Goan Prawn Ambot Tik Recipe

Name: Goan Prawn Ambotik Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Prawns, (Deshelled & Deveined); salt to taste; 7-8 Byadagi/Kashmiri red chilies; 1- inch cinnamon; 7 peppercorns; 3 cloves; 1 tsp cumin; 1/4 tsp turmeric; 3 big garlic cloves; 1/2 inch ginger; 1/2 lemon size tamarind (soaked in warm water for 15 minutes.); 2 tsp oil; 1 cup chopped onions; Kokum or lemon juice; 1-2 green chilies (slit); 1 tsp sugar

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Goan Ambot Tik is a classic curry from the beautiful coastal state of Goa, India. Traditionally made with fish like shark or kingfish, this version uses prawns to create a rich and mouthwatering Prawn Ambot tik. It is known for its perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors. Serve this Goan-style tangy and spicy prawn curry with rice or Goan pav/poi and enjoy. Learn to make this flavorful curry with step-by-step photos and a quick video tutorial.

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Goan Ambot Tik (Hot and sour prawn curry with chili and tamarind)
Ambot Tik Ingredients
How to make Goan Prawn Ambotik
Tips to make Best Goan Ambot Tik
Frequently Asked Questions
More Prawn Recipes
Recipe Card

I still remember the first time I tasted ambot tik. It's my Goan neighbor who introduced me to this spicy and tangy prawn curry, and it’s a memory I’ll never forget. One day, she called me over to her kitchen, the air filled with the most amazing aroma. “Come, try this,” she said, handing me a bowl of her freshly cooked prawn ambot tik.

I decided to try making this ambot tik at home following her recipe. When I served it to my family, everyone loved it. The tangy and spicy flavors and the unique blend of spices made this prawn curry an instant hit. Goa is renowned for its rich seafood tradition. For me, weekends often feel incomplete without savoring one of its iconic dishes like Recheado Fish Fry, Goan Stuffed Mackerel, Creamy Prawn Curry, Chicken Xacuti, and King Fish Fry.

Goan Ambot Tik (Hot and sour prawn curry with chili and tamarind)

Goan Ambot Tik, the name says it all: “Ambot” means sour, and “Tik” means spicy in the Konkani language, reflecting the signature taste of this iconic dish. What I love the most about this Goan-style sour and spicy prawn curry is that it uses simple ingredients like red chilies for spiciness, tamarind for tangy flavor, and garlic and is ready within 30 minutes.

Ambot Tik curry is known for its signature balance of tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors. It’s easy to make.

For making prawn ambot tik - Grind a few spices with red chilies, tamarind, and garlic to form a paste. Set this ambot tik paste aside. Now, sauté onions until golden brown, add the paste and cook for two minutes. Add the prawns, simmer them in the ambot tik masala paste, and Prawn Ambot tik is ready to serve.

Ambot Tik Ingredients

The key to a flavorful Goan Prawn Ambot Tik lies in its fresh and aromatic ingredients. This sour and spicy Ambot tik curry traditionally uses fresh fish or prawns. The Ambotik curry is flavored with tamarind pulp for tanginess, dried red chilies for heat, and a blend of Goan spices like cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, and cloves. Here’s what you will need for this recipe.

Fresh Prawns or Fish: Traditionally, shark (Moryeche Ambot Tik) is used, but you can also use other firm white fish, kingfish, or prawns. Choose fresh jumbo/tiger prawns for the best flavors. Do not use small prawns for this recipe. The recipe for Ambotik is largely the same whether you add fish or prawns.
Byadagi/Kashmiri: I used Byadagi red chilies, as they are bright red and mildly spicy. If you want a less spicy version, go for Kashmiri red chilies. This Ambot tik recipe gives you a mildly spicy dish. For a spicy Goan prawn Ambot tik, increase the number of red chilies, and for a less spicy version, decrease the number and skip the addition of green chilies.
Tamarind: It gives the Ambotik curry a tangy flavor. I also used Kokum, which gives the dish a very nice coastal flavor. Substitute with lemon juice.
Spices: I used cinnamon, peppercorns, cloves, and cumin for making the Goan Ambotik masala paste.
Onions: It gives a mild sweet flavor to the prawn ambot tik curry.

For the detailed list of ingredients & their measurements, please check out the recipe card below.

How to make Goan Prawn Ambotik

1) Marinate the prawns with salt. Mix well and set aside. Soak tamarind in warm water for 15 minutes. Squeeze out the pulp and set this aside.

collage image of 2 steps showing marinated prawns and soaking tamarind.

2) In a mixer/blender jar, add byadagi/Kashmiri red chilies, cinnamon, peppercorns, cloves, cumin, turmeric, garlic, and ginger. Grind it without adding water.

collage image of 2 steps showing grinding the ambot tik masala.

3) Add tamarind and water. Grind it to a smooth paste. Set this aside.

collage image of 2 steps showing making the ambot tik paste.

4) Heat 2 teaspoons of oil over medium heat in a heavy-bottom pan. Add the onions and sauté until golden. Add the prepared Ambot tik paste to the pan. Sauté the paste for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly. If the paste sticks to the pan, reduce the heat and add a little water.

collage image of 2 steps showing how to make goan ambot tik curry. It shows sauteing onions and addition of ambot tik masala paste and cooking it.

5) Add the prawns to the pan, stir, and cook for 1 minute.

collage image of 2 steps showing sauteing prawns with ambot tik masala paste.

6) Add water to the blender/food processor, rinse it out, and add the rinse water to the pan. Taste and adjust the salt as needed. Add the kokum and green chilies. Cook for another minute or until the masala comes to a boil.

collage image of 2 steps showing making goan ambot tik curry. It shows addition of water, kokum and green chilies to make prawn ambotik.

7) Add the sugar and stir. Your delicious Prawn Ambot-Tik is now ready to serve. Serve this Goan Ambot tik with rice and enjoy.

collage image of 2 steps showing cooking ambotik curry. It shows addition of sugar and final picture of goan prawn ambotik recipe.

Tips to make Best Goan Ambot Tik

Fresh Fish/Prawns: Use the freshest fish or prawns available. Traditionally, shark is used, but you can also use other firm white fish, kingfish, or jumbo/tiger prawns.
Cook the Ambot Tik paste for a few minutes until the raw smell disappears. This is important to develop the flavors.
Balance the spice and sourness to your taste by adjusting the chilies and tamarind. More chilies for spicy Ambotik and less for mild flavor Ambotik.
Rest the Curry: Allowing the curry to rest for some time after cooking helps the flavors to meld together.
Prepare the ambot tik masala in advance and store it for quick meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why prawns are perfect for ambot tik?

Prawns are an excellent choice for ambot tik because their natural sweetness balances the tangy and spicy flavors of the curry. Unlike other proteins, prawns cook quickly, making them ideal for a fast yet flavorful meal. Their soft, juicy texture absorbs the ambot tik masala beautifully, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor.

Can I make ambot tik with other seafood?

Yes, you can. Ambotik pairs well with fish, squid, or even shellfish. Adjust the cooking time for each type of seafood.

How do I avoid overcooking prawns in ambot tik?

Add prawns at the end of cooking and let them simmer for just 3-4 minutes in the Ambot tik curry.

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For any questions or concerns while making this recipe, please get in touch with me directly at nayakprety@gmail.com. I'll try my best to respond promptly.

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