Prawn Dopiaza Recipe – A Flavorful Indian Curry by Chef Alia Kareem

If you love Indian curries that are rich, fragrant, and packed with bold flavors, Prawn Dopiaza is a must-try dish. Traditionally, Dopiaza means “two onions,” highlighting the key technique of using onions in two different ways to add depth and sweetness. While this dish is often made with lamb or chicken, using succulent king prawns brings a touch of luxury and a lighter seafood twist.

In this recipe, Chef Alia Kareem from Infusion Village shares her expert take on this beloved dish, explaining each step with tips on perfecting the flavors. Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or a seasoned chef, this guide will help you create an authentic, restaurant-quality Prawn curry Dopiaza at home.

Ingredients For Dopiaza Prawn Curry Recipe

For the Spice Base:

2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tsp mild curry powder
1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp turmeric
2 tsp garam masala (added at the end for aroma)

For the Curry:

2 large onions (1.5 thickly sliced, 0.5 grated)
1 red bell pepper, thickly sliced
4 garlic cloves, grated
1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
1 tbsp tomato puree
200ml chicken or vegetable stock
300g raw king prawns, deveined
4 tbsp freshly chopped coriander (3 for the sauce, 1 for garnish)
Salt to taste

Also Read: Mary Berry Marble Cake – A Taste of Nostalgia

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Build the Spice Base

Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add all dry spices (except garam masala) and a pinch of salt.
Stir gently for 1-2 minutes until the spices release their aroma. If the pan gets dry, add a tablespoon of water to prevent burning.

Step 2: Sauté Onions & Peppers

Add the thickly sliced onions and red pepper to the pan.
Cook until the onions turn a deep golden brown (about 8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally.
Add the grated garlic, ginger, and tomato puree and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Stir in the grated half-onion and pour in the chicken or vegetable stock.
Lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Add the Prawns & Final Touches

Add the raw king prawns to the sauce and cook for 3-5 minutes until they turn pink and are cooked through.
Stir in garam masala and 3 tbsp of chopped coriander for a final burst of flavor.
Let the curry sit for 2 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with steamed basmati rice or fresh garlic naan.
Garnish with the remaining 1 tbsp of fresh coriander.
For a cooling effect, serve with a side of natural yogurt.

Prawn Dopiaza at a Glance

Feature	Details
Cuisine	Indian
Main Ingredient	King Prawns
Spice Level	Medium
Cooking Time	~30 minutes
Serving Size	2-3 people

Expert Tips from Chef Alia Kareem

✅ Why use two types of onions? Thick slices add texture, while grated onions dissolve into the sauce for a deeper flavor.
✅ How to avoid rubbery prawns? Cook them until just pink (3-5 minutes) and remove from heat immediately.
✅ Want a thicker sauce? Simmer for an extra 5 minutes or mash some onions into the sauce.
✅ Need a milder curry? Reduce chili powder and serve with a spoonful of yogurt.

Also Read: How to Make the Perfect Crab Sweet Corn Soup at Home