fresh-tasting.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but thaw them fully and pat them very dry before marinating, or the coating will not turn crisp.
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