Snack
Crispy Golden Prawn Cutlets

About this dish
These prawn cutlets are a beloved Indian snack, featuring succulent prawns coated in a spiced mashed potato crust and shallow-fried until golden. Originating from Bengali cuisine, they are known as 'Prawn Chop' and are a popular street food and teatime treat.
This recipe brings you that irresistible crispiness and flavour right at home.
Ingredients
UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.
Prawns (raw, peeled, deveined)
protein200 g
Imperial measurement: 7 oz
Potatoes (medium, boiled)
vegetable3
Ginger (grated)
herb1 tbsp
Green chillies (finely chopped)
herb2 tsp
Turmeric powder
spice½ tsp
Fresh coriander leaves (chopped)
herb2 tbsp
Salt
seasoning½ tsp
Lemon juice
liquid1 tsp
Egg (beaten)
dairy1
Breadcrumbs (or panko)
other100 g
Imperial measurement: 1 cup
Oil (for shallow frying)
fatas needed
Method
Prepare the prawns
10 minDice the prawns into small pieces (roughly 1 cm). Massage them with turmeric, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt, then set aside for 10 minutes.
Mash the potatoes
5 minMash the boiled potatoes until smooth but still slightly chunky for texture. Mix in the ginger, green chillies, coriander, salt, and the marinated prawn pieces. Stir well to combine evenly.
Shape the cutlets
5 minDivide the mixture into equal portions, about golf-ball size. Shape each portion into a disc or oval patty about 1 cm thick.
Dip and coat
5 minPrepare two bowls: one with beaten egg, the other with breadcrumbs. Dip each cutlet into the beaten egg, coating all sides, then roll in breadcrumbs to coat evenly. Gently press the breadcrumbs to stick.
Shallow-fry
20 minHeat sufficient oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the cutlets in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and crisp. Let them sizzle away! Drain on paper towel.
Equipment
- frying pan
- mixing bowl
- potato masher
- tongs
Nutrition facts
Tips
- Not muttering but buttering—well, it's all about the crumbs! Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra-shatteringly crunchy coating.
- Ensure the masala potato mix is not too wet.
- If.
- If it is, add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs to tighten the blend, this helps the patties keep a tidy figure when frying.
- One hot tip: fry until the coating is a rich, caramel-brown, you know it's done when it's blistered golden on both sides. Never rush the heat: keep the oil at a steady medium so the inside cooks without burning the outside.
Serving suggestions
- Serve hot with mint-coriander chutney and a squeeze of lemon. They also go wonderfully with ketchup or a squeeze of lemon, especially with a steaming cup of Darjeeling chai.
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Recipe by
Ravi Sharma
Specialises in Indian cuisineRavi is a former IT consultant who now runs a popular YouTube channel called 'Dal-vid'. His tarka technique is flawless.
Describe yourself in three words: Enthusiastic, pun-loving, explains everything twice.