Description
Fragrant Shrimp Biryani brings Indian coastal flavors dancing across rice layers packed with succulent seafood and aromatic spices. Rich basmati grains mingle with tender shrimp, creating a luxurious meal that transports you to Mumbai’s vibrant culinary landscape.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Rice and Base:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cups water
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
Spices and Herbs:
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
Dairy and Garnish:
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped mint
Seasoning:
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Meticulously rinse basmati rice under cold water until liquid runs clear, then immerse in water for 20 minutes to enhance grain texture.
- Warm oil in a large cooking vessel over medium heat, introducing cumin seeds, bay leaf, cloves, and cinnamon stick to release aromatic essence for approximately 1 minute.
- Incorporate sliced onions and caramelize until rich golden brown, approximately 8 minutes, developing deep flavor profile.
- Introduce minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for 2 minutes to intensify fragrant undertones.
- Fold in chopped tomatoes and simmer until they soften and break down, creating a robust base sauce.
- Integrate turmeric, garam masala, salt, yogurt, fresh cilantro, and mint, stirring consistently to distribute spices evenly.
- Gently add shrimp and cook for 5 minutes, allowing them to partially transform from translucent to soft pink without overcooking.
- Simultaneously, prepare a separate pot with boiling water and partially cook rice for 6-8 minutes until approximately 70% done, ensuring al dente consistency.
- Strategically layer partially cooked rice over seasoned shrimp mixture, covering pot tightly to steam and meld flavors for 15-20 minutes on low heat.
- Remove from heat, delicately fluff rice and shrimp with a fork to separate grains and distribute ingredients evenly, then serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Rinse rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separate grains that won’t clump together during cooking.
- Soak basmati rice before cooking helps soften the grains and reduces cooking time, creating a more even texture.
- Control heat carefully when cooking shrimp to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.
- Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing garam masala and turmeric according to personal heat preference or dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg