Shrimp Biryani: A Seafood Lover’s Delight with Bold Flavors
Biryani, the iconic South Asian dish, is loved for its aromatic rice, tender meat, and flavorful spices. Shrimp Biryani takes this traditional favorite to the next level, combining succulent shrimp with fragrant basmati rice and a blend of spices that will leave you craving more.
Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or treating yourself to a delicious meal, this Shrimp Biryani recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
500g Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
2 cups basmati rice (washed and soaked for 30 minutes)
3 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
1 large onion (thinly sliced)
2 tomatoes (chopped)
2 green chilies (slit)
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup chopped cilantro (fresh coriander)
1/4 cup chopped mint leaves
1/4 cup fried onions (for garnish)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
4 cups water (for cooking rice)
Salt to taste
For the Rice:
1-2 bay leaves
4-5 cloves
2-3 cardamom pods
1 cinnamon stick
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the bay leaves, cloves, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick to the water for extra fragrance. Once the water is boiling, add the soaked rice and cook until it’s about 70% done (the rice should still have a bite). Drain the rice and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee or oil in a large pan. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they are slightly pink but not fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Biryani Masala
In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of ghee or oil. Fry the sliced onions until they turn golden brown, about 7-8 minutes. Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute until fragrant. Then, add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and turn into a thick paste.
Now, add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Stir well and cook the masala for 3-4 minutes until the spices release their aroma. Stir in the yogurt and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the yogurt to blend into the masala.
Step 4: Layer the Biryani
Once the masala is ready, gently fold in the cooked shrimp. Add half of the chopped cilantro and mint leaves, followed by the lemon juice. Now, it’s time to layer the biryani.
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, layer half of the cooked rice at the bottom. Next, spread the shrimp masala over the rice. Top with the remaining rice, pressing it down gently. Sprinkle the remaining cilantro, mint, and fried onions on top of the rice.
Step 5: Dum Cooking (Slow Cooking)
Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid to seal in the flavors. You can also place a heavy pan or tava (griddle) under the pot to avoid direct heat. Cook the biryani on low heat for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If you have a dough, you can seal the edges of the pot to trap the steam inside for even more flavorful biryani.
Step 6: Serve
Once the biryani is ready, gently fluff the rice with a fork, ensuring the shrimp and rice are evenly mixed. Serve your Shrimp Biryani hot, garnished with extra fried onions and fresh cilantro on the side. Pair it with a raita or salad to complete the meal.
Tips for the Perfect Shrimp Biryani:
Shrimp Cooking Time: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. It will continue cooking during the dum phase, so slightly undercooking it initially ensures it stays tender.
Rice Texture: To prevent the rice from becoming mushy, cook it until it is 70% done. The final steam cooking will finish it perfectly.
Fried Onions: Using crispy fried onions adds a nice crunch and sweetness to the biryani. You can find them at any Indian grocery store, or you can fry them yourself at home.
Extra Flavor: For an extra touch of flavor, add a few saffron strands soaked in warm milk to the top layer of rice before the dum cooking.
Shrimp Biryani is a beautiful fusion of delicate shrimp and aromatic spices, served on a bed of fluffy, fragrant rice.
Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for bold, comforting flavors. Enjoy this seafood version of a beloved classic and bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table!