Prawn Thokku

Prawn Thokku (Eral Thokku) is a spicy, dry South Indian prawn preparation with a beautifully caramelised masala coating. A Tamil Nadu classic, this dish is best eaten with hot rice and ghee or as a side with idli and dosa.

Ingredients

• 400g medium prawns, cleaned and deveined
• 3 tbsp Precious cold pressed sesame oil
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 2 sprigs curry leaves
• 3 shallots (small onions), finely sliced
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 3 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 2 tsp red chilli powder
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp pepper powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander to garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate cleaned prawns with turmeric, 1/2 tsp red chilli powder, and salt for 15 minutes.
2. Heat sesame oil in a heavy pan over medium flame.
3. Add mustard seeds and curry leaves. Let mustard pop.
4. Add shallots and fry until golden and slightly caramelised.
5. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2 minutes.
6. Add tomatoes and cook until they completely break down and the mixture becomes a thick paste, about 10 minutes.
7. Add remaining red chilli, coriander, cumin, and pepper powders. Mix and cook 2 minutes.
8. Add marinated prawns. Toss well on high heat.
9. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Uncover and cook on high, stirring, until masala coats prawns and dries slightly.
10. Garnish with coriander and serve hot with rice or idli.

Written by

Suren

Suren is the co-founder of KN Agro Concepts and the creator of Precious cold-pressed oils. Based in Tamil Nadu, he has spent years working directly with traditional Mara Chekku wood-press artisans to bring authentic, chemical-free oils from Coimbatore to health-conscious families across India. He writes about cold-pressed oil, traditional Indian food practices, and the science of natural nutrition.

Follow on Facebook →