- August 12, 2025
Crab Biryani Recipe | How to Make Authentic Crab Biryani at Home
When it comes to seafood delicacies in Indian cuisine, Crab Biryani Recipe holds a special place. Known for its irresistible aroma, rich masala, and tender crab meat, this dish is a seafood biryani recipe that blends the warmth of traditional Indian spices with the freshness of coastal flavors. Whether it’s a south Indian crab biryani, a Kerala style crab biryani, or the much-loved Chettinad crab biryani recipe, each version brings out a unique culinary heritage.
In this blog, we will explore how to make crab biryani in detail, along with easy crab biryani recipe variations, chef tips, serving ideas, and regional adaptations like Andhra style crab biryani, Malabar crab biryani, and even a dum style crab biryani with basmati rice. By the end, you’ll be able to recreate this restaurant style crab biryani in your kitchen with ease.
Why Crab Biryani?
Biryani itself is a dish of celebration, but when paired with seafood like crab, it becomes an extraordinary experience. Spicy crab biryani recipe lovers enjoy how the crab soaks up masala and adds layers of sweetness and spice. Unlike other proteins, crab gives an authentic coastal touch that makes it a festival special crab biryani or a perfect Sunday special crab biryani at home.
The beauty of authentic crab biryani recipe lies in its regional influences:
South Indian Crab Biryani is fiery and aromatic.
Kerala Style Crab Biryani often uses coconut milk for creaminess.
Chettinad Crab Biryani Recipe brings in roasted spices.
Hyderabadi Crab Biryani emphasizes dum cooking with saffron and herbs.
Ingredients for Crab Biryani
Here’s what you’ll need for a homemade crab biryani recipe (serves 4):
For the Crab Masala
1 kg fresh crab (cleaned and cut)
2 medium onions (sliced)
2 medium tomatoes (chopped)
2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
3-4 green chilies (slit)
½ cup yogurt
1 tsp turmeric powder
2 tsp red chili powder
2 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp black pepper powder
½ cup coconut milk (for crab biryani with coconut milk)
Fresh coriander and mint leaves (handful each)
4 tbsp oil or ghee
For the Rice
2 cups basmati rice (or seeraga samba rice for traditional touch)
4 cups water
2-3 bay leaves
4 cloves
2 cardamom pods
1 cinnamon stick
½ tsp salt
For Garnish
Saffron strands soaked in warm milk (for crab biryani with saffron)
Fried onions
Boiled egg halves (optional)
Step-by-Step Crab Biryani Preparation
Let’s dive into the crab biryani step by step process:
Step 1: Cooking the Rice
Wash basmati rice and soak it for 30 minutes.
Boil 4 cups of water with bay leaves, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt.
Cook rice until 70% done, drain, and set aside. This ensures perfect texture in the dum style crab biryani.
Step 2: Preparing the Crab Masala
Heat oil/ghee in a pan and sauté onions until golden brown.
Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Fry until raw smell goes.
Add tomatoes and cook until soft.
Mix in turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, and black pepper.
Add yogurt and cook until masala thickens.
Drop in cleaned crab pieces and toss well with spices.
Pour coconut milk for Kerala style crab biryani variation.
Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes until crab is tender and coated with masala.
Step 3: Layering the Biryani
Grease a heavy-bottomed pot with ghee.
Spread a layer of rice, then crab masala, and sprinkle with mint-coriander.
Repeat layers until all rice and crab are used.
Top with saffron milk, fried onions, and extra ghee.
Step 4: Dum Cooking
Seal the pot with dough or a tight lid.
Cook on very low flame for 20 minutes.
Open lid, fluff rice gently, and your authentic crab biryani recipe is ready!
Variations of Crab Biryani
Andhra Style Crab Biryani – Uses fiery red chilies and whole spices.
Kerala Style Crab Biryani – Coconut milk, curry leaves, and Malabar spices.
Chettinad Crab Biryani Recipe – Dry roasted spices like fennel, star anise, and pepper.
Malabar Crab Biryani – Subtle flavors with fried onions and ghee.
Hyderabadi Crab Biryani Dum Style – Rich saffron, fried onions, and herbs in layers.
Restaurant Style Crab Biryani – Garnished with fried cashews, raisins, and boiled eggs.
Each style gives a unique version of this coastal crab biryani recipe.
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Tips for the Best Crab Biryani
Always use fresh crab for better flavor.
For spice lovers, increase red chili powder for a spicy crab biryani recipe.
For milder versions, balance with yogurt and coconut milk.
Use seeraga samba rice if you want the true South Indian touch.
Slow cooking or dum method makes it taste like restaurant style crab biryani.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with onion raita, cucumber salad, or papad.
Pair with seafood gravy for an indulgent crab biryani Sunday special.
Garnish with lemon wedges for freshness.
Why You’ll Love This Crab Biryani
Perfect balance of spices and seafood flavors.
Works as a home style crab biryani or a festival special dish.
Healthy, protein-rich, and absolutely comforting.
A great alternative to chicken or mutton biryani for seafood lovers.
Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 24 g
Carbs: 45 g
Fat: 15 g
Rich in Omega-3, iron, and minerals.
Interesting Facts
The best crab biryani recipe is the one that suits your taste – whether it’s a simple crab biryani for beginners, a fiery Andhra style crab biryani, or a creamy Kerala crab biryani with coconut milk. With the right spices, fresh crab, and slow cooking, you can master this dish at home.
So next time you crave biryani, skip the usual chicken or mutton and try this homemade crab biryani recipe. It’s flavorful, hearty, and will instantly transport you to India’s vibrant coastal kitchens.
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