Kerala Special Dry Prawns Fry | Crispy & Spicy Unakka Chemeen

Looking for a delicious kerala special dry prawns fry recipe? Try this Kerala-style Unakka Chemeen Fry, a crispy and flavorful dish made with dried prawns. This spicy prawn fry pairs perfectly with steamed rice, kumbalanga curry (ash gourd curry), and crispy poppadums. Cooked with shallots, Kashmiri chili, and curry leaves, this traditional Kerala dish is a must-try for seafood lovers. If you enjoy coastal Indian recipes, this dried prawn fry will become a favorite in your kitchen. This recipe serves 2. Read on to learn how to make this easy and tasty unakka chemmeen fry at home!

Dry Prawns Fry – Kerala Unakka Chemeen Recipe

Ingredients

1. Dried prawns – 1 cup (use Dried Prawns | Unakka Chemeen for authentic flavors)
2. Shallots – ¼ cup, chopped
3. Kashmiri chili powder – 1 ½ teaspoons
4. Red chili flakes – ¼ teaspoon
5. Curry leaves – 5–6
6. Coconut oil – as needed
7. Salt – to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Dried Prawns

1. Clean the dried prawns thoroughly by removing any impurities. Wash and sun-dry them before use.
2. Heat a tawa (flat pan) and dry roast the prawns lightly for 1–2 minutes.
3. Remove the roasted prawns from the tawa and discard any bits or legs that fall off during roasting. Set aside.

Step 2: Fry the Dried Prawns

1. Heat 4 tablespoons of coconut oil in a wok over medium heat.
2. Add the roasted prawns to the hot oil and deep fry until they turn crispy. Be careful not to over-fry, as it can make them bitter.
3. Remove the crispy fried prawns from the wok and set them aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Masala

1. In a mortar and pestle, combine chopped shallots, Kashmiri chili powder, red chili flakes, and a pinch of salt. Smash into a coarse masala paste.
2. Add more coconut oil to the wok (if needed) and heat it over medium flame.
3. Add the masala paste to the hot oil and fry lightly until aromatic. Be careful not to burn the spices.
4. Add curry leaves to the masala and fry briefly.

Step 4: Combine Prawns with Masala

1. Add the fried prawns to the wok with the masala mixture. Toss well to coat the prawns evenly in the spicy masala.
2. Taste and adjust salt if necessary (note that dried prawns are naturally salty).

Serving Suggestions

Serve this crispy and flavorful Dry Prawns Fry with steamed rice, kumbalanga curry (ash gourd curry), or poppadums for a complete Kerala-style meal.

This Kerala-style Dry Prawns Fry (Unakka Chemeen Fry) is a quick, flavorful dish that perfectly captures the essence of traditional coastal cuisine. The combination of crispy fried prawns with spicy masala and aromatic curry leaves makes it an irresistible side dish for any meal.

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Bring home our high-quality dried seafood today and enjoy this authentic Kerala delicacy!