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30-Minute Spicy Shrimp Masala Recipe

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3.8 from 4 reviews

This 30-Minute Spicy Shrimp Masala is a flavorful and aromatic Indian-inspired dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a rich tomato-based masala sauce with garlic, ginger, and a blend of warm spices. Perfect when served over basmati rice or with naan, this recipe combines a spicy kick with a zest of lemon for a satisfying meal.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Masala Base

  • ¼ cup oil
  • 3 roma tomatoes, diced
  • 1 tablespoon garlic paste
  • 2 tablespoons grated ginger
  • 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
  • ⅓ cup water
  • ½ teaspoon coriander powder
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1½ teaspoons cumin powder

Shrimp and Seasoning

  • 16 ounces shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon fenugreek leaves, crushed
  • ½ teaspoon garam masala
  • 2 teaspoons chaat masala
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Chopped cilantro, for garnish

Serving Suggestion

  • Prepared basmati rice or naan bread

Instructions

  1. Make the Masala: Heat the oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Carefully add the diced tomatoes to avoid oil splattering. Stir the tomatoes continuously, allowing them to cook down and thicken into a paste, which should take about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Season the Masala: Add the garlic paste, grated ginger, and minced jalapeno to the tomato paste, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then stir in the coriander powder, turmeric, red pepper flakes, and cumin powder. Pour in the water to prevent the spices from burning and stir well.
  3. Cook the Shrimp: Allow the water to evaporate over approximately 5 minutes, then add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the shrimp are fully coated with the tomato masala and cooked through.
  4. Finish and Garnish: Season the cooked shrimp masala with salt, crushed fenugreek leaves, garam masala, and chaat masala. Turn off the stove then stir in the lemon juice. Garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve the spicy shrimp masala warm with prepared basmati rice or naan bread.

Notes

  • Make sure the shrimp is peeled and deveined for best texture and flavor.
  • Adjust the level of red pepper flakes and jalapeno to control the spiciness of the dish.
  • Fenugreek leaves add a distinctive aroma; crushing them between your fingers releases their flavor better.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
  • For a richer flavor, you can use ghee instead of oil.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian