Prawn Ambot Tik is a traditional spicy and sour prawn curry from Goa. It is usually made with fish like shark or kingfish, but this version uses prawns. This curry comes together in 30 minutes and is perfect for a quick meal. Serve with steamed rice or Pav/Poi.
I still remember the first time I tasted Goan prawn ambot tik. My Goan neighbour made this spicy and tangy prawn curry and called me to try it. The aroma in her kitchen was amazing, and one bite was enough to make me fall in love with this dish.
Since then, this spicy prawn curry has become one of my favourite Goan curries. Unlike a regular Goan prawn curry made with coconut, this ambot tik is made without coconut. If you want to try the traditional Goan version, check my shark ambot tik recipe.
I tried making this ambot tik at home using her recipe. The tangy and spicy flavours came out really well and reminded me of her cooking.
Since then, I have been making this hot & sour Goan prawn curry often at home. If you enjoy Goan seafood, you can also try my recheado fish fry, Goan stuffed mackerel, Goan clam curry and Kingfish fry.
Quick Look: Prawn Ambot Tik Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: ~320 330 kcal per serving
- Key Ingredients: Prawns, red chillies, garlic, tamarind, spices
- Cooking Method: Marinate prawns → make ambot tik masala paste → sauté onions → add paste and cook 2-3 mins → add prawns → simmer on stovetop
- Flavor Profile: Spicy and tangy
- Difficulty: Easy
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Disclaimer: AI summaries may contain errors. Please check the original Goan Prawn Ambot Tik recipe for accurate steps.
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Goan Ambot Tik (Hot and Sour Prawn Curry)
Ambot Tik means a spicy and sour curry in Konkani. "Ambot" means sour, and "tik" means spicy, which describes the flavour of this dish.
What I love about this Goan prawn curry is how simple it is to make. It uses basic ingredients like red chillies, garlic, and tamarind, and comes together quickly. If you like spicy, tangy Goan curries without coconut, you may also enjoy Goan Chicken Vindaloo.
Ambot Tik Ingredients
The flavour of this sour and spicy ambot tik curry comes from its simple and aromatic ingredients. This recipe is made with prawns or fish and gets its spicy and tangy taste from dried red chillies, tamarind, and Goan spices. Here’s what you will need for this recipe.
See the recipe card at the end of the post for full ingredients, quantities, and a printable version.
- Fresh Prawns or Fish: Fresh prawns or fish are used for making Goan Ambot Tik. Traditionally, shark is a classic choice for Moryeche Ambot Tik. You can also use kingfish, any firm white fish.
- For the best flavour, use jumbo or tiger prawns. Do not use small prawns for this sour and spicy Goan prawn curry. The basic Ambot Tik masala remains the same whether you use fish or prawns.
- Byadagi/Kashmiri: I used Byadagi red chillies for this recipe as they give a bright red colour and mild heat. You can also use Kashmiri red chillies for a milder version. For a spicier Goan ambot tik, increase the number of chillies. For a less spicy version, reduce the chillies and skip green chillies if using.
- Tamarind: It gives this Goan prawn curry a tangy flavor. I also used Kokum, which gives the prawn curry a very nice coastal flavor. Substitute with lemon juice.
- Spices: I used cinnamon, peppercorns, cloves, and cumin for making the Goan Ambot tik masala paste.
How to make Goan Prawn Ambot Tik (Step-by-Step Recipe)
Step 1: Marinate the prawns with a little salt. Mix well and set aside (image 1). Soak tamarind in warm water for 15 minutes. Squeeze out the pulp and set this aside (image 2).
Step 2: In a mixer/blender jar, add byadagi/Kashmiri red chilies, cinnamon, peppercorns, cloves, cumin, turmeric, garlic, and ginger. Grind it without adding water (images 3 & 4).
Step 3: Add tamarind and water. Grind it to a smooth paste. Set this aside (images 5 & 6).
Step 4: Heat 2 teaspoons of oil over medium heat in a heavy-bottom pan. Add the onions and sauté until golden (image 7).
Step 5: 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 (image 8).
Step 6: Add the prawns to the pan, stir, and cook for 1 minute (image 9 & 10).
Step 7: Add water to the blender/food processor, rinse it out, and add the rinse water to the pan (image 11). Taste and adjust the salt as needed.
Step 8: Add the kokum and green chilies (image 12). Cook for another minute or until the masala comes to a boil.
Step 9: Add the sugar and stir. Your delicious Prawn curry is now ready to serve (images 13 & 14). Serve this Goan Ambot tik with rice and enjoy.
Tips to make Best Prawn 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 Ambot tik and less for mild flavor Ambot tik.
Recipe FAQs
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 quick meal. Their soft, juicy texture absorbs the ambot tik masala, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor.
Yes, you can. Ambot tik pairs well with fish, squid, or even shellfish. Adjust the cooking time for each type of seafood.
Add prawns at the end of cooking and let them simmer for just 3-4 minutes in the Ambot tik curry.
Recipe Card
Prawn Ambot Tik Recipe (Spicy & Tangy Goan Prawn Curry)
Video
Equipment
- 1 Heavy bottom pan/pot
Ingredients
To marinate prawns
- 1 cup prawns, (deshelled & deveined)
- salt to taste
For Ambot tik masala
- 7-8 Byadagi/Kashmiri red chilies
- 1- inch cinnamon
- 7 peppercorns
- 3 cloves
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- 3 big garlic cloves
- ½ inch ginger
- ½ lemon sized ball of tamarind (soaked in warm water for 15 minutes.)
For the curry
- 2 teaspoon oil
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 2-3 petals Kokum (Substitute: lemon juice)
- 1-2 green chilies slit
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Marinate the prawns with salt. Mix well and set aside.1 cup prawns,, salt to taste
- In a mixer/blender jar, add byadagi/Kashmiri red chilies, cinnamon, peppercorns, cloves, cumin, turmeric, garlic and ginger. Grind it without adding water.7-8 Byadagi/Kashmiri red chilies, 1- inch cinnamon, 7 peppercorns, 3 cloves, 1 teaspoon cumin, ¼ teaspoon turmeric, 3 big garlic cloves, ½ inch ginger
- Add tamarind and water. Grind it to a smooth paste. Set this aside.½ lemon sized ball of tamarind
- In a heavy bottom pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until onions are golden.2 teaspoon oil, 1 cup chopped onions
- Add the prepared ambot tik paste to the pan. Sauté the paste for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. If the paste starts to stick to the pan, reduce the heat and add a little water.
- Add the prawns to the pan, stir, and cook for 1 minute. 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. Add the sugar and stir. Your delicious Ambot tik is now ready to serve. Serve with rice and enjoy.2-3 petals Kokum , 1-2 green chilies, 1 teaspoon sugar
Notes
- 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 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 chilies and tamarind. More chilies for spicy Ambot tik and less for mild flavor.
- 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.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Preeti
Who doesn't love Ambotik? It's so flavorful and easy to make, and with just a few ingredients, it tastes delicious. Give it a try, you will love it!