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close-up of goan prawn ambot tik in a skillet.
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Goan Prawn Ambotik Recipe

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 Ambotik. It is known for its perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors. Serve this Goan-style 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.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: Goan, Indian
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 138kcal
Author: Preeti

Equipment

  • 1 Heavy bottom pan/pot

Ingredients

To marinate prawns

  • 1 cup Prawns, Deshelled & Deveined
  • salt to taste

For Ambotik 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 size tamarind soaked in warm water for 15 minutes.

For the curry

  • 2 teaspoon oil
  • 1 cup chopped onions
  • Kokum or lemon juice
  • 1-2 green chilies slit
  • 1 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

  • Marinate the prawns with salt. Mix well and set aside.
  • In a mixer/blender jar, add byadagi/Kashmiri red chilies, cinnamon, peppercorns, cloves, cumin, turmeric, garlic and ginger. Grind it without adding water.
  • Add tamarind and water. Grind it to a smooth paste. Set this aside.
  • In a heavy bottom pan, heat 2 teaspoons of oil over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until onions are golden.
  • 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 Prawn Ambot-Tik is now ready to serve. Serve with rice and enjoy.

Video

Notes

  1. 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.
  2. Cook the Ambot Tik paste for a few minutes until the raw smell disappears. This is important to develop the flavors.
  3. Balance the spice and sourness to your taste by adjusting chilies and tamarind. More chilies for spicy Ambotik and less for mild flavor Ambotik.
  4. Rest the Curry: Allowing the curry to rest for some time after cooking helps the flavors to meld together.
  5. Prepare the Ambot tik masala in advance and store it for quick meals.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 138kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 410mg | Potassium: 536mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 866IU | Vitamin C: 134mg | Calcium: 73mg | Iron: 2mg