Alleppey Shrimp Curry Recipe

If you're craving something coastal, comforting, and full of bold South Indian flavors, Alleppey Shrimp Curry (also called Alleppey Chemmeen Curry) is a must-try. This authentic Kerala-style prawn curry comes from the backwaters of Alleppey and features tender shrimp simmered in coconut milk, tangy raw mango, and a spice-rich masala that’s both aromatic and soul-satisfying.

Served with steamed rice or Kerala parotta, this curry hits every note — spicy, tangy, creamy, and utterly addictive.

🕐 Prep & Cook Time

1. Serves: 3–4 people

🛒 Ingredients

🦐 For the Shrimp:

1. 400g medium or large prawns/shrimp, cleaned and deveined
2. ¼ tsp turmeric powder
3. ½ tsp salt

🍛 For the Curry:

1. 2 tbsp coconut oil (authentic flavor)
2. ½ tsp mustard seeds
3. 1 sprig curry leaves
4. 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
5. 1–2 green chilies, slit
6. 1 tsp ginger, minced
7. 1 tsp garlic, minced
8. 1 medium tomato, chopped
9. ½ tsp turmeric powder
10. 1 tsp Kashmiri chili powder (for color & mild heat)
11. 1 tsp coriander powder
12. ½ tsp black pepper powder
13. 1 small raw mango, peeled & sliced (or 1 tsp tamarind paste)
14. 1 cup thin coconut milk (first extract)
15. ½ cup thick coconut milk (second extract)
16. Salt to taste

🥥 Optional: A pinch of fenugreek seeds or ½ tsp garam masala for added depth

🔥 Instructions: How to Make Alleppey Shrimp Curry

🔹 Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

1. Toss cleaned prawns with turmeric and salt.
2. Set aside for 10–15 minutes while prepping the masala.

🔹 Step 2: Prepare the Base Masala

1. Heat coconut oil in a pan or clay pot.
2. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add curry leaves, then sauté sliced onions until golden brown.
4. Add green chilies, ginger, and garlic; sauté till fragrant.
5. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft and oil separates.

🔹 Step 3: Add Spices & Mango

1. Mix in turmeric, chili powder, coriander, and pepper. Sauté 1–2 minutes.
2. Add the raw mango slices (or tamarind paste for tang) and stir well.

🔹 Step 4: Simmer in Coconut Milk

1. Pour in thin coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer.
2. Let it cook for 5–6 minutes until the mango softens and the curry thickens slightly.

🔹 Step 5: Add Shrimp & Finish

1. Add marinated shrimp to the simmering curry.
2. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the shrimp turns pink and opaque (do not overcook).
3. Stir in thick coconut milk, simmer for 1–2 minutes, then turn off the heat.

🌿 Garnish with fresh curry leaves or chopped coriander, if desired.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

1. Serve hot with steamed rice, Kerala red rice, or appam
2. Pair with chapathi or Malabar parotta
3. Add a side of cabbage thoran or papadam for a complete Kerala meal

🌀 Tips & Variations

📌 Tags

#alleppeyshrimp #keralacurry #seafoodrecipes #prawnmasala #coconutcurry #coastalflavors #indianseafood #authenticrecipes #shrimpdinner #glutenfree

🗂️ Recipe Metadata

1. Category: Main Course, Curry
2. Cuisine: South Indian, Kerala Cuisine
3. Prep Method: Sauté + Simmer
4. Dietary Tags: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Pescatarian
5. Difficulty: Easy

💬 Final Thoughts

Alleppey Shrimp Curry is the perfect fusion of coastal simplicity and deep flavor — thanks to the tang of mango, the richness of coconut, and the warmth of traditional South Indian spices. It’s comforting, aromatic, and easy enough to make on a weeknight but delicious enough to impress guests.

If you love shrimp and you're in the mood for something unique and full of regional character, this recipe is for you.

📸 Show Us Your Curry!

Made this dish? Share your plate on Instagram using #AlleppeyCurryLove or #BackwaterFlavors — we'd love to see your Kerala kitchen magic!