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Shrimp Masala

Shrimp masala is a quick, spice-infused dish where tender shrimp soak up aromatic tomato and spice flavors, resulting in a glossy, flavorful sauce. The dish comes together rapidly, with the shrimp remaining juicy and the sauce rich and fragrant, perfect for a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g shrimp wild-caught, peeled and deveined
  • 400 g crushed tomatoes or fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 tbsp garam masala aromatic spice blend
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 0.5 tsp chili powder adjust to taste
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 inch ginger freshly grated

Equipment

  • Wide skillet
  • Spatula
  • Knife
  • Chopping board
  • Can opener

Method
 

  1. Heat a wide skillet over medium heat and add vegetable oil. Once shimmering, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent and golden, about 8 minutes, filling the kitchen with a sweet, caramelized aroma.
  2. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant, with the mixture bubbling gently and filling the air with a spicy aroma.
  3. Sprinkle in the garam masala, turmeric, ground coriander, and chili powder. Stir well to coat the aromatics and cook for 30 seconds until the spices release their aroma and darken slightly, creating a fragrant base.
  4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine with the spice mixture. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, until it thickens slightly and develops a rich, smoky aroma.
  5. Increase the heat to medium and add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, turning once, until the shrimp turn pink, opaque, and are just cooked through. The sauce should shimmer and cling to each piece.
  6. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the dish and squeeze fresh lemon juice if desired. Give everything a gentle stir, letting the flavors meld for a minute off the heat, filling the air with vibrant spice and citrus aromas.
  7. Serve immediately with steamed rice or naan, enjoying the glossy, fragrant sauce and tender shrimp in every bite.

Notes

For an extra smoky flavor, toast the garam masala in the pan before adding the liquids. Adjust chili to taste for more heat. Use fresh, firm shrimp for best texture.