Among the many vibrant coastal dishes from India, prawn koliwada holds a special place for seafood lovers. Known for its bright colour, crispy texture, and irresistible flavours, this iconic recipe is believed to have originated in the Koli fishing community of Maharashtra.

At Saagar in Phuket, we take pride in bringing this bold and zesty dish to our guests, prepared with the freshest local ingredients and authentic spice blends. Whether you’ve searched for prawns koliwada near me or simply want to understand what makes this dish special, this guide walks you through everything—from preparation to serving.

A Coastal Classic with Vibrant Flavours

Prawns koliwada is a starter that combines tangy, spicy, and slightly smoky flavours. The taste comes from a carefully balanced marinade made with yogurt, gram flour, red chilli, ginger, garlic, and aromatic spices. When fried till crisp, the prawns develop a delightful crunch while remaining tender inside. This makes it a favourite for both seafood beginners and seasoned diners.

While there are many variations such as prawns koliwada gravy recipe or tandoor-style versions, the classic fried version remains the most loved. At Saagar, our chefs stick to traditional techniques but enhance the flavours with premium spices and high-quality prawns sourced from trusted suppliers in Phuket.

Ingredients for Authentic Prawns Koliwada

To prepare a delicious batch at home, you’ll need:

• Fresh prawns, cleaned and deveined
• Yogurt
• Gram flour
• Ginger-garlic paste
• Red chilli powder
• Turmeric
• Coriander powder
• Salt
• Lemon juice
• A touch of baking soda
• Oil for frying

This combination creates the signature taste and texture that has made the prawns koliwada recipe famous across India and beyond.

Step-by-Step Prawns Koliwada Recipe

1. Prepare the Marinade

Start by mixing yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, turmeric, red chilli powder, and coriander powder. The yogurt helps tenderize the prawns while the spices add rich flavour. This is the same base used in many traditional koliwada-style preparations.

2. Coat the Prawns

Add the cleaned prawns to the marinade and ensure each piece is fully coated. Let them rest for at least 20–30 minutes. This allows the flavours to penetrate deeply and enhances the final taste.

3. Add Gram Flour

Before frying, mix gram flour into the marinated prawns. This step gives the dish its iconic crispy exterior. A pinch of baking soda improves the lightness and helps achieve that restaurant-style crunch.

4. Fry Until Crisp

Heat oil and fry the prawns on medium heat until golden and crisp. Avoid overcrowding the pan so that the coating remains crunchy and the prawns cook evenly.

5. Serve with Accompaniments

Traditionally, prawns koliwada is served with lemon wedges and sliced onions. At Saagar, we serve it with fresh coriander, a light dip, and a touch of coastal seasoning for an elevated dining experience.

Why People Love Prawns Koliwada

One reason this dish is so popular is its versatility. It can be enjoyed as a snack, starter, or even paired with rice and curries. Many guests who ask us how to make prawns koliwada are surprised at how simple the method actually is—yet the flavours feel restaurant-level fancy.

Another benefit is that it pairs beautifully with many Indian and Thai dishes, making it an ideal addition to a diverse dining table.

Tips for Perfecting the Dish at Home

• Use fresh prawns for the best texture.
• Don’t skip the yogurt—it is key to balancing heat and acidity.
• Fry on medium flame to prevent the coating from burning.
• Serve immediately for maximum crispiness.

These small details significantly influence the final outcome and elevate your dish to the same standard we aim for at Saagar.

Prawns Koliwada at Saagar, Phuket

If you’re in Phuket and searching for authentic Indian seafood, Saagar offers a carefully curated menu that brings together flavours from different regions of India. Our version of prawns koliwada keeps the traditional roots intact while celebrating the freshness of Thai seafood.

Guests often ask for how to make prawns koliwada very simple recipe, and while the home version is quite straightforward, the restaurant version adds refined touches that enhance aroma and presentation. Whether you prefer a mild spice level or want the full koli-style punch, our chefs customise it to your taste.

FAQs

1. How to make prawns koliwada?

Marinate cleaned prawns with yogurt, spices, and gram flour, then fry until golden and crispy.

2. How to make prawns koliwada very simple recipe?

Use a basic mix of yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, chilli, turmeric, and gram flour before frying on medium heat.

3. How to prepare prawns koliwada?

Combine marinade ingredients, coat the prawns, let them rest, and fry until crisp.

4. How to make prawns koliwada video?

There are many online videos that demonstrate the steps visually, but the recipe explained above covers the essential technique used by professionals.

5. How to make prawns koliwada at home?

Just follow the marinade and frying method—fresh prawns and the right spice balance make all the difference.