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–+ servings
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Prawn Biryani

Prawn Biryani is a fragrant rice dish made with marinated prawns and basmati rice, cooked with spices like cumin and garam masala. The prawns and rice are layered together for a rich flavor, often served with raita or salad.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Course Rice
Cuisine Indian
Servings 6 People
Calories 1674 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade:

  • 500 gram Prawns, peeled and deveined
  • 1 Cup Plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoon Ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon Garam masala
  • Salt to taste

For the Rice:

  • 2 Cup Basmati rice
  • 4 Cup Water
  • 2-3 Bay leaves
  • 4-5 Cloves
  • 2-3 Green cardamom pods
  • 1 Small stick cinnamon
  • Salt to taste

For the Biryani:

  • 2 tablespoon Ghee or oil
  • 2 Large onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 Tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 Green chilies, slit
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon Biryani masala
  • 1 teaspoon Garam masala
  • 1 Cup Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
  • 1 Cup Fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • ¼ Cup Chopped fresh cilantro
  • ¼ Cup Milk with saffron strands (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice

For Garnishing:

  • Fried onions (optional)
  • Fresh coriander and mint leaves

Instructions
 

Marinating the Prawns:

  • First, marinate the prawns for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This is important because it lets the prawns soak up all the flavors!

Preparing the Rice:

  • Next, cook the rice by parboiling or layering it directly with the prawns. Remember, don’t overcook the rice—it should be fluffy, not mushy! 🍚✨

Cooking the Prawns:

  • Then, sauté the prawns briefly. They cook fast, so add them to the partially cooked rice to keep them tender, not tough!

Layering the Biryani:

  • After that, start with a layer of rice, followed by prawns, and top it off with more rice. This layering ensures all the flavors mix perfectly!

Dum Cooking:

  • Now, seal the pot with dough or a tight lid, then cook on low heat. This step traps the steam and lets the flavors blend together beautifully.

Final Garnish:

  • Lastly, add some mint, fried onions, and raita on the side. These final touches add texture and extra yum!

Notes

Flavor Variations and Customizations

1. Smoked Prawn Biryani: Lastly, for a unique twist, use the dhungar method. Place a burning coal on top of the biryani before sealing the pot for that rich, smoky aroma. A truly aromatic experience! 
2. Spicy Prawn Biryani: If you’re a fan of heat, add extra green chilies or a dash of red chili paste to bring in a fiery kick. It’ll surely satisfy your spice cravings! 
3. Coconut and Tamarind Infused Biryani: On the other hand, if you love tropical flavors, add coconut milk and a little tamarind paste. This gives the biryani a tangy-sweet balance—perfect for Kerala-style biryani!
4. Vegetable Prawn Biryani: Another key point is mixing in vegetables like peas, carrots, and potatoes. This not only adds texture but also makes it a hearty, one-pot meal!

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Prawn Biryani

1. Balancing Spices: To clarify, balancing the spices is key! Add some tang by using lemon juice or yogurt, and sweetness from coconut or fried onions. This balance will give you a well-rounded, flavorful biryani that isn’t too spicy or too sweet.
2. Avoid Overcooking the Prawns: First thing to remember, prawns cook quickly and can become tough if overcooked. To avoid this, add them last and cook them just until they turn pink and tender. This will keep them juicy and flavorful. As a result, your biryani will have perfectly cooked prawns! 
3. Rice Cooking Secrets: Moreover, to keep your rice separate and fluffy, parboil the rice (cook it about 70-80% before layering) or use a rice cooker. This prevents it from becoming soggy, ensuring that each grain stays light and airy.
4. Marination Time: Furthermore, don't marinate the prawns for more than an hour. As I have noted, longer marination can cause prawns to become too soft and lose their texture. Thus, aim for 30 to 60 minutes to get the best balance of flavor and tenderness.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Prawn Biryani
Amount per Serving
Calories
1674
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
50
g
77
%
Saturated Fat
 
12
g
75
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
3
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
4
g
Cholesterol
 
340
mg
113
%
Sodium
 
800
mg
35
%
Potassium
 
1200
mg
34
%
Carbohydrates
 
132
g
44
%
Fiber
 
5
g
21
%
Sugar
 
5
g
6
%
Protein
 
126
g
252
%
Vitamin A
 
1020
IU
20
%
Vitamin B1
 
0.1
mg
7
%
Vitamin B2
 
0.1
mg
6
%
Vitamin B3
 
2.5
mg
13
%
Vitamin B5
 
0.5
mg
5
%
Vitamin B6
 
0.5
mg
25
%
Vitamin C
 
61
mg
74
%
Vitamin E
 
0.5
mg
3
%
Vitamin K
 
62
µg
59
%
Calcium
 
300
mg
30
%
Iron
 
3.5
mg
19
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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