Prawn and Cabbage Stir-fry
A classic Goan-style stir-fry, known as 'fugath', featuring succulent prawns and crisp-tender cabbage. This quick and easy dish is tempered with mustard seeds and curry leaves, and finished with fresh coconut for a light, flavorful, and healthy weeknight meal.
For 4 servings
7 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Prepare all your ingredients
- a.Clean, shell, and devein the prawns. Finely shred the cabbage, thinly slice the onion, and slit the green chilies lengthwise. Chop the coriander leaves and keep everything ready.
- 2
Heat the coconut oil in a large pan or kadai over medium-high heat
- a.Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and allow them to splutter, which should take about 30 seconds.
- 3
Add the curry leaves, sliced onions, and slit green chilies to the pan
- a.Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent.
- 4
Add the shredded cabbage, turmeric powder, and salt
- a.Mix everything well. Cover the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage should be tender but still have a slight crunch. Do not add any water; the cabbage will cook in its own moisture.
- 5
Add the cleaned prawns to the pan
- a.Stir well to combine with the cabbage and cook for 2-3 minutes, or just until the prawns turn pink and curl up. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough.
- 6
Turn off the heat
- a.Add the fresh grated coconut, lime juice, and chopped coriander leaves. Gently toss everything together to combine.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Serve the Prawn and Cabbage Stir-fry hot with steamed rice, chapatis, or Goan pao.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, do not overcook the prawns. They are done as soon as they turn opaque and pink.
- 2Shred the cabbage finely and uniformly to ensure it cooks quickly and evenly.
- 3Freshly grated coconut provides the most authentic flavor and texture, but thawed frozen coconut is a good substitute.
- 4Adjust the number of green chilies or deseed them to control the spice level of the dish.
- 5This dish is best served immediately to maintain the crispness of the cabbage and the juiciness of the prawns.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian/Vegan
Replace prawns with 200g of cubed paneer (vegetarian) or firm tofu/mushrooms (vegan). Add them in the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
Different VegetablesDifferent Vegetables
Substitute cabbage with an equal amount of finely chopped green beans, carrots, or bell peppers for a different texture and flavor.
Nutty CrunchNutty Crunch
Add 1 teaspoon of urad dal along with the mustard seeds during tempering for a delightful crunch.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Powerhouse
Prawns are an excellent source of high-quality, low-fat protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle maintenance, and keeping you full and satisfied.
Digestive Health Support
Cabbage is packed with dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion, preventing constipation, and supporting a balanced gut microbiome.
Rich in Antioxidants
This dish contains turmeric, curry leaves, and fresh vegetables, all of which are rich in antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this Prawn and Cabbage Stir-fry contains approximately 250-300 kcal, making it a light and healthy main course. The exact count can vary based on the size of the prawns and the amount of oil used.