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Sri Lankan Seafood Boil

A vibrant coastal feast with fresh seafood cooked in aromatic spices and coconut milk

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Sri Lankan Seafood Boil
30 mins Prep & Cook Time
4-6 servings Servings
Medium Spice Level
4.7 Rating

Ingredients

  • 500g prawns, cleaned and deveined
  • 500g crab, cleaned and cut into pieces
  • 500g mussels, cleaned
  • 500g squid, cleaned and sliced
  • 2 large onions, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 2 green chilies, sliced
  • 1 cup thick coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 10-12 curry leaves
  • 1 stick cinnamon
  • 3 cardamom pods
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 2 tbsp Sri Lankan seafood curry powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions

  1. Clean all seafood thoroughly. Marinate with salt, turmeric powder, and lime juice. Set aside for 15 minutes.
  2. Heat coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
  3. Add curry leaves, cinnamon, and cardamom. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Add ginger and garlic, cook for another minute.
  5. Add the seafood curry powder and chili powder. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes to release the aromas.
  6. Add the marinated seafood, starting with the items that take longer to cook (crab first).
  7. Stir well to coat the seafood with the spice mixture. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Add 1 cup of water, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until seafood is cooked through.
  9. Reduce heat to low and add thick coconut milk. Stir gently and simmer for 3-4 minutes (do not boil).
  10. Adjust salt if needed. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with rice or bread.

Chef's Tips

Seafood Selection

Use the freshest seafood available. You can customize with your favorite seafood varieties.

Cooking Order

Add seafood in order of cooking time - start with crab and finish with quick-cooking items like prawns.

Coconut Milk

Add coconut milk at the end and avoid boiling to prevent curdling and maintain creaminess.

Spice Adjustment

Adjust green chilies and chili powder according to your preferred spice level.

Reviews

4.7
Based on 89 reviews
5 stars
78%
4 stars
15%
3 stars
5%
2 stars
2%
1 star
0%

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Recent Reviews

Nishantha Fernando
3 days ago
This recipe reminds me of the seafood boils we used to have in Negombo. The blend of spices with coconut milk is perfect. I added some clams as well and it turned out amazing!
Maria Silva
1 week ago
Excellent recipe! I made it for a dinner party and everyone loved it. The instructions were clear and easy to follow. Will definitely make this again.
James Wilson
2 weeks ago
As someone who loves seafood, this recipe is a winner. The Sri Lankan spices give it a unique flavor that's different from other seafood boils I've tried. Highly recommend!

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