Prawn Biryani Recipe

Prawn Biryani is a flavorful and aromatic seafood dish made with juicy prawns, fragrant basmati rice, and a blend of traditional spices. Unlike meat-based biryanis, this dish cooks quickly, making it perfect for a delicious and special meal. The prawns are marinated in rich spices, cooked with caramelized onions, tomatoes, and yogurt, then layered with saffron-infused rice for a mouthwatering experience. Serve it with raita or a simple salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Prawn Biryani Recipe

Prawn Biryani Recipe

Ingredients

For Marination

  • 500g prawns (cleaned and deveined)
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

For Rice

  • 2 cups basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
  • 4 cups water
  • 2-3 cloves
  • 2-3 green cardamoms
  • 1-inch cinnamon stick
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For Cooking

  • 3 tablespoons oil or ghee
  • 2 onions (thinly sliced)
  • 2 tomatoes (chopped)
  • 2 green chilies (slit)
  • ½ cup yogurt
  • ½ teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon biryani masala
  • ½ teaspoon cumin powder
  • ½ teaspoon coriander powder
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • ½ cup mint leaves (chopped)
  • ½ cup coriander leaves (chopped)
  • A pinch of saffron (soaked in 2 tablespoons warm milk)
  • 1 tablespoon kewra water (optional)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Prawns

  1. In a bowl, mix turmeric, red chili powder, salt, lemon juice, and ginger-garlic paste.
  2. Add the cleaned prawns, coat well, and marinate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

  1. Boil 4 cups of water in a pot. Add cloves, cardamoms, cinnamon, bay leaf, and salt.
  2. Add the soaked basmati rice and cook until 70% done (the rice should be firm when pressed).
  3. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Prawns

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons oil or ghee in a pan.
  2. Add marinated prawns and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Biryani Masala

  1. In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon oil/ghee and sauté the sliced onions until golden brown. Remove half for garnish.
  2. Add green chilies and chopped tomatoes, cook until soft.
  3. Stir in yogurt, garam masala, biryani masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric, mint, and coriander leaves.
  4. Add the cooked prawns back into the pan and mix well.

Step 5: Layer the Biryani

  1. In a large pot, spread a layer of prawn masala at the bottom.
  2. Add a layer of cooked rice on top.
  3. Sprinkle the reserved fried onions, saffron milk, and kewra water over the rice.
  4. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.

Step 6: Dum Cooking (Slow Cooking)

  1. Cover the pot with a tight lid or seal with dough to trap the steam.
  2. Cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes.
  3. Turn off the heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before opening.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

  1. Gently mix the biryani before serving.
  2. Serve hot with raita, salad, or a squeeze of lemon for a delicious meal!