Prawn Balchão brings together the deep, tangy notes of malt vinegar, dried chillies, and warm spices; a festive Goan classic usually cooked during Christmas. The prawns soak up the pickled masala quickly, giving you a sharp, bold flavour that pairs well with both rice and bread. This version keeps the process simple while staying true to the dish’s punchy roots.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
20–25 piecesPrawns (medium, shelled & deveined)
to tasteSalt
2 Cinnamon sticks (one-inch each)
5–6Cloves
1 tspCumin seeds
1 tspMustard seeds
7–8 clovesGarlic (chopped)
1 inchGinger (chopped)
6–8Dried red chillies (soaked)
½ cupMalt vinegar
½ cupOil
2 mediumOnions (finely chopped)
1 largeTomato (chopped)
2 tspSugar
Follow
Directions
Description - Step 1
Step 1: Season Prawns
Place the cleaned prawns in a mixing bowl and sprinkle salt evenly. Toss gently with your fingers so the seasoning coats each piece. Let them rest on the counter for a few minutes while you prepare the spice paste. This quick salting step helps the prawns firm up when they hit the pan.
Description - Step 2
Step 2: Grind Spice Paste
Add cinnamon, cloves, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, garlic, ginger, soaked dried chillies, and malt vinegar to a mixer jar. Grind until the mixture turns into a smooth, fiery paste. Scrape down the sides if needed. The vinegar binds the spices and acts as the base of Balchão’s pickled flavour.
Description - Step 3
Step 3: Sauté Prawns
Warm oil in a wide non-stick pan and slide in the prawns. Sauté them just until they turn light pink; avoid cooking through completely. Remove them onto a plate. This partial cooking keeps the prawns tender later, preventing them from turning rubbery when mixed with the Balchão masala.
Description - Step 4
Step 4: Cook Onions & Tomato
Using the same oil, add the chopped onions and sauté until they soften and turn translucent. Stir in the chopped tomato and a small pinch of salt. Cook until the tomato collapses and becomes pulpy. This forms the mild base that balances the heat of the spice paste.
Description - Step 5
Step 5: Add Balchão Paste
Spoon in the ground paste and mix it thoroughly with the onion-tomato mixture. Sauté until the oil begins to separate; this step is key for bringing out the vinegar and chilli flavours fully. Once the masala thickens, add the prawns and sugar. Stir and cook for a couple of minutes on low heat.
Description - Step 6
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Transfer the Balchão to a bowl. Though it tastes great right away, letting it rest for a few hours allows the prawns to absorb the pickled masala even better. Serve warm for a festive meal.