Dive into the rich and creamy flavors of Udang Masak Lemak Nenas, a delightful prawn and pineapple coconut curry. This dish combines the sweetness of pineapple with the savory taste of prawns, all enveloped in a luscious coconut milk base. Perfect for a comforting meal, this recipe brings a taste of tropical paradise to your table.
If you don't usually stock prawns or pineapple at home, you'll need to pick these up at the supermarket. Fresh prawns are essential for the best flavor, and you can find them in the seafood section. Pineapple can be found in the produce section, either whole or pre-cut. Make sure to get coconut milk from the international or Asian foods aisle.

Ingredients For Udang Masak Lemak Nenas
Prawns: Fresh seafood that adds a sweet and briny flavor to the dish.
Pineapple: Provides a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory elements.
Coconut milk: Creates a rich and creamy base for the curry.
Cooking oil: Used to sauté the aromatics and enhance their flavors.
Onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth to the curry.
Garlic: Infuses the dish with a pungent and aromatic flavor.
Ginger: Adds a warm and spicy undertone.
Curry powder: The primary spice blend that gives the curry its distinctive flavor.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
Sugar: Balances the savory and spicy elements with a touch of sweetness.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When sautéing the onions, garlic, and ginger, make sure to cook them until they are golden brown and fragrant. This step is crucial as it forms the flavor base for the curry. Stir continuously to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. This will enhance the overall taste and aroma of your Udang Masak Lemak Nenas.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
prawns - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast can provide a similar protein content and texture when cooked, making it a suitable alternative for those who do not consume seafood.
prawns - Substitute with tofu: Tofu is a great plant-based alternative that absorbs flavors well and provides a similar texture to prawns when cooked.
pineapple - Substitute with mango: Mango offers a similar sweetness and tropical flavor, making it a good alternative to pineapple in the curry.
pineapple - Substitute with apple: Apples can provide a sweet and slightly tart flavor, which can complement the curry well.
coconut milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used for a lighter, nutty flavor, though it will be less creamy than coconut milk.
coconut milk - Substitute with evaporated milk: Evaporated milk can provide a creamy texture similar to coconut milk, though it lacks the coconut flavor.
cooking oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a versatile cooking oil that can be used in place of regular cooking oil for a slightly different flavor profile.
cooking oil - Substitute with ghee: Ghee adds a rich, buttery flavor to the dish and can be used as a substitute for cooking oil.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions, making them a good alternative.
onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a similar texture and a milder flavor, suitable for those who prefer a less pungent taste.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, though it will have a slightly different intensity and flavor.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can add a similar aromatic quality to the dish, though they are milder than garlic.
ginger - Substitute with galangal: Galangal has a similar spicy and aromatic quality to ginger, making it a suitable substitute.
ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used in place of fresh ginger, though it will have a slightly different intensity and flavor.
curry powder - Substitute with garam masala: Garam masala provides a complex blend of spices that can mimic the flavor profile of curry powder.
curry powder - Substitute with turmeric and cumin: A combination of turmeric and cumin can replicate the earthy and slightly spicy flavor of curry powder.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor to the dish, though it will also add a different depth of flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct substitute for regular salt, providing a similar level of salinity.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a slightly different flavor profile to the dish.
sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can provide a similar sweetness with a unique, rich flavor.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
Allow the prawn and pineapple coconut curry to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to a watery curry when reheated.
Transfer the cooled curry into airtight containers. For best results, use containers that are just the right size to minimize air space, which can cause freezer burn.
If you plan to consume the curry within a few days, store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
For longer storage, place the airtight containers in the freezer. The curry can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of flavor or texture.
When ready to reheat, thaw the curry in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing helps maintain the integrity of the prawns and pineapple chunks.
Reheat the curry on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Avoid using high heat, as this can cause the coconut milk to separate.
If the curry appears too thick after reheating, you can add a splash of coconut milk or water to achieve the desired consistency.
Always taste and adjust the seasoning after reheating. Sometimes, a pinch of salt or a dash of sugar can help revive the flavors.
Avoid reheating the curry multiple times, as this can overcook the prawns and make them tough. Reheat only the portion you plan to consume.
Label your containers with the date of storage to keep track of freshness, especially if you have multiple batches stored.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Gently reheat the prawn and pineapple coconut curry on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent the coconut milk from separating. This method preserves the texture and flavor of the prawns and pineapple chunks.
Use a microwave-safe dish to reheat the curry in the microwave. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until the curry is heated through. This method is quick but be cautious not to overcook the prawns.
For a more controlled reheating, use a double boiler. Place the curry in a heatproof bowl and set it over a pot of simmering water. Stir occasionally until the curry is warmed through. This gentle method helps maintain the integrity of the coconut milk and prevents curdling.
If you have an oven, preheat it to 150°C (300°F). Transfer the curry to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. This method is ideal for reheating larger portions without compromising the dish's quality.
For a quick fix, you can use a steamer. Place the curry in a heatproof dish and steam for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps retain the moisture and flavor of the prawn and pineapple coconut curry.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Pot: Used for cooking the curry and simmering the ingredients together.
Cooking spoon: Essential for stirring the ingredients to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.
Knife: Necessary for chopping the onion, mincing the garlic and ginger, and cutting the pineapple into chunks.
Cutting board: Provides a safe and stable surface for chopping and mincing ingredients.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the curry powder, salt, and sugar accurately.
Measuring cup: Used to measure the coconut milk to ensure the correct amount is added.
Bowl: Handy for holding the cleaned and deveined prawns before adding them to the pot.
Spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of the pot and ensuring all ingredients are well mixed.
Stove: Provides the heat source for cooking the curry.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Prep ingredients ahead: Clean and devein prawns and cut pineapple chunks in advance to save time during cooking.
Use pre-minced garlic and ginger: Opt for store-bought minced garlic and ginger to cut down on prep time.
Measure spices beforehand: Measure out the curry powder, salt, and sugar before you start cooking to streamline the process.
Simmer while prepping: Start simmering the coconut milk while you sauté the aromatics to save a few minutes.

Udang Masak Lemak Nenas Recipe (Prawn & Pineapple Coconut Curry)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 500 g Prawns, cleaned and deveined
- 200 g Pineapple, cut into chunks
- 400 ml Coconut milk
- 2 tablespoon Cooking oil
- 1 Onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 inch Ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoon Curry powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
- Add curry powder and stir for 2 minutes.
- Pour in coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
- Add prawns and pineapple chunks. Cook until prawns are done, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season with salt and sugar. Serve hot.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Recipe
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