Prawn Moilee (Kerala Coconut Milk Prawn Curry)

Kerala prawn moilee is a gently spiced coconut milk curry, known for its pale golden sauce, fresh curry leaf fragrance and clean seafood flavour. Rather than relying on heavy heat, it uses ginger, garlic, green chilli and turmeric to season the coconut-rich gravy, with tomato adding softness and lime bringing a bright finish. The prawns are added at the end so they stay tender and just opaque, making the dish light enough for everyday cooking yet distinctive enough to serve as part of a larger Indian meal. Steamed rice is the natural partner, catching the creamy sauce without overpowering it.
Cuisine style Kerala home-style curry
Spice level Mild
Cooking style One-pot cooking • Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Aromatic base: Onion, ginger, garlic, curry leaves and green chilli are cooked before the coconut milk goes in, giving the sauce fragrance without overpowering the prawns.
  • Light creamy sauce: Coconut milk creates a smooth, mellow gravy that carries the turmeric and aromatics while keeping the curry delicate.
  • Fast final cooking: The prawns only need a short simmer at the end, so the curry comes together quickly and keeps their texture tender.
  • Bright finish: Ripe tomato and lime cut through the coconut milk, adding freshness to the mild, creamy sauce.

Get the most out of this recipe

Adjust the heat

  • For less heat: Use a smaller green chilli or remove it before serving once it has scented the sauce.
  • For more warmth: Add an extra green chilli or leave the slit chilli in the curry while it rests for a slightly stronger heat.

Ingredient notes

  • Choose raw prawns: Raw prawns work best because they cook directly in the sauce and absorb the aromatics without becoming tough from reheating.
  • Curry leaves matter: Fresh curry leaves give moilee its distinctive South Indian fragrance; dried leaves are much less aromatic.
  • Use good coconut milk: A full-flavoured coconut milk gives the sauce body and a clean coconut taste without needing cream.

Texture tips

  • Keep the simmer gentle: Once the coconut milk is added, avoid a hard boil so the sauce stays smooth and glossy.
  • Watch the prawns closely: Remove the curry from the heat as soon as the prawns are pink and opaque; they will finish gently in the residual heat.

Make-ahead tips

  • Make the sauce first: The coconut sauce can be prepared ahead and refrigerated, then brought back to a gentle simmer before adding the prawns.
  • Reheat gently: Warm leftovers over a low heat until piping hot, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened. Avoid boiling to keep the prawns tender.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Thinly slice the onion. Peel and finely grate the ginger, finely grate the garlic, and slit the green chilli lengthways; pick the curry leaves from their stems.
  2. Heat the coconut oil in a saucepan over a medium heat. Add the onion with a pinch of the salt and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring, until softened and lightly golden.
  3. Stir in the ginger, garlic, green chilli and curry leaves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the tomato and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it breaks down into a jammy base.
  4. Stir in the turmeric and remaining salt, then pour in the coconut milk. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce looks slightly thicker and glossy.
  5. Add the prawns and simmer gently for 2 to 4 minutes, just until pink and opaque. Take off the heat, squeeze in lime juice to taste, and rest for 2 minutes before serving.

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Recipe notes

Serving suggestions

This recipe pairs well with:

Steamed rice

Tips

  • Keep the curry at a gentle simmer once the coconut milk is in; a hard boil can cause it to split.
  • For the most tender result, add the prawns only at the end and stop cooking as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
  • If serving vulnerable groups, make sure the prawns are cooked through and piping hot before eating.

Substitutions

  • Replace Coconut oil with Olive oil for a less coconut-forward base.
  • Replace Lime with Lemon for a similar bright finish.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 2 days
  • Cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over a low heat until piping hot, adding a splash of water if needed; avoid boiling to keep the prawns tender.

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Prawn Moilee (Kerala Coconut Milk Prawn Curry)
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 3 servings
  • Total time: 35min (25min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Allergens:
    Crustaceans
Beginner friendly With serving suggestions One pot

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