Shrimp Biryani (Indian Shrimp and Rice) Recipe

Here’s a flavorful recipe for Shrimp Biryani, an aromatic Indian dish made with shrimp, fragrant basmati rice, and spices. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a comforting family meal.

Shrimp Biryani Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Shrimp Marinade:

• 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

For the Rice:

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 4 cups water
• 2-3 green cardamom pods
• 2-3 cloves
• 1-2 bay leaves
• 1 stick of cinnamon
• Salt, to taste

For the Biryani:

• 3 tablespoons oil or ghee
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1-2 green chilies, slit (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1/4 cup fried onions (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh mint and cilantro, for garnish
• Saffron strands (optional), soaked in 2 tablespoons warm milk (optional)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Shrimp:
   • In a bowl, combine shrimp with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, salt, lemon juice, mint, and cilantro. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Rice:
   • Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes, then drain.
   • In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the drained rice, green cardamom pods, cloves, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and salt. Cook until the rice is about 70% cooked (it should still have a slight bite), then drain and set aside.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
   • In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet, heat oil or ghee over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
   • Add slit green chilies and cumin seeds. Sauté for a minute, then add the marinated shrimp mixture. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the shrimp are cooked through and the mixture is slightly thickened.
4. Layer the Biryani:
   • Spread half of the cooked rice over the shrimp mixture in the pot. Sprinkle half of the garam masala, coriander powder, and chopped tomatoes over the rice.
   • Add the remaining rice on top and finish with the rest of the spices, saffron milk (if using), and garnish with fried onions, mint, and cilantro.
5. Dum Cooking (Steaming):
   • Cover the pot tightly with a lid. You can seal it with dough to trap the steam, if desired. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
6. Serve:
   • Once done, gently fluff the biryani with a fork, mixing the layers. Serve hot with raita (yogurt sauce) or salad on the side.

Enjoy Your Shrimp Biryani!

This dish is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, perfect for impressing family and friends. Enjoy!