Prawn And Egg Stir-Fry
Juicy prawns and fluffy scrambled eggs come together in this quick, protein-packed stir-fry. Spiced with turmeric, green chilies, and a crackle of cumin, it is a coastal-inspired Indian dish that goes from pan to plate in under 20 minutes.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Season the prawns.
Pat the prawns dry. Toss with a pinch of salt, a pinch of turmeric powder, and a pinch of red chili powder. Set aside for 5 minutes.
- prep · ~1 min
Whisk the eggs.
Crack the eggs into a bowl, add a pinch of salt, and whisk lightly until the yolks and whites are just combined.
TIPDon't over-whisk. A light mix gives the scrambled eggs a better texture. - temper · ~7 min
Temper the cumin and aromatics.
1.Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat.2.Add cumin seeds and let them crackle for 30 seconds.3.Add the sliced onions and slit green chilies. Sauté until the onions turn soft and translucent (4-5 minutes).4.Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears (1 minute). - fry · ~3 min
Fry the prawns.
Add the seasoned prawns to the pan. Sauté on medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Do not overcook.
TIPPrawns cook very fast. Remove them from heat the moment they curl into a 'C' shape and turn pink. - saute · ~2 min
Stir in the eggs.
Lower the heat to medium-low. Push the prawn-onion mixture to one side of the pan. Pour the whisked eggs into the empty space. Let them set for 20 seconds, then gently fold and scramble them, mixing everything together as the eggs cook.
TIPKeep the heat low when adding eggs to prevent them from turning rubbery. Soft, creamy curds are the goal. - garnish
Finish and garnish.
Turn off the heat. Sprinkle generously with chopped fresh coriander leaves and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pat the prawns completely dry before seasoning to ensure they sear, not steam.
- 2Use a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai to maintain even heat for the tempering.
- 3Slit the green chilies lengthwise to infuse heat without overwhelming bites.
- 4Cook the prawns only until they curl into a 'C' shape to avoid tough, rubbery texture.
- 5Add the eggs on low heat and fold gently for soft, creamy curds that coat the prawns.
- 6Serve immediately after garnishing; this dish loses its texture if left to sit.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Reduce oil to 1 teaspoon and use a non-stick pan. Sauté onions in a splash of water, and scramble the eggs without extra oil for a lighter version with the same flavor.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add 100g of chopped, cooked chicken breast or tofu along with the prawns for extra protein. Increase ginger-garlic paste to 1.5 teaspoons to balance the added bulk.
jainJain
Omit the garlic and onion. Use asafoetida (hing) along with cumin seeds for a similar savory depth. Replace onion with finely chopped green capsicum for texture.
veganVegan
Replace eggs with 200g crumbled extra-firm tofu and 2 tablespoons of chickpea flour mixed with 3 tablespoons of water to mimic egg texture. Season tofu with a pinch of kala namak (black salt) for an eggy flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Prawns provide high-quality, low-fat protein essential for muscle repair, while eggs add additional complete protein with all nine essential amino acids.
Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which may support joint health and overall wellness.
Good Source of Iodine
Prawns are naturally rich in iodine, a mineral vital for thyroid function and metabolic health, making this dish beneficial for hormone regulation.
Digestive Aid from Cumin
Cumin seeds stimulate digestive enzymes, aiding in better nutrient absorption and reducing bloating, especially when tempered at the start of cooking.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but thaw them completely in the refrigerator or under cold running water. Pat them very dry before seasoning to avoid excess moisture that can make the stir-fry watery.
